New course record set at Westport Sea 2 Summit

Westport Sea 2 Summit, one of Ireland’s longest-running adventure races, returned yesterday for its 14th year with a field of more than 2,300 competitors.

Participants faced the ultimate test of endurance, tackling a demanding combination of running, cycling, and mountain climbing on an unseasonably mild November day in Westport.

In the Men’s Supreme category, reigning champion Alan Dunne from Sligo smashed the record that was set in 2018 in an unbelievable time of 2:45:18.

Niall Corless from Clondalkin in Dublin finished a close second in 2:46:13, while local athlete and former winner Anthony Murray finished third for the second year in a row.

The Women’s Supreme this year was dominated by locals with Caroline McLoughlin from Westport taking victory.

Caroline has won the Spirit category for the last three years in a row, so to win the Supreme event is an outstanding achievement for her first year.

Hilary Hughes also from Westport took second place while Gemma Skeath from Tyrone finished third.

In the Spirit race, new comer Paul O'Brien from Portlaoise dominated the race from the start and was first across the line in the men’s category with a time of 1:37:44.

Second and third places were very closely contested with Patrick Dundas from Clare second and Bryan McHugh from Newport third.

The women’s title in the Spirit went to Kieva Tracey from Newport who effortlessly crossed the finish line in time of 1:56:33 followed swiftly by Sharon Martin from Wexford in a time of 1:57:27. Third placed was Lorna McWeeney from Dublin.

Westport Sea 2 Summit continues to draw very large crowds to the town each year, with many competitors returning annually with family and friends, contributing significantly to the local economy in the quiet season and reinforcing Westport’s reputation as the outdoor adventure capital of Ireland.

The organisers are honoured to work with Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation as Charity Partner for this year.

A spokesperson said: "Together, we aim to raise vital funds to support the establishment of new palliative care services for children and young adults with life-limiting illnesses.

"The foundation is dedicated to building a specialist Children’s Hospice, which will include respite services for children and young adults across the west of Ireland.

"This state-of-theart facility will be located in County Mayo and will serve patients and families all along the western seaboard.

"The total cost of the project is estimated at €14 million, with construction expected to take approximately two years.

"The goal is to have the hospice completed and open by 2028."

Full race results are available on here.