The inaugural Portumna Marathon, 50km & 100km races took place on last Saturday the 26th June on closed roads around the beautiful Portumna Forest Park. All three races were awarded AAI permits and were adjudged by all taking part to be a tremendous success. A number of Athenry AC members took part on the day or volunteered to help out as stewards, and of course the main organiser of the events was Seb Locteau also an Athenry AC member.

In the marathon race John O'Connor led for many miles before eventually being caught and passed by Eagle AC's John Desmond close to home. This was a brave run by John and similar tactics will pay dividends in the future, with just a few more long runs under his belt. The marathon field also included a number of other Athenry AC 'heads' with Alan Burke and John's brother Ray O'Connor, Thomas Mangan and Barry O'Sullivan all taking part. Weather conditions were almost perfect for distance running, although it did get a little warm towards the end of racing. The enclosed 5km loop through the forest proved to be fast , very flat and perfect for racing.

There were no Athenry AC bibs amongst the brave few who lined up to tackle the 100km distance, but your's truly - Mick Rice - ran the 50km in a smidge over 3:24 (Note added by Iain: Of course Mick forgets to mention that he actually won the thing -well done Mick !).

All in all it was a tremendous debut for the event and a very valuable addition to the local racing scene. Conditions for these races were in stark contrast to the hurly-burly of a big city race and if you like to race in a relaxed, traffic-free and more natural environment perhaps this is the race for you next year. 

Ray O'Connor - No. 1