John Lenihan, a true running legend
Lenihan in his mountain running prime
The word legend is far too readily used these days. In fell and mountain running you need to be extra-special to even come close to that kind of status. However, alongside the likes of Billy Bland and Joss Naylor the name of John Lenihan needs to be properly inserted…
The unassuming Irish mountain legend has not only won some of the best mountain races in Europe, also becoming World Champion in 1991, but was also a highly-talented road runner winning big races in America and posting a half marathon and 10k PBs of 63 minutes and 28:40! He is also one of only a handful of fell runners who handed Kenny Stuart a defeat when the Keswick man was in his prime.
The Kerry farmer has been winning races since 1976, and is still highly competitive in the Irish scene, winning a 19th Carrauntoohil race in 2009.
The great man has recently been interviewed on Radio Kerry, and has been posted online along with 2 hours of vimeo commemorative films. Oh and make sure you have a spare bit of time for this one (it’s certainly worth it) as the whole profile is nearly three hours of video and audio!!
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Reactions so far
James Nov 17, 06:25 AM
A true legend, from Kerry!!!! not cork
willie Nov 17, 01:58 PM
the likes of this man will never again be seen even on a pikaxe or kango hammer on the loop
Matt - MST Nov 18, 06:11 AM
Sorry James (and John!), amended…