Report on the Courtmacsherry 36 mile Ultra-Marathon...Sun 27th July

From the race organisers...
Waterfront Ultra Marathon, Courtmacsherry, West Cork – a round up...27th July 2013

A beautiful day greeted the 51 national and international competitors to the pretty seaside village of Courtmacsherry for the inaugural Waterfront Ultra Marathon.  The challenge was a 36.25 mile ultra-marathon over an outstanding coastal route where the sea was never more than a few metres away.  Organised by Bob & Maria Hilliard and ably assisted by many marshals, volunteers and the Red Cross, the Waterfront Marathon crew pulled off a superbly run event that was enjoyed by all of the competitors and spectators.

A delighted Bob Hilliard spoke passionately about the support the people of Courtmacsherry gave to the event, “this year has seen the start of an outstanding annual running event, one that is sure to grow each year, and every competitor was blown away by the warmth of the locals and the natural scenic beauty the area has to offer.  They will be back and will bring friends and family”.

Irish ultra-marathon record holder, Keith Whyte from Ennis, Co Clare won the 36.25 mile event in a scintillating 4 hours and 3 seconds.  Keith, who is about to represent Ireland next month in the world championships in Durham South Africa, spoke highly of the organisation and postcard pretty route.  In honour of Keith’s contribution to Irish Athletics and for his superb finishing time the Hilliard’s have decided that race will be titled “The Keith Whyte Waterfront Ultra Marathon” from now on.

Another interesting story in the strong field of marathoners was the entry of Shane McCarville from Monaghan who is attempting an Irish record this year.  It is to run in excess of 52 marathons in one year to raise money for the Irish Heart Foundation.  Shane completed his 44th marathon in Courtmacsherry last Saturday even though he was heavily injured following on from his 10 marathons in 10 days earlier in July.

Many of the entrants were members of the renowned 100 Marathon Club and the field also included four runners from England and even one New Zealander.   

Welcome packs were given to each entrant and the race was professionally chip timed.  Every finisher received a specially designed technical t shirt, a scroll from the people of Courtmacsherry and the highlight was a high quality commemorative medal in honour of Courtmacsherry hero, Patrick Keohane, Antarctic explorer.  The organisers were delighted to present the Courtmacsherry Lifeboat a contribution of €5 out of every entry.

One spectator summed it up by saying “It’s amazing to see every finishing competitor waiting around to cheer on the following runners, what a positive event”.  The after party was also great fun and went on until late in the night.

The results can be seen in this earlier post.