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Participants pictured at last year’s Born To Run 40 Mile Ultra Marathon and Relay. Photo by James Loveridge
“KEEP on running” by The Spencer Davis Group might be a fitting soundtrack for a special event taking place in Tralee on Saturday, July 27.
On that date, for the fifth year in a row, Born To Run Tralee Marathon Club will host its 40 mile ultra marathon and relay.
Attracting runners from all over Ireland who wish to see how far they can go, the event consists of 10 four mile loops, taking in the Lee river walkway and Ballyard’s quiet country roads.
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For those who wish to share the journey, however, there is also a two person tag team and four person relay team option available. Last year, places sold out fast, so local runners are encouraged to register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
For a second year, profits from the event will be donated to St Ita’s and St Joseph’s primary and post primary school, which is building a new vocational centre with facilities to include a hairdressing training facility, woodwork room and school café to support pupils with mild learning disabilities meet their full potential.
This good cause has already garnered race sponsorship from local businesses including IFAC accountants and financial advisors in Tralee, Tile Master in Ardfert and The Rose Hotel, but further support is welcome.
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But what makes this event so special? Race director Brian O Sé believes it’s a combination of factors,
“Many running events aren’t easy by their nature- long distance, high elevation, duration of time- and while this event could be looked at in the same way, it just holds a different experience, atmosphere and feeling for the participants, the organisers and the spectators,” he explains.
“The course, being on a loop, with the two person and four person relay, means that the sense of isolation that can occur for participants during endurance events is minimal. There are aid stations every two miles and a constant stream of people to chat and interact with, as well as having one’s spirits raised by spectators, crew and volunteers. The last number of years, the one thing that participants fed back to the organising committee was that the volunteers were so supportive, uplifting, cheerful and helpful. These magic ingredients provide people with an experience they remember and treasure.”
Brian adds that the connection with St Ita’s and St Joseph’s school also strikes a chord with all involved, from the volunteers to the runners.
“Giving back to our community is part and parcel of the event and the ethos Born To Run Tralee Marathon Club operates under: giving back and trying our best to make sure no one is left behind.”
Registration is now open at www.active.com while further information is available at https://www.borntorunevents.ie/ Entry is €55 for runners completing the 40 mile event, €80 per two person tag team and €110 per four person relay team.
