Elevations and Endurance: Unveiling the Grit at the Nagles Full and Half Marathon

On Saturday, March 9th, the Nagles half and full marathon took place under dry and cold weather conditions, setting the stage for a challenging yet exhilarating race day. The IMRA Munster event featured tough and technical courses with an abundance of mud and water, testing the mettle of the participating runners. Run Republic caught up with Mags Hassett of IMRA Munster to learn more.

The Nagles full marathon, boasting an elevation gain of 1,300 meters, attracted a formidable field of participants. The female category showcased exceptional performances, with the top three finishers being:

1. Deirdre O'Gorman
2. Caroline O'Sullivan
3. Lisa Quirke Cashman

In the male category, the following runners secured the podium spots:

1. Nick Hogan
2. Sam Hand
3. Peter Power

The challenging elevation profile added an extra layer of difficulty to the marathon, making it a true test of endurance and strength for the participants.

The half-marathon, featuring a slightly less daunting elevation of 700 meters, also witnessed outstanding performances from the participants. In the female category, the top three finishers were:

1. Sarah Whelan
2. Anne Moore
3. Edel Hennessy

Meanwhile, the male category saw the following runners clinch the top three positions:

1. Barry Hartnett
2. Donatas Jocius
3. Patrick Mullane

The half-marathon offered its own set of challenges, requiring runners to navigate tricky terrains and conquer elevation changes, providing a fulfilling experience for all who participated.

Behind the scenes, Joan Ryan served as the Race Director for the marathon, while Lianne van Dijk took charge of the half-marathon. The success of the event would not have been possible without their dedication and meticulous planning. A heartfelt thanks is extended to both Race Directors for orchestrating a memorable race day.

Additionally, Hassett expressed her gratitude to the numerous volunteers who played a crucial role in the event's success. The commitment and hard work of these volunteers underscored the collaborative effort required to organise such challenging mountain running events.

With the Nagles races in the books, the IMRA Munster calendar marches forward to the next challenge. The upcoming race is set to take place at Claragh Mountain in Millstreet on March 16th at 12pm and is the second instalment in the Fog in the Bog league. Runners and enthusiasts alike can look forward to yet another thrilling and demanding race.