Connemarathon

In traditional format, the Connemarathon offered 3 distances - the 13.1 mile half marathon from Leenane to Maam Cross, the 26.2 mile full marathon from Lough Inagh to Maam Cross and the grueling full-circuit 39.3 mile Ultra marathon. That is 58,000 cumulative miles completed – which equates to around the world twice with an 8,200 mile warm down!

This year entries for the Connemarathon sold out in early January, proving once again the race's popularity and its unique appeal. Witnessing crowds and the odd sheep transcend upon the rugged roads of Connemara, “it is easy to understand the appeal” said one spectator. Despite unpredictable 'typically Irish' weather conditions, the West of Ireland was at its most moody and breath-taking. “The atmosphere was electric and there was a definite sense of determination and camaraderie in the air”, remarked one participant and similar comments were to be heard all day long.
In total, to keep these athletes fueled it took - 40,000 bottles of Galway Irish Spring Water, 3,500 bowls of Buitoni pasta, 10,500 of Jacobs Fig Rolls, 6,000 of Red Dragon energy drink, 1,500 oranges, 1,500 bananas.

Personal bests and achievements were the order of the day; but the achievement of the day really had to go to Donegal’s Helena Crossen who knocked 12 minutes of the Ultra Marathon record she set in Connemara last year.
Speaking after the race “Helena commented that the course was mentally very challenging but once she got through Leenane she knew the record was on.” One of Kenya's elite athletes Lezan Kimutai, was the winner of the Men’s Half Marathon. Lezan was a worthy and popular winner, having traveled from a situation of great political turmoil in Kenya where he and his family were dispelled from his home. Following Lezan over the finishing line was Athenry AC’s Paul McNamara. The first lady to complete the Ladies Half Marathon was Regina Casey from Galway City Harriers.

Peter Ferris from Coleraine, who completed his 300th marathon on Sunday in a time and this was his third marathon in 1 week – you just have to sit back in awe.

Race director, Ray O'Connor, was particularly pleased with the days results 'After eight years, I'm still amazed at the atmosphere in the Connemarathon. This year was our biggest yet and I was so delighted to see Helen break her record. She's a worthy winner, a great athlete and a fantastically resilient character. My only regret in setting up the Connemarathon eight years ago is that I can't take part myself!'

Watching people run, jog, walk and in some cases hobble over the finish line there really was a sense that everyone achieved something great. Bookings for the 2009 marathon are now open and for more information log onto www.connemarathon.com

Sponsors of this years Fáilte Ireland Connemara International Marathon were Galway Irish Spring Water, Buitoni Pasta and Jacobs Fig Rolls.