Run Killarney attracts runners from over 21 different countries

IF an event is judged solely on the number of people that attend it, then the Run Killarney 2018 event can be deemed a massive success – with over 2,600 runners taking part on Saturday morning.

As with everything to do with Killarney, there was a wonderful international feel to the event as over 160 athletes from as far afield as Austria, the United Arab Emirates, China, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Brazil took part.

Although there were many, one of the major highlights of this year’s run was the debut outing of the ‘Kerry Sanctuary’ runners. This group, founded by Kerry journalist Graham Clifford, enables people to run alongside, and in solidarity with, those in direct provision.

“Thanks to the generous support of the Run Killarney organisers we had ten runners from direct provision centres in Kerry and Cork running in the 10k race. They were joined by Irish Sanctuary Runners, and it was wonderful to receive as much support and encouragement as we did,” said Graham.

“From a personal point of view, I’m thrilled that the ‘Sanctuary Runners’ is now established in Kerry, and our hope is to grow this group over the coming years. This is about solidarity rather than charity, and we would welcome all those who wish to run with us in the future,” he continued.

An event now into its ninth year, there seems to be no sign whatsoever of the popularity of the run slowing down, and organisers are delighted with the continued positive response from the community.

“Events of this size are not possible without huge support of the Killarney National Park and all those who facilitate the running of this event. Many thanks to all involved,” said organiser Oliver Kirwan.

“We’re delighted that Run Killarney is still going strong and is a significant date in the running calendar in Ireland. Running is all about mental and physical health and achieving a balance in your life. It’s a great way to connect with other people, no matter what your or their situation is.”

The first male home in the half-marathon event was Mike Carmody from Limerick, who powered home in 1:08:01. The first female home in the 13.1-mile distance was Killarney’s own Sinead Tangey in 1:23:01. In the 10k, Niall Shanahan came home as the male winner in 32:24, and Nerissa O’Donnell was the first women home in 38:32.

Photos by Marek Hajdasz. Half-marathon runners pictured on a scenic route in The Gleneagle Hotel ‘Run Killarney 2018’ last Saturday morning.

RIGHT: Kerry Sanctuary runners Angela Flynn, Yolonda Mhene, Emma Ngulube, Abigail Ndlovu, Valentina Havawa, Muhammad Majid, Sibusisiwe Mhlophe, Itangishaka Jimmy Juma, John Sheahan, Sithandiwe Moyo, Adrian Mwenje, Graham Clifford, Wongwa Giqwa, Nan...

Runners showing off their ‘Run Killarney’ medals at the finish-line on Saturday afternoon.

Caroline Reedy from Scartaglen, Marie and Derek O’Leary from Kilcummin, and Jennifer Ahern from Kilkenny pictured after The Gleneagle Hotel Run Killarney 2018 last Saturday morning.

Fireman Chris Price from Kanturk, who ran the half-marathon in full uniform in aid of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland.

Fireman Chris Price from Kanturk pictured with some of halfmarathon crowd at the ‘Run Killarney’ event on Saturday morning.