Over 2000 runners take to the city streets for 2015 Viking Marathon
Tom Hogan (Sliabh Buidhe Rovers) rounded the final bend into the RSC where he was met by an electric atmosphere, as the crowds closed in and cheered him all the way to fine finish line.
Hogan had pulled away from the other leader by the time Tramore was behind him to win in a time of 2:33.12, marginally slower than his Cork Marathon time, which placed him fifth overall.
Hogan’s club mate and Slieverue native Paul Lynch was second in a time of 2:36.05 while all the way from Switzerland, Alain McClaren of Stade Geneve strode to a third place finish. Local stalwarts Brian Murphy of Carrick-on-Suir AC, winner of the inaugural Viking Marathon in 2012 and Trevor Swift of Waterford AC completed the top five.
Beijing Olympian Pauline Curley (Tullamore Harriers) beamed her way to a third successive victory in the women’s event, while also bagging an overall sixth place finish, crossing the line in a time of 2:52.35.
St Joseph AC’s Sally Forristal was the next woman home in 3:14.15, well ahead of third placed finisher Sandra Lynch (Kilcoole AC).
Raheny AC’s Freddie Sittuk emerged as men’s Half Marathon winner in 1:10.45 but didn’t get it all his own way though, as he was pushed all the way to the line by David Mansfield (Garda AC), who improved on last year’s third place finish.
Moments later, last year’s full marathon winner, local man Keith Russell (Reading Roadrunners – UK) ran in third, just ahead of Portlaoise AC’s James Hamm.
The top three in the female category were all rookies at the distance with Youghal AC’s Ann Marie Holland winning in 1:23.42, comfortably ahead of Tara Malone (Enniskillen AC) and Anna Doris (Midleton AC).
The first winners of the day were in the Quarter Marathon section, as Alan O’Shea (Bantry AC) broke the tape in 34.04, ahead of Noel Murphy (Waterford AC) and Ruairi O’Donnell (Ferrybank AC).
Sandra Fitzpatrick (Ballyroan, Abbeyleix and District AC) came from behind to win the ladies race ahead of Janet Quinlan (Waterford) and Melissa Murphy in a time of 46 minutes 49 seconds.
With participants from Kenya, Italy, Johannesburg, Sweden, Norway, all over the US and from all corners of Ireland (including 40 from Laois!), this year’s event clearly illustrated its expanding appeal, which is a credit to the WLRfm-sponsored event organisers.
An impressive 350 helpers lined the route, with marshals, water stations and medical personnel ensuring the safe return of all runners to the RSC. Congratulations to all who helped make Saturday last such a great success on the roads of Waterford and Tramore!
* With thanks to Deirdre Houlihan
