Two runners in their 50s completed a record-setting run between Malin Head and Mizen Head yesterday. Ms Jane Watt (50), from Limerick, and Mr Graham Porter (51), from Strabane, Co Tyrone, arrived at Ireland's most southerly point just after 6 p.m.
They had set off at 9.02 a.m. on August 6th from Malin Head, in Co Donegal, completing the 365-mile journey in seven days, nine hours, four minutes and 36 seconds, more than half a day ahead of schedule.
Speaking just after crossing the line, Ms Watt said she felt "a great sense of achievement" and was looking forward to a sleep-in this morning. "Standing here at the very tip of Ireland, it's a great feeling. There'll be no running tomorrow, that's for sure. I'm planning to say in bed all day," she said.
Averaging about 12 hours a day on the road, the two claim to be the first runners to have completed the route.
Family and friends, including Mr Porter's 83-year-old mother, provided food and drink along the way. Ms Watt's sister, Ms Terrie Erdpohl, said; "They have been really pushing it over the last couple of days in order to set a good record, which won't be broken easily."
The two had problems along the route. Ms Watt had problems with her knees. Mr Porter had trouble with one of his tendons. He said he considered giving up a couple of times in recent days. However, his partner on the road talked him out of it.
Ms Watt added: "This is the first time we have done such a long run on roads only and they have certainly taken a toll on our joints. The traffic has been a problem as well." She noted, however, "after a little break, we'll be back running again".
The two have been running together for six years and earlier this year competed in a 150mile race across the Moroccan Sahara desert. They also recently completed a coast-to-coast run from Bray Head in Co Wicklow to Bray Head in Valentia, Co Kerry.
Three weeks ago the two cycled between Malin and Mizen to verify the distance, a feat that took four days.
