Irish Olympian Caitríona Jennings Sets New Women’s 100-Mile World Record in Illinois Ultra Marathon
Caitríona Jennings, an Irish Olympian, recently achieved a remarkable milestone by setting a new women’s 100-mile world record during an ultra marathon in Illinois. Her outstanding time of 12 hours, 37 minutes, and 14 seconds surpasses the previous record held by Camille Herron since 2017 by more than five minutes.
Caitríona Jennings: A Rising Star in Ultra Running
This race marked Jennings’ debut at the 100-mile distance, showcasing her talents accrued through years of experience in ultrarunning. Previously, she set national records in Ireland for the 50K with a time of 3 hours, 16 minutes, and 33 seconds, and for the 100K at 7 hours, 43 minutes, and 1 second. Moreover, Jennings has consistently ranked in the top 10 at the iconic Comrades Marathon in South Africa.
Race Performance
During the race, Jennings maintained an impressive pace, averaging 7 minutes and 34 seconds per mile, or 4 minutes and 42 seconds per kilometer. She remained below world-record pace throughout the entire event, demonstrating exceptional endurance and strategy.
Rewards for Her Achievement
For her outstanding performance, Jennings received a world record bonus of $7,500, in addition to the first-place prize of $1,250. Her triumph came as she expressed her heartfelt gratitude on Instagram, stating, “Words can’t describe this feeling. I’m truly honoured to now hold the record set by a true champion!”
Coaching and Support
Jennings acknowledged the vital roles played by her coach, Terry McConnon, and ultrarunner Zach Bitter, who provided her with essential advice. She also praised her husband, Martin McCoy, for being instrumental in her race day support.
A Journey Through Athletics
Before her success in ultrarunning, Jennings had a competitive background as a triathlete and a marathon runner. She achieved her personal best marathon time of 2:36:17 in Rotterdam in 2012, which earned her a qualification for the London Olympics later that year. Despite battling injuries during her Olympic preparation, she managed to complete the marathon in 3:22:11, finishing under duress.
Future Aspirations
After finishing third in the Comrades Marathon with a time of 6:24:12 in 2019, Jennings dedicated herself to ultrarunning. She remarked on the differences between the marathon and ultra distances, noting that ultras allow a slower start but lead to a more intense struggle as the race progresses. With her recent record, she recognizes her potential and is eager to pursue further achievements in this challenging sport.
