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ONE of the ultimate tests of endurance in Ireland will take place this Saturday around Tralee and north Kerry.
Just over 60 competitors will set off from the Wetlands and take on the gruelling, first ever ‘Tralee 100k Ultra Marathon’.
To give you an idea of the scale of the run it’s almost exactly the distance from Tralee to Limerick City.
“It’s going to be tough, but nothing worth doing in life is easy,” said one of the runners Brian O’Sé.
People taking part will have a maximum of 15 hours to complete the race. “Hopefully I’ll have it over and done within 12 hours,” said Brian.
One of the strategies competitors will be opting for is running for 25 minutes then walking for five to allow the blood flow back into their legs.
“We’ll be eating on the go as well, because we’ll have to replace what we’re burning off, a car without petrol won’t go,” said Brian.
“Throughout the whole race I’ll probably burn off about 10,000 calories, peanut butter and jam sandwiches will keep me going!” he added.
“The thing I’m most fearful about is the weather, if it’s as humid as it has been, it’s going to be very difficult,” Brian said.
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The race which takes in a nice chunk of North Kerry starts and finishes at the wetlands, it first goes through Ballyheigue, Causeway and around Kerry Head. Then through Barrow, Fenit, back in the Kerries then on the home stretch through Blennerville.
“It might sound a bit extreme, but if you think about it, ten years ago very few people would have done a marathon, now it’s become a very popular thing, this is just the next step in that,” said one of the race organisers Jim McNeice.
“The most difficult part will be about the 50k mark, there is two bad hills around Causeway, but I think as soon as we get to Ballyheigue we’ll be on the home stretch then,” said Jim.
Each finisher will receive a specially commissioned Brass Belt buckle to commemorate their achievement.
“There is great support, the forecast is good, it’s a lot of commitment and hard work, but it is very doable,” said Jim.
Registration fee is €70. Contact 087 92 826 83 for more information.