Runners coming from Nevada and Ethiopia for race
THE FOURTH annual Wexford Marathon will take place this Sunday, June 10, with runners taking on a new course leading them out to Rosslare Harbour and back.
The race was revived four years ago after 26 years without a marathon. In 1988, the only other time a marathon was run in Wexford, a record was set for the fastest marathon run by an Irish runner on Irish soil, with a time of two hours and 11 minutes. That record has never been beaten. At that race, an Enniscorthy man Donnie Colfer came third and he will start this year’s race, as well as taking part in the prize-giving.
As part of this year’s race, a relay event (for teams of two to four people) has been included and a percentage of entry fees for that event will be donated to local charity It’s Good 2 Talk.
The race is supported by Sports Active, the Chamber of Commerce and Wexford County Council and sponsored by Graphedia, Wexford Bus and Clayton White’s Hotel.
Race organiser Dee Boland explained that over 250 runners have signed up which is an increase on last year. She believes the new, flatter and faster course will encourage people to come back for the race next year.
‘We have one girl coming from Nevada to take part in it! She saw it on Facebook and had never been to Ireland so decided to come over for a week. The race is advertised on the World Marathon website so it’s drawing interest. We have three Ethiopians signed up for it as well.’
Registration is still open through wexfordmarathon.com. The race starts at 9 a.m. on Sunday.