Records fall in Mayo endurance race involving 2,000 athletes

A combination of the red sky and the crisp cold morning air set the scene for a powerful start line at the 12th Westport Sea 2 Summit Adventure race.

Over 2,000 competitors endured the ultimate test of mind, body and spirit for the last adventure race of the season and the largest in the country.

The worthy winner of the Supreme Event was Sligo man Alan Dunne who finished in a timeof 2:46:35.

He was closely followed by veteran Shaun Stewart who has been on the podium in Sea 2 Summit several times over the last number of years.

Westport Sea 2 Summit is a true test of endurance, combining running, cycling and of course the iconic Croagh Patrick.

Its not just a race, its an adventure through some of Ireland’s most captivating natural beauty.

First Supreme Lady over the line was Louth native trailblazer Laura O'Driscoll, who broke the women's record finishing in a phenomenal a time of 3:10:05.

Her competition was against an impressive group of women and she was victorious with an outstanding performance.

The title for Men’s Spirit champion was uncontested with Westport man Paul Feeney breaking the course record with an exceptional time of 1:33:52 .

This is two in a row for Paul who won first place last year and beat his own PB by nearly four minutes.

Paul commented: "What a morning out there. Three of us had a great run out but I pulled away on the mountain and I just let it rip on the way down.

"We have a great mix bag of people who train together with the Westport Leisure Park.

"We all work together and that’s what it is all about, it’s a community, a team and we all pull each other along and that’s make what makes it special.”

First lady over the finish line in the Spirit event was Keel local Caroline McLoughlin who smashed her own winning record from last year in a time of 1:46:02.

This is the second year in succession that Westport Leisure Park will have double celebrations with colleagues Caroline and Paul both winning the top spot in the spirit race.

Gena Heraty Haiti Fund is the chosen charity partner this year.

Gena Heraty, from Westport, is a member of the Catholic lay missionary association, Viatores Christi.

She went to Haiti in 1993 and has remained there ever since as a volunteer with NPH (Our Little Brothers and Sisters) – an orphanage in the hillside village of Kenscoff, 10 km from Port-au-Prince.

Full race results are available on www.westportsea2summit.ie.