Mayo runners conquer Galway Mountains

Race report for Connquest Connemara, 2011

In unexpected sunny conditions mountain runners from Mayo triumphed over nearly 100 competitors to win the inaugural Connquest Connemara, which was held on Saturday 17th September in Renvyle, Co. Galway.

ConnQuest Connemara is made up of two races: a tough half marathon and a 10K that can be run or hiked. Both races start and finish beside Lettergesh beach in Renvyle and provide panoramic views of Killary Harbour, the Maam Turks, Twelve Bens and the Atlantic Ocean.

The Connquest Half Marathon passes over 4 mountain peaks twice, mostly run on open rugged hills with challenging ascents and steep descents and rising 580 metres in the first 3K. With a winning time of 2 hours and 56 minutes by Pat Staunton (Westport) and 3:25:24 by Betty Walsh (Newport), this race is a tough challenge and is for serious mountain runners only.

The Connquest 10K also passes over 4 mountain peaks but with various challenges along the way, gives runners time to catch their breath. This race required some effort but has enough entertaining challenges along the way to keep it fun. The race was won by Padraig Marrey from Ballinrobe and Mary Mulchrone, also from Ballinrobe, led the ladies home. A clean sweep for Mayo!

Reaction from the competitors was extremely positive and this event looks sure to run again next year with improved numbers competing. The tough nature of the half marathon and the enjoyable challenges of the 10K were commented on. The free tea & coffee before the start and free hot showers & hot meal at the finish were also particularly appreciated by the competitors. Check www.connemararoughdiamond.com for more information and photos of the event.

Many thanks to Galway Mountain Rescue and Irish Red Cross for their excellent support & professionalism on race day and to the Reserve Defence Force for their great work marshalling and patrolling in the mountains.

Connquest Connemara Half Marathon – Men
 
1 Pat Staunton Westport
 02:56:04
 
2 Sean Whelan Newry
 02:58:11
 
3 Robert Malseed Westport
 03:02:33
 
Connquest Connemara Half Marathon – Ladies

1 Betty Walsh Westport
 03:25:24
 
2 Michelle Muldoon
 04:16:47
 
3 Louise O'Rourke
 04:31:13
 

Connquest Connemara 10K – Men

1 Padraig Marrey Ballinrobe
 01:16:00
 
2 Padraig Varley Cross
 01:23:32
 
3 Brian Joyce Clifden
 01:25:01

Connquest Connemara 10K – Ladies
 
1 Mary Mulchrone Ballinrobe
 01:22:35
 
2 Mary Kate Dilger
 02:02:26
 
3 Ursula Concannon
 02:12:56

Feedback on the Half Marathon course:

· “Well organised and a very challenging course in stunning surroundings.”

· “ Liked the tough climbs, tough terrain and tricky descents.”

· “Well marked course. Liked the tricky descents and it felt great getting to the finish “

Feedback on the 10K course:

· “very well organised, there was a deadly tshirt, the food afterwards was amazing, every single organiser was as friendly as could be, the course was extremely well marked and marshaled which meant i felt very safe up there on the mountain”

· “The views were fantastic all the way around and the challenges were great fun and they really gave the race something unique! my favourites were the go carting one and the shoot the gimp; although i felt bad for those guys! Haha”

· “IT WAS GREAT FUN, INTERESTING IN EVERY ASPECT FROM THE OBSTICLE COURSES TO THE SLIDE DOWN THE MOUNTAIN, THE ARCHERY, JAVLIN, GO KARTING AND PAINTBALLING ALL FAB.”

· “ Great day out even though it is physical the quest challenges gives it a new dimension and lets you catch your breath after a gruelling trek”

· “Very well organised, different to the usual races, a great location. The best part? The challenges, the food afterwards (yum!) and the location”