Dazzling run on Kerry Head
HALF on the Head timed its biggest year yet to perfection on Saturday as up to 400 runners took to the roads outside Ballyheigue over magnificent views of Tralee Bay and the Shannon Estuary.
That 40 of the field were overseas tourists made it all the better, sure to return home to spread word of the Wild Atlantic Way in Kerry.
“We were delighted with it in what was our biggest year yet with nearly 400 registered,” said founder Mick Harkin, who organises the event with Ballyheigue Family Resource Centre Community Worker Marion Godley.
“The conditions were dry and bright, but with a strong prevailing wind. Despite the westerly wind all the runners really enjoyed it and we got brilliant feedback.”
Some of the best feedback was from those least familiar with the Kingdom.
“We were thrilled to welcome so many international tourists to Ballyheigue this year; 40 of the runners were from the US, the UK, Germany, Italy, Australia and Hong Kong. Some would have heard about the event while holidaying here and decided to take part, while a group from Scotland came all the way over especially to take part in it and savour the Wild Atlantic Way,” Mick explained.
Set up to provide an economic boost to Ballyheigue while encouraging fitness, Half on the Head is fulfilling its duty. Bed nights were booked solid and Flahive’s Bar enjoyed a brisk night at the finale BBQ amid a great buzz across the village.
Derek Griffin meanwhile won the Half for his fourth year on a time of one hour, 17 minutes; Rachel Stokes won the women’s Half marathon (1h 35m).
The men’s 10km event was won by Arthur Fitzgerald with Marie McKenna the first woman home in the 10km.