The threat of summer showers did little to curb the enthusiasm of over 700 participants who took part in the first ever Maxi Marathon Killarney. The start line was awash with excitement when at 8am the start gun set walkers and runners alike off on the 15 mile route from Molls Gap to Muckross House.

Organisers had promised “The Worlds Most Beautiful Road Race” and entrants were not disappointed as the sun shone down on Killarney’s lakes and mountains. Cheers from onlookers rang out at the finish line where weary muscles were treated to physio massage, Japanese hot tubs and ice baths. Later participants and supporters enjoyed a well deserved BBQ and after party in Ross Killarney.

First to cross the finish line was Waterford’s Philip Harty with an impressive time of 1:19:34, followed closely by another Waterford man, John Cleary at 1:20:48. Third place went to Tralee’s Eugene McCarthy who completed the 15 miles in 1:25:51. The undisputed queen of marathon running Lucy Brennan topped off her Cork City Marathon three in a row by coming in first for the ladies with 1:34:58. Lucy was followed by Kenmare’s Maureen Harrington at 1:47:17 and Joan Kerrisk of Ennis in third place with a time of 1:49:15. Other competitors included Killarney Olympian and World Champion walker Gillian O’Sullivan and wheelchair athlete Jerry Forde of Blarney whose career has see him complete over 170 marathons to date.

Due to this year’s success the race which partnered with The Marie Keating Foundation has already been confirmed for July 16th 2011. The committee has also announced plans for the Adventure Race Killarney which will take place in September 2011 with the backing of Failte Ireland and in association with Outdoors Ireland. For more information visit www.maximarathonkillarney.com