Bold world-record attempt on Croagh Patrick

PUTTING THEIR BEST FOOT FORWARD Hoping to break a world record are, from left: Pat Staunton, Westport; Padraic Hughes, Ballinrobe; Tony Walsh, Louisburgh; PJ Hall, Ballyvary; Robert Coyne, Carnacon; Mary Mulchrone, Westport; Morgan McHugh, Tuam, Brendan Butler, Ballinrobe; John Gilleran, Roscommon; Kieran Hastings, Kilmeena, Noel Brady, Westport and Padraig Marrey, Ballinrobe.?Pic: Paul Mealey

Sights set on new Reek record


Trevor Quinn

Eleven mountaineering enthusiasts are planning to create a new world record for Croagh Patrick ascents on July 1. The group – ten men and one woman – aim to climb Croagh Patrick 12 times in just 24 hours.
Croagh Patrick stands at 764 meters. Twelve ascents of the famous Mayo Mountain would result in more than 9,000 cumulative meters of climbing. Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain, stands at 8,848 meters.
The current world record for the most ascents and descents of the holy mountain stands at nine. It was set by a group of army personnel some years ago. Speaking to The Mayo News, one of the challengers, Ballinrobe man Padraic Marrey, said: “They were nine very fit army guys. I am not going to underestimate the challenge ahead,” he admits, “It is quite daunting.”
Marrey will be joined for the gruelling challenge by PJ Hall (Ballyvary), John Gilleran (Roscommon), Tony Walsh (Louisburgh), Kieran Hasting (Kilmenna), Noel Brady (Westport), Robert Coyne (Carnacon), Morgan McHugh (Tuam), Brendan Butler (Ballinrobe), Padraic Hughes (Kilmaine), Ann Ronayne (Castlebar), Pat Staunton (Westport), and Mary Mulchrone (Westport).
Marrey explained that although all of the climbers have an interest in mountaineering, none have any real experience of climbing any large mountains. “We are hoping that the buzz and the adrenaline on the day will get us over the line,” he says.
The group’s first trial run entailed three ascents in five hours. The second trial was six climbs inside eleven hours. The third test, yet to be completed, will be eight consecutive climbs in 15 hours. “These trials are about building mental and physical strength,” Marrey explained. “At the end of 12 climbs the group will have covered 88 kilometers, which is more than the equivalent of two marathons.”
According to Marrey, the group is focussing mostly on the climbing aspect of the ascents. “This isn’t really a speed test; it’s more of an endurance test. It’s about training, pacing and getting your food and hydration strategies right.” The safety and well-being of the team is ‘paramount’ and the group will be closely monitored for fatigue.
The group members range in age from 19 to 53 and come from varied backgrounds, with postmen, plumbers and office staff all on the team.
Matt Loughrey of Croagh Patrick 365 Challenge fame officially launched the ambitious bid last week at Campbell’s bar in Murrisk. Loughrey himself is in the final weeks of his own challenge – climbing the Reek every day for a year – and he was delighted to launch the event. 
The Reek 24hr Challenge aims to raise funds for Mayo Mountain Rescue and the Red Cross, which will be on hand to help rescue and treat any stranded or hurt climbers. Not content with the world record, the group is aiming to raise €1 for every foot of ground covered – an impressive €60,157.

To follow and support the group, see ‘The Reek 24hr Challenge’ on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thereekchallenge)