Limerick goes the distance during World Mental Health Week

Pictured above: AMCS Group’s Crecora-based office, which claimed the Company Relay Marathon Challenge title at the University of Limerick Sport Athletics Track. 

The HSE marathon team participating in the inaugural Company Relay Marathon Challenge at the University of Limerick Sport Athletics Track.

400 adults and children from businesses and schools throughout Limerick have marked World Mental Health Week by participating in a competitive relay marathon at the UL Sport Arena Athletics Track.

Hosted by the Limerick Sports Partnership (LSP), the Schools World Relay Marathon Challenge and the inaugural Company Relay Marathon Challenge saw participating teams take on the 26.2 mile course, which was divided into 210 sections of 200m.

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AMCS Group’s Crecora-based office claimed the Company Relay Marathon Challenge title with a time of 2.00.36 (2hours and 36 seconds), smashing the current marathon world record of 2.02.57 held by Kenya’s Dennis Kimetto. The company, which produces recycling and waste management software & on-vehicle technology solutions, led the race from start to finish.

The teachers from Salesians Secondary College in Pallaskenry came in second with a time of 2.04.42, while the talking point of the night was the close finish between the HSE and Limerick City and County Council. The two organisations were neck and neck throughout the event but it was the HSE who came out on top at the final post piping the local authority by just 8 seconds for third place. UL Sport (5th), Action Point (6th) and Avvio (7th) also completed the marathon.

Like the senior counterparts, secondary school students covered the full marathon distance in a timed relay format in the World Schools Marathon Challenge. The students from Salesians in Pallaskenry ironically outpaced their teachers with a finishing time 2.03.44 resulting in them claiming first place in Limerick, 2^nd place in Ireland and 15th place globally in an event that was held across the world as part of ‘World Mental Health Week.

Other participating schools included CBS Sexton Street (2nd), Desmond College Newcastlewest (3rd), Colaiste Chiarain Croom (4th), Laurel Hill (5th), Gaelcholaiste Luimni (6th), Scoil Pol Kilfinnane (7th) and Castletroy College (8th).

LSP Co-ordinator Phelim Macken commented: “We are delighted with the support shown by organisations and schools throughout the City and County. Regardless of the size of the companies or organisations, everyone who took part found the Challenge a fun and exciting way to foster improved relations between employees along with delivering positive health benefits.  It was also a great opportunity for some healthy competition between Limerick based companies and schools.”

Company Relay Marathon Challenge Results:

1- AMCS Group
2- Salesians Secondary College Pallaskenry
3- HSE
4- Limerick City and County Council
5- UL Sport
6- Action Point
7- Avvio

Schools World Marathon Challenge Results:

1- Salesians Secondary College Pallaskenry
2- CBS Sexton Street
3- Desmond College Newcastlewest
4- Colaiste Chiarain Croom
5- Laurel Hill
6- Gaelcholaiste Luimni
7- Scoil Pol Kilfinnane
8- Castletroy College

For more information on Limerick Mental Health Awareness visit www.mentalhealthireland.ie

Read more about Limerick Mental Health here!