Lakes Of Killarney Marathon Breaks Records

Killarney National Park was the perfect for this year’s Lakes of Killarney Marathon and Half Marathon, set against the backdrop of the spectacular Lough Lein, Ross Castle, ancient copper mines and this years crop of wild garlic and bluebells. Over four hundred athletes competed in the event, organised by Alan Ryan of Hardman Events, based in Killarney.

Corkman Alex O’Shea, the fireman who famously set a Guinness World Record for running a marathon in full fireman uniform, and who will attempt to set a record time for the fastest Malin to Mizen on foot this year, broke the Lakes of Killarney record on Saturday with a blistering 2:34:31.

Speaking after the event Alex commented “ It was a magnificent race in Killarney’s beautiful National Park. It ticks a lot of boxes.

“I am also delighted to have been told I set a new course record in the process. What a course… it simply doesn’t get much more scenic then this. OK it’s not the flattest course but I think the ups and downs make it interesting, putting you through the gears, so to speak – helping to refocus the mind on the task ahead. If the running doesn’t take your breath away, the views most certainly will, passing the lakes and Ross Castle. It’s the perfect looped course, with runners supporting and cheering each other on along the way.”

The biggest cheer of the day were for another phenomenal Cork athlete, Gerry Forde, the wheelchair athlete who completed his 300th marathon. Humphrey Moynihan of Killarney notched up his 30th marathon already this year. The first woman home was Doloris Duffy in an amazing time of 3:29:00.

Marathon Results

Alex O’Shea 2:34:31
Aldan Horgan 3:03:08
Fozzy Forrital 3:03:34

Marathon Results Female

1. Doloris Duffy 3:29:00

2. Gillian Cordner 3:29:59

3. Liz Leonard 3:49:41

Half Marathon Results

Derek Griffin 1:14:42
Martin Crowley 1:20:29
Ian Kelly 1:20:41

Half Marathon Female Results

Lisa Griffin 2:29:05
Suzanne Neilan 1:40:52
Rachel O’Callaghan 1:42:17

For Gallery click HERE

Report and Pictures by Valerie O’Sullivan