Saturday 13th June 2015... Portumna hosted their annual event. This year, athletes from Athenry AC took part in every distance, half marathon, marathon, 50km and 100km. The latter started at 7am as Jim Leahy took on the challenge of running his first 100km race setting himself the target time of sub 10hrs. We all believed Jim could do it, and he did, running the race of a lifetime. For months Jim has been pounding the roads around Athenry and Craughwell, clocking up the miles in preparation for the big day. On congratulating Jim after the race, he immediately referred to Frances his wife and spoke of the great support she has given him over the past few months. He said he had the easy job "I just had to go out and run"!! And he did...lap after lap Jim maintained a steady pace throughout finishing in 9hr 58mins achieving his goal. Frances manned the base at the finish line. She supported Jim with words of encouragement, giving him water, coke and food as she kept track of the number of laps, average lap times etc, that's multitasking for you!! And if that wasn't enough Frances also looked after the supporters from Athenry AC, providing delicious Flap Jacks, Coconut Balls and biscuits, coffee was also available! Orla McCluskey added to the feast and her Brownies disappeared in no time! Jim ran 20 laps of a 5km circuit. With 16 laps in the bag we said he has "only" 4 laps to go! Easier said than done, there was still another 20km, almost a half marathon. There was nervous excitement in the camp. A small group headed to the marina to help shorten the remaining laps for Jim. It was great to see Jim's Dad and sister join us for the finals laps to support Jim and to celebrate his achievement. It was a great day all round and a great turn out from the club. Chris Deakin finished 3rd in the half marathon with a PB 1.28.27. Tomasz Kadzielawski finished in 10th place in 1.32.58. Jane Mangan crossed the line in 2.01.45. and Noel Fox completed the race in 1.48.43. Mick Rice was second home in the marathon in 2.58.35. David Noone was 11th in 3.34.11, things didn't go according to plan for David this year after his first sub 3 hr in last years marathon. 50km - Adam Leadbetter finished 2nd in 3.34.03 while Mary Kealy also took 2nd place in the ladies race finishing in 4.20.06. Janet Clancy was in 4th place with a PB of 4.32.28. Jim Leahy finished in 7th place in 9.58.45. Congrats to all on a great days running. Photos on Facebook