Irish Runner Alex O'Shea Wins Grueling 230km Ice Ultra Race

Alex O'Shea has been crowned winner of the Beyond The Ultimate 2024 240km Ice Ultra. The Cork runner finished ahead of the pack after battling through five days of extreme conditions in the snowfields & arctic tundra of Sweden with temperatures as low as -15 degrees.

Organisers say the 40 entrants experienced "white-outs, reindeer spotting, freezing summits, foggy forests, and of course tired legs", in what is part of their grueling series of ultimate races across the globe. 

Speaking on his return to his native Cork airport Alex said;

"Just arrived back from the Arctic to a lovely welcome in Cork airport. Just wanted to say a huge thanks for all the messages and support that people have been sending. I will do my best to catch up after I have had some sleep".

"Delighted to win the 9th edition of this epic race. An amazing experience with amazing fellow competitors and crew."

Alex is no stranger to challenges and big events having previously set a Guinness World Record for running a marathon in full firefighter gear, running 32 marathons in 32 countries along with representing Ireland at European and World Ultra Championships. 

Image credit - @beyondtheultimate