It was a cool misty morning in Connemara with the mountains lost in a blanket of cloud, not ideal weather for sightseeing but good running conditions
We had three runners in the 39.3 mile ultra marathon, Maurice Whitty, Ger Dempsey and Stephen McGannon and all were novices at the distance. Also taking part from County Wexford was Shane Whitty from SBR. Kay O’Regan was running the marathon and Joe ran the half marathon.
The ultra started at 9am near Maam Cross where all 3 races finish. The first third of the race up to where the ultras join the marathoners presents no major hills. The second third and the first half of the marathon then climbs up the Inagh Valley before dropping down to sea level at Leenane and the start of the half marathon. Fortunately the wind was behind the runners on this very open section. All runners then run the last 13.1 miles. There is a steep climb out of Leenane for nearly a mile before it levels out. But the real sting is in the tail. Having passed through Maam with still more than 3 miles to go there is a long 2 mile pull up to the gap before the last mile of descent to the finish.
We were situated with camera in the Inagh Valley just a mile into the marathon course. The marathon started at 10.30am but before they had started some six of the 200 ultras had passed us including Shane Whitty sporting a cycling top in the Wexford colours (see photo in Gallery). Then came the 700 marathoners including Kay in jovial mood. Next past us was Maurice looking very much in control of the situation. Then came Stephen putting in a very solid performance despite his lack of distance training. Not long after came the ever happy Ger…14 miles down and 25 to go but still plenty of time for a wave and a laugh!
At this point we returned to Maam Cross for the finish but a suspicious looking bearded fellow on a bike (went by the name of Lar!) followed the runners around the course administering encouragement and assistance along the way. With a couple of miles still to go Ger had cramp in his toes but after a bit of treatment from Lar he was soon back running.
Results and Comments
Maurice: 5.28 “I was very pleased with my run. I had trained to do it in 5.30 so I was delighted with my time and also that I ran at a steady pace throughout. I ran each half marathon in 1.49. I felt a bit low at about 17 or 18 miles put came good again. I got a great lift when I started catching the marathoners”.
Stephen: 6.24. Well done Stephen. Didn’t get a chance to talk to him afterwards.
Ger: 6.57 “When I crossed the finish line it was the BEST feeling EVER! Unbelieveable! The first 26 miles went grand. I ran at 9 minute mile pace. For the last 13 I walked most of the uphills. Lar was great coming to my rescue when I had a cramp with 2 miles to go. It certainly doesn’t put me off doing ultras”.
Kay : 4.29 (Marathon) “I was happy enough with my run. It is a hilly, tough marathon course. I developed a stich at about 11 miles. I stopped at the ambulance at 16/17 miles but they said there was no cure and recommended a few stretching exercises. I was one minute slower than last year but then I am another year older!”
Joe: 1.59 (Half Marathon) “I had a good run. The conditions were perfect. I did 2.10 in the heat last year. The long hill at the end was not as difficult this time. It was very enjoyable. I was proud to be a member of the Slaney Olympic team.”
Shane Whitty of SBR had an amazing run finishing 6th overall in the ultra in a time of 4.53 despite being short of food particularly over the last 8 miles. He did the marathon in 3.26 and then the half marathon in 1.27. Nice running Shane!
