Galway athletes were among of the winners of the inaugural Portumna Marathon, 50km and 100km races which were held under ideal conditions at the weekend.
Some 38 athletes lined up for this first edition of the marathon race held in the Portumna Forest Park, and organisers expect the event to grow substantially over coming years.
The marathon race was accompanied by events over 50km and 100km. John Desmond from Cork won the men’s division of the marathon in a time of 3:04:34, followed by Athenry AC’s John O’Connor in a time of 3:12:01. The first woman home was Ruthann Sheahan, Doughiska Road, Galway, in 3:43:51, while Athenry AC’s Mick Rice on the 50km race.
The marathon was staged over an enclosed 5km loop through mature woodland over good tarmac roads that were entirely traffic free.
John O’Connor believes this new event will become a permanent fixture on the athletic calendar.
“ It was so refreshing to be running through such a natural, uncluttered setting. The surroundings really added to the overall race experience. It’s certainly an event I can see growing substantially in years to come.”
