PICTURES: Crowds flock to Mayo for iconic Sea2Summit event

WESTPORT Sea 2 Summit, one of Ireland’s longest-running adventure races, returned at the weekend for its 14th year with a field of more than 2,300 competitors. Participants faced the ultimate test of endurance, tackling a demanding combination of running, cycling, and mountain climbing on an unseasonably mild November day in Westport.

In the Men’s Supreme category, reigning champion Alan Dunne from Sligo smashed the record that was set in 2018 in an unbelievable time of 2:45:18. Niall Corless from Clondalkin in Dublin finished a close 2nd in 2:46:13, while local athlete and former winner Anthony Murray took 3rd place for the 2nd year in a row.

The Women’s Supreme this year was dominated by locals with Caroline McLoughlin from Westport taking victory. Caroline has won the Spirit for the last 3 years in a row, so to win the Supreme event is an outstanding achievement for her first year. Hilary Hughes also from Westport took 2nd place while Gemma Skeath from Tyrone finished in 3rd place.

In the Spirit race, newcomer Paul O’Brien from Portlaoise dominated the race from the start and was first across the line in the men’s category with a time of 1:37:44. 2nd and 3rd place were very closely contested with Patrick Dundas from Clare in 2nd place and Bryan McHugh from Newport in 3rd place.

The women’s title in the Spirit went to Kieva Tracey from Newport who effortlessly crossed the finish line in time of 1:56:33 followed swiftly by Sharon Martin from Wexford in a time of 1:57:27. 3rd place lady was Lorna McWeeney from Dublin.

Westport Sea 2 Summit continues to draw very large crowds to the town each year, with many competitors returning annually with family and friends, contributing significantly to the local economy in the quiet season and reinforcing Westport’s reputation as the outdoor adventure capital of Ireland.

The organisers were honoured to work with Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation as Charity Partner for this year. Together, they aim to raise vital funds to support the establishment of new palliative care services for children and young adults with life-limiting illnesses.

The Foundation is dedicated to building a specialist Children’s Hospice, which will include respite services for children and young adults across the West of Ireland. This state-of-the-art facility will be located in County Mayo and will serve patients and families all along the western seaboard.

The total cost of the project is estimated at €14 million, with construction expected to take approximately two years. The goal is to have the hospice completed and open by 2028.

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