Tudor Moldovan wins the WLR Waterford Viking Marathon 2023. A record number exceeding 2,600 runners took part in Waterford’s 11th Viking Marathon taking in 2 Bridges, 1 Greenway and a party finish at Grattan Quay
Sunday June 25th saw Waterford play host to its 11th annual WLR Waterford Viking Marathon. This year’s highly rated route travelled from the city centre over Ireland’s longest single span bridge and took much of Waterford’s impressive Greenway, finishing the race on its new extension opened earlier this month.
At 9am, as the sun reappeared, runners left the Mall in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle after a tremendous warm up and send off by Mayor of Waterford City and County Council Cllr John O’ Leary.
Full, half and quarter marathon runners, from first timers to seasoned athletes, meandered through their varying routes, entertained with music by bands and DJ’s along the way. Spectators lined the last stretch of the new Greenway extension into the city on Grattan Quay encouraging and supporting runners over the finish line.
With an impressive time of 2hr 30:55 Tudor Moldovan of Clonliffe Harriers was the overall winner of Waterford’s Viking Full Marathon 2023. He crossed the line in Waterford’s Grattan Quay to a rapturous applause followed by Sean Hehir of Croghan AC just under 3 minutes adrift at 2hrs 33:33.
Linda Grogan was the fastest women home in a time of 3hr 4:38 wearing the singlet for Dundrum AC with Beth O’Connor of United Striders the second female crossing the line in 3hrs 33.
The men’s Half Marathon was won by Sergiu Ciobanu in a time of 1 hr 08:43 and Peter Brandon Somba of Dunboyne AC followed him just under 1 minute later in 1:09:40.
Sally Forristel of St. Joseph’s AC was first female crossing the line in a time of 1:22:50 followed by Angela McCann of Clonmel AC at 1:27:34.
The Quarter Marathon was neatly won by Craig O’Brien of Ferrybank AC in a time of 35:04 with Sportsworlds Conor Cavanagh coming behind him in 37:44.
West Waterfords Kate Veale was the fastest woman in 40:50 with Mollie Jean Hutchinson claiming second place in 42:40 for another Ferrybank AC podium place.
A resounding success was the overwhelming consensus for those who took part, be it organising, running, stewarding, or supporting. An impressive 350 helpers lined the route, with marshals, water stations and medical personnel ensuring the safe return of all runners back to Waterford city.
Waterford Viking Marathon 2023 was proudly supported by WLR, Waterford Council, TEVA, Bausch & Lomb, Sanofi, DG Foods, JOMA Sports, House of Waterford Crystal, Full of Beans, Alfie Hales, Mag 365, Blue Butterfly Coffee, Flahavans, ITL Health and The Re