Runners enjoy fourth annual marathon in sweltering heat
OVER 300 runners took part in this year’s Wexford Marathon, which brought runners along a new course, out to Rosslare Harbour and back, on what was a scorching hot summer’s day.
Runners came from all over the world including Ethiopia and Nevada, with the woman from the USA, Bridget Nyard greatly enjoying her first trip to Ireland.
The overall winner of the men’s race was Tom Hogan with a time of one two hours and 41 minutes. There was celebrations on the double for the Hogan family as Tom’s wife Dena won the women’s race with a time of three hours and 13 minutes.
A new feature to this year’s race was the relay section, which attracted 31 teams of varying numbers. A percentage of the entry fee for the relay will be donated to local counselling service It’s Good 2 Talk.
The race was started by Donnie Colfer, who was third in the first ever Wexford Marathon in 1988. His daughter Stephanie ran the full marathon on Sunday while her husband enjoyed the relay competition.
Race coordinator Dee Boland said the weather had been glorious which was a joy for spectators but made the running conditions extremely hot for the competitors.
This is the fourth year of the Wexford Marathon and Ms Boland said that the interest was growing every year with a 100% increase in numbers compared to 2017.
She expressed her gratitude to all those who had taken part in the event and especially thanked those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
‘We’re very grateful to the Gardai, our volunteers and marshalls and particularly Wexford County Council for all of their assistance.’