John Byrne (Mayo AC), representing Ireland finished in 5th place in the IAU World Trophy 50k race in Italy this morning. In very hot conditions and a strong sea breeze finishing times were down. Participants completed 8 laps of the 6.25k ‘Lungo il Mare’ course at the coastal towns of Vallecrosia- Bordigheria. The race was won by British athlete Steven Way in 2hrs 54, as the top three broke 3 hours. John finished in 3hrs 10, a brilliant effort by Mayo AC’s ultra man. In the early stages he ran in group of four in eighth place, including Daniel Oralek (Czech) a former World 100k winner and ultra icon. As the temperature hit 25c he moved into 6th place after 16 miles, and 5th after 20. “It was a battle for survival from then on”, said John. Although he dropped back to 6th with 4 to go, a typical gritty finish by the Straide man saw him gain 5th again which he sustained to the line after 31.1 miles of running. “He’s exhausted, but over the moon” wasthe comment of his number one supporter Sarah Syron’s message. ” I’m so proud of John”, she added and rightly so.

1 WAY STEVEN GRAN BRETAGNA GBR - 02:53:41
2 MAKAZA COLLEN ZIMBABWE ZIM - 02:57:49
3 MARTELLETTI PAUL NUOVA ZELANDA NZL - 02:58:18
4 GRAY JOSEPH STATI UNITI USA - 03:09:47
5 BYRNE JOHN IRLANDA IRL - 03:09:54
6 MITCHINSON DAVE GRAN BRETAGNA GBR - 03:10:54
7 MARCUS SCOTNEY GRAN BRETAGNA GBR - 03:15:10
8 RANDALL JULIAN GRAN BRETAGNA GBR - 03:15:34
9 STRUPSTAD JOHN HENRY NORVEGIA NOR - 03:16:37
10 WALKER SAM NUOVA ZELANDA NZL - 03:18:57

News Story via Tom Hunt - Mayo AC “John Byrne: brilliant 5th in World Trophy 50k”