MORE THAN 500 runners and walkers took part in today’s annual Ballyliffin Coastal 10 Mile Challenge – Ireland’s most picturesque event!
The event, which takes place in and around the roads, byways, hills and even the beach at Ballyliffin, drew a huge crowd of supporters.
And there were entries from all over Donegal – as well as all over Ireland, some fantastic runners from England…and one from France!
John Harkin from Carndonagh won the event in a time of 56 minutes; but it was all about the taking part with other runners and walkers still passing the finishing line on Ballyliffin strand up to two hours later.
Organiser and Olympic Team manager Patsy McGonagle was delighted with the entry – and the clear blue skies.
As those taking part went for a traditional dip in the Atlantic Ocean after the race, Patsy told donegaldaily: “This is only the second year of the Ballyliffin Coastal Challenge but it has already caught the imagination of so many people.
“It is certainly the most picturesque run/walk in the country.”
That was evident by the large number of visitors from outside Donegal – many of whom took breaks from the run to take pictures along the coast.
The staff at The Strand Hotel in Ballyliffin (www.ballyliffin.com) were superb after the event – laying on soup, tea and sandwiches for runners and supporters.
A full list of runners/walkers and their times will be posted on donegaldaily later tonight along with pictures from the race.
In the meantime, enjoy our video of the start of today’s event.
