Iryna plans to keep on running for 24 hours

Iryna plans to keep on running for 24 hours

4 July 2012

A SPA woman is one of the local ultra runners taking part in the gruelling Energia 24-Hour race this weekend.

Iryna Kennedy will start the Irish Championship event at the eight-lane sportsplex in Bangor on Friday at 6.45pm — emerging at some point the next day.

A barrister by profession, Iryna is a lady who loves a challenge. Only three years ago she learned to swim and went on to swim the English Channel twice and North Channel once as part of a relay.

She has also completed the 100 mile Himalayan marathon and in September is climbing Kilimanjaro for the Orbis charity which works with partners to provide eye care in developing countries.

Iryna said she was looking forward to the race. “I’m taking part for the third time and will be there with my support crew — my husband Paul and sons Richard (12) and James (10), who are very excited about camping out overnight to cheer me on,” she said.

“For me and my family this is part of our summer holiday.

“I know my limitations and while I am at the other end of the spectrum from the top runners I’m the proof that this race is accessible to all.”

Race Director Ed Smith, said: “Every time I put this event on I expect no one to turn up! But, as befits an Irish Championship, we’ve got some of the very best ultra runners around. That means records could tumble.

“We put on the T-Shirt ‘mind over matter’, and that’s what these athletes have in spades. So come along and give them some support, they’ve earned it.”

Competitors can choose to step off the track and rest at any time and avail of their tented headquarters in centre-field. The only break from the monotony is that they have to change direction every for hours. The man and woman who go the furthest will win £500 and there are special prizes for joining the 100 mile club.