A world first marathon?
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Marathon runner, Stephen Keogh receiving a presentation from Anne Fagan, chairperson, Newport AC, in recognition of his acclaimed ‘world first’ in marathon at Newport on Friday.Image 2 of 6
Stephen Keogh crossed the finishing line of the marathon at Newport on Friday.Image 3 of 6
The ‘masked’ participant in the marathon and revealed insert (right) - the real Darragh McCarthy.Image 4 of 6
John Crofton, Newport (right) with his inflated pony at the marathon with friend, Cian Donoghue.Image 5 of 6
Pupils from Second Class at Newport Boys NS line out for participation in the marathon at Newport. Each pupil attending the school ran a distance appropriate to their age and experience.Image 6 of 6
Tipp FM radio presenter Stephen Keogh leading the start of the marathon at Newport on Friday.A challenge to run a full-length marathon, while ‘live’ on broadcast - believed to be a world first - has been successfully completed by a popular radio presenter.
Tipp FM radio presenter, Stephen Keogh led a strong line out of runners for the 26-mile challenge in conjunction with Newport Community Project (NCP) on a circuit around the area on Friday last.
There was overwhelming community and business sponsorship support for the event, the proceeds from which will go towards the completion of the magnificent new recreational facilities for the local community under development at the rear of the Boys National School.
Up to the weekend in excess of €33,200 had been donated in sponsorship through https://www.gofundme.com/radiorun and sponsorships continue to be added.
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Anne Fagan, Chairperson of Newport AC and Secretary of Tipperary County AC Board, described the support from both local business and community as tremendous.
She said that they were extremely grateful to everyone who made it possible, and Stephen Keogh for leading the challenge, when she presented him with a framed memento at the culmination of the event on Friday afternoon.
Stephen Keogh joined other full marathon, half marathon, 10k and 5k runners, including students and pupils from all of the local schools and colleges participating for various distances relative to their age and capabilities.
The chief participants in the full marathon included South African, Garron Mosley, along with James Quinn, Darren Bourke, John Savage, Dave Grant and Donal Madden.
A colourfully masked runner was later revealed to be Tipperary senior hurler, Darragh McCarthy, Toomevara.
The run commenced at the new track facilities at the Boys National School at 10.30am under ideal weather of lower temperature than the previous days and headed towards the town, to complete several circuits around the outskirts under a garda escort.
A light shower around 1pm was little more than refreshing for the participants heading into the tough final stages with tiring legs before being cheered by hundreds to the finish line at the Boys NS shortly after 2.30pm.
A large team of volunteers coordinated stewarding at key points along the route and the entire event was a superb community initiative success that was safely executed.