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

Excitement is building in the Rowe Creavin Medical practice as friends and colleagues of Dr Marian Ryan prepare to take part in this year’s Waterford Viking Marathon on Sunday June 25^th.

Dr Ryan was diagnosed cancer in June 2022 and now she, along with her colleagues, want to celebrate her ongoing recovery by fundraising for two fantastic local organisations that helped her immensely along her journey. The Solas Cancer Support Centre and Exwell Waterford, situated in the SETU Arena, both continue to provide the highest quality of vital cancer support services and rehabilitation to the people of Waterford and the Southeast.

Colleagues of the Rowe Creavin practice will be joined by many family members and friends to collectively run and walk more than half a million steps on Sunday 25^th June.

Donations for these two worthy facilities can be made, no matter how small, by clicking on www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/RoweCreavinMedicalPractice

Pictured L- R  Dr Emma Aherne, Nurse Marie Mollaghan, Jessica Henebry, Nurse Claire Whyte, Dr Mark Rowe, Dr Marian Ryan, Nurse Stephaine Byrne, Dr Bronte Jasinski, Sharon Ryan and Dr Mary Costigan.

The Waterford Viking Marathon is thrilled to announce the return of recyclable water cartons for this year's event, made possible by the generous sponsorship of DG Foods. As a long-standing supporter of the marathon, DG Foods will once again provide 30,000 specially designed recyclable water cartons and logistics solutions for the runners and walkers participating in the marathon on Sunday, June 25th.

DG Foods takes pride in their commitment to sustainability, and their 87% plant-based and 100% recyclable water cartons align perfectly with the marathon's dedication to environmental responsibility. These bespoke water cartons will ensure that participants can stay hydrated while minimizing the event's impact on the environment.

Pictured Left to Right - Danielle Griffin WFC Ladies, Martin Dunphy WFC, Christine Hepburn DG foods, Andrew Hepburn DG Foods, Deirdre Houlihan Waterford Viking Marathon Committee, Cathy Prendergast DG foods, Mike Geoghegan WFC Academy and Conor Parsons WFC

Andrew Hepburn, Owner of DG Foods, expressed his delight in continuing to support the Waterford Viking Marathon - “We are delighted once again to support the Waterford Viking Marathon. We have built a long-standing relationship with the marathon and it’s important to us that we give back to the local community”.

As a testament to their dedication, Andrew and several members of the DG Foods team will participate in the Quarter marathon by running and walking alongside other participants.

In addition to DG Foods, the Waterford Viking Marathon is grateful for the support of other valued sponsors, including Sanofi, Teva, WLR, Flahavans, Bausch & Lomb, Waterford City & County Council, House of Waterford Crystal, and Joma. Their contributions play a significant role in ensuring the success and impact of this renowned sporting event.

If you haven’t already registered for the Waterford Viking Marathon you can book your place today.

Sanofi are proud to announce its joining of the sponsorship line up for this year’s 11^th Waterford Viking Marathon on June 25, as a sustainable event in partnership with their Planet Care team and the Sports and Social Club.

Sanofi sponsorship of this year’s Marathon will help to provide for more sustainable elements to be incorporated into the event. In supporting their ‘Waterford Loves Planet, not Plastic’ campaign, there will be no plastic cups or plastic water bottles given out on the day. Instead, participants will be offered a 100 per cent recyclable water carton made from 83 per cent plant-based materials produced by DG Foods.

Sanofi will sponsor the race-bags used by all participants, which will this year be made from soft polyester RPET, obtained from recycled plastic materials. The information about the bag’s sustainable origins will be available via a QR code on the bag. All lead cars in the race are electric this year, with paperless sign-up and notifications.

Pictured Left to Right Diane Pitard, Siobhan Kennedy, Jennifer Murphy and Mairead O’ Shea.

 Jennifer Murphy – Sanofi planet Care “Waterford loves Planet Not Plastic “Project lead said “We are delighted to support WLR in running the Viking marathon 2023 running this event in a sustainable way to minimise environmental impact aligns with our own Sanofi Planet care initiatives and our “Waterford loves planet not plastic” project. We recognise that every small positive change we make can collectively make a significant Impact against the environmental crisis that we face as a planet”.

Des Whelan, Chairman of Waterford Viking Marathon welcomed the sponsorship and acknowledged that “we are absolutely delighted that Sanofi have come on board with us this year and thrilled with the positive environmental initiatives that they have taken onboard which will only assist to a wonderful event.”

Other sponsors include, DG Foods, Teva, WLR, Flahavans, Waterford City & County Council, House of Waterford Crystal, Joma, & Bausch & Lomb.

If you haven’t already registered for the Waterford Viking Marathon you can book your place today.

The Waterford facility of Bausch + Lomb, the global leader in eye health, has announced its intention to join the sponsorship line up for Waterford Viking Marathon 2023, set to take place on June 25^th, demonstrating their commitment to social responsibility.

Speaking at the launch event Rachel Northover, Head of HR Bausch + Lomb, announced that it will pay 70% of the registration fees for its employees who participate in the event, in line with the company's CSR strategy and sustainability values. The company encourages its employees to promote well-being and community spirit by taking part in the marathon.

Rachel believes that “supporting community events is important for local companies, as it provides a platform to showcase their commitment to the community and social responsibility. The Waterford Viking Marathon is a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together and promote a healthy and active lifestyle”.

Des Whelan, Chairman of Waterford Viking Marathon welcomed Bausch and Lomb to the sponsor line up for the event saying “We are thrilled to have the support of Bausch & Lomb for our flagship Marathon in the South East. The event offers a great opportunity for people to embrace a healthy lifestyle whilst also supporting charities of their choice.”

Other sponsors include, DG Foods, Teva, WLR, Waterford City & County Council

House of Waterford Crystal, Joma, Bausch & Lomb & Sanofi.