Hogan breaks course record
Third Wexford Marathon
TOM HOGAN of S.B.R. set a course record with a time of 2.45, knocking ten minutes off last year’s record, at the Wexford Marathon on Sunday.
Hogan was followed over the line by Alex O’Shea and Thomas Shanahan, while the top three women’s places were filled by Dolores Duffy, Mandy Prendergast and Aisling McNally.
The winning relay team was the Bohermeen Bullets. With 230 runners participating, many P.B’s were achieved in spite of an extremely challenging course, particularly on the homeward stretch up around Trinity Street. Congratulations to all.
Sponsored by Sports Active Wexford, Graphedia, Joyces Electrical, Clayton Whites and Dunne Stores and supported by Wexford Chamber, the third Wexford Marathon brought hundreds into Wexford town on Sunday.
Chief organiser Dee Boland, herself an accomplished marathon runner, was delighted with the support she received and in particular thanked Jim Butler and Gary Boland for preparing and signing the course and ensuring safe running conditions for everybody.
Avril Scanlan and Catríona Kennedy were thanked for taking care of registrations, along with everybody who helped in the start and finish areas. Thanks were bestowed on the marshals, who all volunteered and were organised by Leo Coy, and to Barbara Sludds who provided physiotherapy to all those weary bodies at the end of the race.
‘Everybody was fantastic,’ said Dee, ‘and my own Mum, Josie, has been by my side helping out in whatever way she could over the last number of months.
‘The ambulance crew and paramedics were on hand throughout the day and their presence gave everybody great confidence and comfort during the grueling challenge. To the Gardaí and to Wexford County Council, a big thank you,’ she added.
The starting point was Wexford Quay and the runners were given a tremendous send-off. The finish point was The Faythe and again the crowds gathered to welcome the runners home. All but one lady finished the race.
Thirty teams took part, all running to raise funds for ‘Its Good 2 Talk’. Friends of ‘Its Good 2 Talk’ Chairperson, Berna Rackard, said: ‘We are so grateful to all of these athletes for their generosity both in terms of time and effort and the funds they have raised for our charity will really make a difference to the work that we do. Thank you so much!’
Sports Active Wexford spon- sored this event and we are very grateful to Fran Ronan and Mary French for their assistance. ‘With increased in participation in sports events, such as the Marathon, there will be enhanced access to facilities and opportunities, better health and well-being and a greater level of community awareness around physical activity and sport,’ said Mary French of Wexford County Council.
‘The Wexford Marathon must be one of the most scenic marathons in Ireland,’ said Madeleine Quirke, C.E.O. Wexford Chamber. ‘It provides us with a perfect opportunity to promote our beautiful town and county and we were delighted to be involved in this year’s event.
‘This event will grow over the next number of years and will become one of Ireland’s best marathons! I would put money on it!’