Ruthann Sheahan of Athenry AC sets new Irish 24 hour record in Poland...

At the 24 Hour World and European Championships in Katowice, Poland over the weekend, Ruthann Sheahan of Athenry AC set an new Irish womens 24 hour outdoor record. She covered an incredible 229.3 kms or 142,5 miles in the 24 hours, smashing the old record of 206.650 kms which was set back in 1996.

Not only did Ruthann's finish as 5th woman in Europe and 7th in the World but she was within 300 metres of the top Irish man John O'Regan who ran 229.6 kms.

Just in case you are wondering just what kind of speed that is, 229.3 kms in 24 hours works as 9.55 kms per hour which is 10 min/mile pace for a whole day!

Ruthann is originally from Leap in West Cork and now lives in Galway. She is also a former winner of the Dingle 50 mile Ultra-Marathon.

Ruthann's teammate Valerie Glavin is the current holder of the Irish womens 24 hour indoor record of 217.8 kms set back in 2011 in Finland. Athenry AC can now boast of having two Ultra distance record holders in their ranks!

European Championship Womens...
5th place Ruthanne Sheahan 229.3 km.....5th in Europe, 7th in World
Deirdre Finn 103km 73rd place

European Mens:
25th place John O Regan...229.6 km 31st in World
33rd place Eddie Gallen.....226 km 42nd in World