Rhode AC athlete wins ultra marathon

Rhode AC athlete JP McLoughlin claimed first place in the ultra marathon race as part of the Royal Canal Run in Longford recently.

McLoughlin won the ultra marathon event which covered a distance of 53 kilometres, and his winning time was 4:10:50.

The Royal Canal Run Longford also included a marathon, half marathon and 10km races, and the event was held on April 26. The course involves loops of the Royal Canal in Longford on a flat route which is a mix of tarmac and tightly packed gravel.

Rhode AC has congratulated McLoughlin on "his fantastic achievement" at the Royal Canal event in Longford.

"Over the past number of years, JP has made significant progress at endurance running and has completed the Donadea 50km race three years in a row and improved year on year. He also ran a superb 3:10 at the Dublin Marathon last October," the club posted online.

The club said JP completed "the perfect race" in warm conditions in Longford and finished "clear of the field in sensational style".

"Those who were lucky enough to see JP running on the course saw a very determined, but calm athlete, who was in total control of his pace at all times. Well done to JP and to his wife Caroline as well, who ran a brilliant 10km race herself and was positioned on the course throughout to assist JP with gels, drinks and lots of support and encouragement," said Rhode AC.

"This is yet another fantastic achievement for one of our members and all of us at Rhode AC are so proud. The first four months of 2025 have been fantastic for Rhode AC and we are so proud of all our members," the club added.