Leitrim's Ricki Wynne pictured at Croagh Patrick, Mayo – the scene of his world record for the most vertical metres ascended and descended in a 24-hour period. Photo: Conor Cosgrove

Leitrim man breaks world record on Mayo mountain

Published: Tue 14 Jun 2022, 8:01 PM

Last updated: Thu 16 Jun 2022, 10:17 AM

Leitrim native Ricki Wynne, from Drumshanbo, has broken the world record for the most vertical metres ascended and descended in a 24-hour period by running up and down Croagh Patrick 15 times.

Ricki ran 12,000m uphill and 12,000m downhill for a total distance of 24,000m to break this record.

A full-time roofer and part-time ultramarathon runner, Ricki finished second in the Kerry Way Ultra last year and first in the Seven Sisters Skyline Race just three weeks before this record-breaking effort in west Mayo.

Ricki trains often at Croagh Patrick but the most he had made it up and down before his attempt was six times.

He is new to the sport of ultra-running having only been racing for five years, but he is proving to be one of the shining lights among one of the fastest growing sports in Ireland.

Ricki is still raising money for Motor Neurone Disease Ireland. He has already raised €28,000 and you can continue to donate at www.idonate.ie/RickiWynne.