Wexford Marathon 11th June 2017
30 teams took part in this year’s Marathon, all running to raise funds for ‘Its Good 2 Talk’. Friends of ‘Its Good 2 Talk’ Chairperson, Berna Rackard, said “We are so grateful to all of these athletes for their generosity both in terms of time and effort and the funds they have raised for our charity will really make a difference to the work that we do. Thank you so much!”
The results were Mens 1st Tom Hogan, 2nd Alex O’Shea and 3rd Thomas Shanahan. Women’s 1st Dolores Duffy, 2nd Mandy Prendergast and 3rd Aisling McNally. The winning Relay Team was the Bohermeen Bullets. With 230 runners participating, many PBs were achieved in spite of an extremely challenging particularly on the homeward stretch up around Trinity. Congratulations to all.
“Thank you for organising the Wexford Marathon, for me personally it was a fantastic day getting a win. I enjoyed the course and would like to thank the public and marshalls for their support along the course” said Tom Hogan, who took the Men’s medal in Sunday’s event. Tom set a course record with a time of 2.45, knocking 10 minutes off last year’s record.
Sponsored by Sports Active Wexford, Graphedia, Joyces Electrical, Clayton Whites and Dunne Stores and supported by Wexford Chamber, the 3rd Wexford Marathon brought hundreds into Wexford Town on Sunday. Organiser, Dee Boland, herself an accomplished marathon runner, was delighted with the support she received and in particular thanked Jim Butler and Gary Boland for preparing and signing the course and ensuring safe running conditions for everybody. To Avril Scanlan and Catriona Kennedy for taking care of registrations and to everybody who helped in the start and finish areas. To the marshalls, who all volunteered and were organised by Leo Coy, and to Barbara Sludds who provided physiotherapy to all those weary bodies at the end of the race, a massive thank you. “Everybody was fantastic” said Dee “and my own Mum, Josie, has been by my side helping out in whatever she could over the last number of months. The ambulance crew and paramedics were on hand throughout the day and their presence gave everybody great confidence and comfort during the grueling challenge. To the Gardai and to Wexford County Council, a big thank you” added Dee.
The starting point was Wexford Quay and the runners were given a tremendous send off. The finish point was the Faythe and again the crowds gathered to welcome the runners home. Kellys Pub, Bill Kelly, said “a great event and we were delighted to be part of the celebrations afterwards.” All but one lady finished the race.
Sports Active Wexford sponsored this event and we are very grateful to Fran Ronan and Mary Flynn for their assistance. “ With increased in participation in sports events, such as the Marathon, there will be enhanced access to facilities and opportunities, better health and well-being and a greater level of community awareness around physical activity and sport” said Mary French of Wexford County Council.
“The Wexford Marathon must be one of the most scenic marathons in Ireland” said Madeleine Quirke, CEO Wexford Chamber. “It provides us with a perfect opportunity to promote our beautiful town and county and we were delighted to be involved in this year’s event. This event will grow over the next number of years and will become one of Ireland’s best marathons! I would put money on it!!” concluded Madeleine.