Ultrarunner Niall McGuigan clinches gold in 142 mile race

County Derry ultrarunner Niall McGuigan is celebrating after becoming the Irish National and Ulster 24 hour Championship winner.

After a gruelling 228km (142 miles), the Swatragh man was absolutely delighted to pick up gold at the event held recently.

Niall's achievement comes just a few weeks after he won the Belfast to Dublin Ultra of 110 miles in a time of 18 hours and 37 minutes.

What's even more impressive is the fact that the south Derry man only took up running ten years ago.

Having played hurling and football for Michael Davitt GAC in Swatragh at both underage and senior level, Niall decided to hang up his boots at the age of 31.

In the years to follow, Niall didn't participate in much sport.

However, when he was persuaded by work colleagues to join a relay team in the Belfast Marathon ten years ago, he was immediately bitten by the running bug.

Initially Niall took on a number of 10k runs however it wasn't long before he moved on to take part in half marathons and eventually full marathons.

“The more marathons I did, the better my times got until I broke the three hour marathon at Shane Castle in Antrim running it in two hours and 54 minutes,” said Niall.

“I remember saying to my wife Joanne a few days after that that I needed a new challenge. Breaking the three hour marathon had been my goal and that's how I ended up starting to do ultra running.”

Niall's first Ultra was 'The Loup of the Lough', a 55 mile run which starts at Stranford and finishes in Portaferry.

Despite finishing in sixth place, Niall admits that it was 'an eye-opening lesson'.

“After that I changed my training, my running shoes and a few other things, although three years later I am still learning,” he said.

Over the last number of years Niall has taken part in many ultras around Ireland – from six hour races to 12 hours races. He has also participated in three Irish 24 hour National Championships and Ulster Championships getting over the 220km (137 miles), the Irish qualifying distance, in all three Championships.

In 2021, he finished in fourth place having run 223km (138 miles) and in 2022 he took third place with 233km (145 miles).

However, this year he clinched the Irish National and Ulster titles after coming in first place with 228km (142 miles).

In the lead up to the Irish Championships, Niall took part in the Belfast to Dublin Ultra 110 miles, running back roads, canal paths and bicycle paths.

Completing the ultra in a time of 18 hours and 38mins Niall came in first place.

“After that I knew I was in good form for the 24 hour championship,” said Niall, who is no stranger to success.

“I've had the greatest of honours of being selected to run for Ireland in the 2022 European 24 hour Championship in an eight-man and six ladies team, which took place in Verona in Italy. Taking part in an event with over 450 athletes from 36 countries is something that will live with me forever, what an experience that was to be part of.”

Still on cloud nine after his impressive achievements, the celebrations are set to continue his week as Niall turns 51.

However, he says he has no plans to rest on his laurels just yet.

“I hope to keep learning and improving,” he said, continuing: “some people might think time is running out but I feel fitter now than I ever have been. I train seven days a week and have no intention of slowing down. Hopefully there will be more Ireland call ups as there is no better feeling than pulling on the Irish vest to represent your country, it's every sportsperson's dream.”