This is amazing A group of ultra-running athletes will attempt the monumental task of running the entire length of the Western Way trail. The attempt is the brainchild of David Noone (Loughrea) and Pat Staunton (Westport). Pat says “we have been training and racing on the Wicklow Way, Mourne Way and various trails and mountains for a number of years, so the idea occurred to us why hasn’t the Western Way been used and promoted more”. Pat’s idea was to try and run the entire Mayo section of the Western Way, and when he mentioned it to David he added why not try and run the entire Way Galway and Mayo. And so an idea was born.
The Western Way is a long-distance trail approximately 184 kilometres long from Oughterard, County Galway to Ballycastle, County Mayo passing through Leenane, Westport and Newport on the way. The scenery is spectacular along the whole route. Since the end of last year the group have been running different sections of the Western Way for training and to get familiar with the route.
Along the journey of planning for this project, they have picked up a few more keen running companions and are going to be joined by Caroline McLoughlin (Achill), Paul Higgins & Damien McSharry (Sligo), beginning in Oughterard on Friday 25th April at 9am. It is estimated that it will take 30 – 36 hours, arriving in Ballycastle between 3pm and 9pm on Saturday 26th April. They would love if people come out on the day to support or to run some of the route with them.
David added “We see this as a very exciting adventure as we cannot find any evidence that this has been done before. We see the run as a great way to promote the Western Way and promote the West of Ireland and its beautiful trails and mountains as a tourist location”.