More than 400 athletes flock to Inis Iron Meáin for fundraising race!
The twisting roads and limestone pavements of Inis Meáin resounded to the patter and drum of runners last Saturday, as more than 400 athletes – quadrupling the local population for a day – took part in the Inis Iron Meáin road race.
A glance at the huge crowd build-up at the start line would have you swear there was an extra 300 there!
BY SEÁN Ó MAINNÍN
It was, officially, the largest attended race in its 17-year history. Ferries were oversubscribed and the online application page had to be shut down well ahead of time.
It all added to the buzz and excitement. Seasoned locals accustomed to a slower pace of life stared as life suddenly exploded from a start line and the '400' gradually disappeared up the the boithríní.
The had been sent their way by special guest, economist David McWilliams. Earlier, the professor had told the crowd in Halla Naomh Eoin that his son had attended the local Coláiste Naomh Eoin secondary school and had come home converted with not a scintilla of juvenile delinquency in him at all.
(Photo by Andrew Downes, xposure. Paisley the donkey maintains a watching post as participants in Inis Iron Meáin pass his gate).
This is a shortened preview version of this article. To read the rest of the story and for photos from the event, see this week's Connacht Tribune. You can buy a digital edition HERE.