Local work colleagues make headlines at Westport Sea 2 Summit race

Over 2,000 competitors from all over Ireland endured the ultimate test of mind, body and spirit yesterday by taking part in the Westport Sea 2 Summit event, the last adventure race of the season and the largest in the country.

The worthy winner of the supreme event was previous champion Shaun Stewart, who finished in a time of 2:49:32.

The Donegal man was back for his 6th year, having previously finished in first place in 2018 and twice in second place on previous occasions.

Shaun and fellow Donegal man Declan Ferry had a close battle throughout, with Shaun pulling away on the final run with a comprehensive win at the finish line.

Shaun commented: “It’s good to be back here.

"It was a funny kind of race and it was very hard at the start.

"I gained time on the way down Croagh Patrick and myself and Declan worked hard together on the bike. It was very windy out there. I’m absolutely delighted.“

First Supreme Lady over the Line was Kerry native Ellen Vitting, who finished in a phenomenal a time of 3:15:04.

The title for first place in the men’s spirit category was a very tight race between local man Paul Feeney and Galway native Lonan O'Farrell, with Paul crossing the finish line in first place.

Paul has been on the podium a few times over the years, but this is his first year to gain the top spot.

He said: “The last couple of years have been very close so I’m thrilled to win it this year.

"There was a great group of us out there on the bike and we worked really well together.

"It was very hard coming down the Reek but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”

In first place in the ladies' spirit event was Achill athletic Caroline McLoughlin who smashed the previous record by five minutes.

Caroline, from Keel, had a fantastic year of racing, fresh off the Dublin City Marathon only two weeks ago.

Ultimate success was achieved with her hard work and dedication throughout the year.

Caroline stated: “That was savage! The first run I went hard and just tried to hold on from there.”

Westport Leisure Park had double celebrations with colleagues Caroline and Paul both taking top spot in their respective spirit categories.

Now firmly established as Ireland’s largest adventure race, the extreme sporting challenge of Westport Sea 2 Summit has attracted elite and novice adventure race enthusiasts from all over Ireland and beyond - including England, France, Denmark, the United States and Canada.

For so many, Westport Sea 2 Summit is more than just a race. It is a yearly event in which memories are made and where competitors can support charities and most importantly each other.

The charity partner this year was Focus Ireland.

Focus Ireland is a national voluntary organisation that works with people who are homeless or are at risk of losing their homes across Ireland.

The charity offers individuals and families advice, support, education, and housing in an effort to help people to have and keep a home.

Full race results are available here.