Race 2 Glory Launched

Kiltimagh where Olympians are born!

The Race2Glory was recently launched by Irish running legend and Olympian Catherina McKiernan in the Park Hotel, Kiltimagh, Co Mayo. The inaugural 40 Kilometre multi-sport adventure race takes place in Kiltimagh on Saturday 16th July, incorporating a 10 kilometre mountain run, 23 kilometre cycle and a 7 kilometre river run. Kiltimagh provides an ideal setting for such an event, with the capabilities of its natural amenities to facilitate a multi-sport adventure race and a history of athletic success; as it was home to 1924 Olympian runner Sean Lavan. The Race2Glory is already on track to become a huge success after the course was given the officially seal of approval by Irish Olympian Catherina McKiernan and Padraig Marrey, race co-coordinator and winner of Gael Force West 2010.

While visiting Kiltimagh Catherina tested the 40 Kilometre course and commenting afterwards at a public questions and answers session, as part of the official launch. Visibly impressed by the Race2Glory course the champion runner acknowledged that it would be a challenge for participants but envisaged that the annual race would be a huge success long into the future. Ms McKiernan said: “We went around the course today and it would be an achievement for anyone including myself to finish it, it is tough but very doable if you have any level of fitness and there is time to start training and to prepare for the race. I got my eyes open to a certain extend to the scenery up on Siablh Carin, it is a nice healthy place and it is a great amenity and you should be very proud of it .I want to congratulate the organisers for coming up with this idea and would like to wish them the very best. After spending the day with them I found them 100% professional in what they do and are very passionate about this event.”

Padraig Marrey, who was responsible for putting the stages of the race together encouraged everyone of all levels of fitness to sign up for the race as the challenge is to finish the race and not about finishing it in a particular time. Commenting at the question and answers session Mr Murray said: “The Race2Glory course is an ideal training ground for all those who are preparing for Gael Force West 2011.Over the coming months there will be training events built around the Race2Glory so watch out for training days to see what the race will be like. People may think they are not able for a 40K race at first but what you do is break the race down in your training. So from April onwards looks out for some training days they should be one on a month. This race is doable for everybody and the only way you will ever know is to try, so by trying you have a chance of succeeding.”

Speaking at the launch Brendan Mooney, Chairman, Race2Glory said: The Race2Glory is much more than just a race it is part of a much bigger picture. As much as it is an event that will provide a challenge for the participants, a fun and an enjoyable day for the local community, it is also an opportunity to showcase Kiltimagh and encourage new visitors to the region. The Race2Glory is a challenge of two levels, firstly it is a challenge for the participants taking part and secondly it is a challenge for all of us as a community to make this event into something big that will be anticipated by people both at home and abroad on an annual basis.”

Registration for Race2Glory is now open with a special early bird price of €40 per entry, this is a limited off so hurry and register now! To register or to see details of the course log onto www.Race2Glory.com If you require any further information please contact us at race2glory@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook.com for all event updates and top tips in preparation for Race2Glory on July 16th.