Munster and monsters keep keen runners on their toes

Anne O’Connor and daughter at the Limerick mini-marathon Photo: Bryan O'Brien Photography

Gráinne Loughran

Marathon runners weren't the only athletes out in force at the weekend, as a zombie horde took to the tracks at Malahide Castle in the annual 'Run For Your Lives' event.

Hundreds of people were chased by 'ravenous zombies' around the 5k obstacle course.

Jan O’Sullivan TD, Alice O’Dwyer of Cook Medical and race ambassador Lucy Dillon at the Cook Medical Women’s Mini-Marathon in Limerick. Photo: Bryan O'Brien Photography

The runners, or 'survivors', were given three life tags, and were tasked with making their way across the 'infected' zone without losing their tags to their zombie pursuers.

The physically demanding event is now in its third year.

Meanwhile in Limerick, over 2,500 athletes took to the Sports Arena in UL yesterday for the Cook Medical Women's Mini-Marathon.

Now in its 18th year, a record number of women took part in the event, which offers both 5k and 10k routes.

The 10km race saw Grace Lynch in first place in a time of 36 minutes 38 seconds, followed closely by Orla Drumm in second and Carol Finn in third place.

The mini-marathon was held in memory of Gemma Carcaterra, the director of Glór music centre in Ennis and a mother of three, who died suddenly in February.

Her running group 'Leggy Ladies' took part in the mini-marathon to celebrate her memory, as well as to raise money for Gemma's one-year-old triplets.

Fundraising took place for more than 75 charities, with money going to both local and national causes.

A number of familiar faces took part in the mini-marathon, including local TD and former Minister for Education Jan O'Sullivan.

Well-known figure Lucy Dillon, who took part in RTÉ's Operation Transformation earlier this year, also took part in the race.

Dillon was this year's official race ambassador.

"It was such an amazing feeling to cross the finish line today with so many amazing women," she said.

"This year, I have gone from not being able to run for one minute to completing a 10km route.

"Events like this give women the opportunity to improve their health and fitness while having fun with like-minded women. Anything is possible."

The race is supported by Cook Medical - a medical device company based in the locality.

"We are very proud to be part of this wonderful day and occasion," Alice O'Dwyer, vice president of HR Cook Medical EMEA, said.

"It is heartening to see so many women participate in the run and for all their supporters to come out and create such an amazing atmosphere along the route."

The hugely successful race was the headline event of Limerick's bank holiday weekend celebrations.