Record breaking running in Newry

Published Wednesday, 25 July 2012
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Runners from Newry could soon become world record breakers - all 250 of them.

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It's not another Olympic event though - it's the Guinness type this time.

They're attempting to 'Keep On Running' in a bid to smash the record for the longest ever distance relay run.

The challenge began on Saturday and those taking part are aiming to run 3000 miles around St Colman's Athletics Track continuously passing the baton 24 hours a day for 18 days.

Each baton carrier is required to run a 10-minute mile and run for a minimum of 30 consecutive minutes.

At the end of each runner's session, the baton is passed to the next runner - but there's a catch. If the baton is dropped, the record attempt is made null and void.

The relay runners have already clocked up an impressive 825 miles on Wednesday morning, followed by two marathon runners Richard Turkington, winner of the Newry City Marathon and Bryan McCrystal a local triathlete attempting to make a significant contribution.

Caitlin Malone is taking part along with her dad. The pair are trying not to be too competitive.

"I am so wrecked but it was worth it, definitely."

And how did she do compared to her father?

She said: "Well, I was hoping to beat him but, I think he beat me by a lap. Maybe next time, maybe next time I will get him."

Her dad found the unpredictable weather quite challenging.

Laurence said: "It was very, very tough because it was very humid out there and you sweat a lot! But I enjoyed it - I did just over four miles."

The longest distance run by a relay team is 1,923 miles and was achieved by the 'Gillette Phenomenal Tour' in Romania over 14 days, from 21 September to 5 October 2009, although an attempt by Relay GB of 2680 miles has yet to be confirmed.

And to ensure the Newry race is completely official, there are two witnesses and cameras filming every stage until the last baton carrier passes the finish line next month.

They are hoping to meet the current record ahead of schedule, by Friday 3 August, when they will then run the extra record-breaking miles.

© UTV News
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1 Comments
Suin in Armagh wrote (291 days ago):
Congratulations to all those athletes taking part in the world record baton run. Keep up the good work boys & girls especially Cormac & Brendan
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