Runners from all over the world descend on Connemara

Running enthusiasts and determined walkers are coming in droves from as far a field as Australia to take part in what has become one of the most talked out Marathons in the world.

The Connemara International Marathon, or Connemarathon as it is fondly named, is taking place next Sunday. There will be a full road closure in place from 11.000am to 3.30 from Leenane to Maam Cross to allow the 3,200 walkers and runners to enjoy the beautiful Connemara landscape in complete safety.

The reputation of the Connemarathon event has reached all parts of the world as over 22 countries will be represented next week. Demand for entries is so high that the 2010 event sold out at the beginning of December – over four months before the event date and there are currently almost 200 people already entered for 2011 a full year in advance.

The appeal is obvious - the location is superb and the organisers treat the event as a full day out catering for participants' every need from the moment they get on the 70 buses for the hour and a half drive to the remote start lines, to the personal hand shake from the race director, Ray O'Connor as each person crosses the line to the soup and sandwiches afterwards in Peacockes Hotel Maam Cross and the return bus journey back to Galway or Clifden.

'It's more than a Marathon – it's a scenic adventure where people make friends and bond while often achieving a lifelong goal' comments Ray O'Connor 'Add to this the welcome that the participants get form the people of Connemara and it is easy to see why they keep coming back year after year to push themselves beyond their limits and conquer the ledgendary, tough Connemarathon course.'

The Event consists of a 13.1 mile Half Marathon, a 26.2 mile Marathon and an amazing 39.3 mile Ultra Marathon. The Ultra course is particularly challenging with mountains and valleys, through areas where the wind blows strong on the nicest of days but yet it has attracted over two hundred participants making it the largest ultra marathon in Ireland. The route takes in the magnificent Inagh Valley, Ireland's only Fjord at Killary, through the quaint village of Leenane to Maam Bridge towards the agonising two mile climb through the Maam Valley, nicknamed 'The Hell of the West' for obvious reasons - a testing climb for even the most experienced runner, and then onto the finish line at Maam Cross.

For more, read this week's Galway City Tribune.