Published: Thursday, 26th November, 2009 10:19am

Thomas Maguire wins Monaco 24 and sets new Irish record

Thomas Maguire who run the equivalent of six marathons to set a new Irish record and win the Monaco 24 hour race.<<

Belleek ultra runner Thomas Maguire defeated a top class international field to win the IAU-labelled Monaco 24-Hour race on Saturday and in so doing set a new Irish record into the bargain. Moreover, his incredible record of 248.392km (154.344 miles) propels him into the top five in the world rankings this year and gives hims a realistic chance of taking a medal at the World Championships in Brive in May.

The distance, which is the equivalent of running almost six full marathons in a single day, was also a new event record for the Monaco race.

An exhausted but delighted Thomas is hoping that he can maintain this level of form for World Championships.

"The Monaco race went well for me and I only got into the lead in the last few hours. Some of the athletes maybe set out a bit quick but I put in a good eight hour stint from the 12th hour to 20th and that seemed to win the race for me. My distance would have won a silver medal at last year's World Championship but it is incredibly difficult to keep consistency in this sort of discipline, but if I can produce the same level of performance then I would be in with a medal shout. We will see what happens but Monaco went well. These 24 hour races around a 1km circuit are as much about the mental challenge as the physical, but yes I was happy with the end result and the record into the bargain," explained Thomas.

The 'No Finish Line 24-Hour Race', staged on a 1km circuit at Monaco's world famous port, proved to be a fascinating duel between Maguire, the Irish 100km record holder, and Emmanuel Fontaine (FRA). The pair demonstrated fantastic mental and physical prowess as well as top class sportsmanship as they battled for dominance over the second half of the race. However, Maguire's pacing strategy ultimately proved successful and he gained control over the final few hours.Indeed, Thomas' time for the final 100 miles (161km), yet to be confirmed precisely, is also set to be an Irish best at the distance. The IAAF World Athletics Gala took place on the same day in Monte Carlo and HSH Prince Albert II was at hand to give Thomas his winning 'No Finish Line' trophy.

The World 24-Hour Championships take place in Brive, France on 13th-14th May 2010.

1. Thomas Maguire (IRL) 248.392km

2. Emmanuel Fontaine (FRA) 243.570km

3. Christian Leroux (FRA) 225.118km

4. Christophe Laborie (FRA) 213.850km

5. Robert Ludger Boewer (ITL) 210.210km