Two Wexford natives to compete for Team Ireland at IAU 24hr World Championships

Two Wexford athletes will proudly don the green vest for Team Ireland at the upcoming IAU 24-Hour World Championships, a gruelling endurance event that pushes runners to their absolute limits….

The championships, organised by the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU), challenge competitors to cover the greatest possible distance within 24 hours — a true test of stamina, resilience, and mental strength.

Representing Ireland on the global stage will be Jessie O’Connor of Slaney AC and Lorraine McMahon of Wexford Marathon Club.

Jessie O’Connor has built an impressive reputation in the Irish ultrarunning scene. Earlier this year, he was crowned National 24-Hour Champion after covering an extraordinary 231 km at the Leixlip 24-Hour event. His record of consistent endurance excellence includes winning the Wexford Festival of Running 24-Hour race in 2024 with 204 km, and previously taking victory in the 6-Hour race in 2019 with 66 km.

While this will be Jessie’s first time competing for Team Ireland, it is not his first international outing. In 2022, he served as a guide runner for visually impaired ultrarunner Sinéad Kane at the IAU 24-Hour World Championships in Verona — experience that will no doubt stand to him on his solo debut.

Joining him is Lorraine McMahon of Wexford Marathon Club, who returns once again to represent Ireland at the world championships. A seasoned and dedicated ultrarunner, Lorraine has proudly competed for her country on multiple occasions and continues to deliver top-class performances on both the national and international stage.

Both athletes will now look to build on their impressive records as they line up alongside the world’s best endurance runners, showcasing the depth of Wexford’s athletic talent on the global stage.