19/07/2026
Please come out and support this 5k Mick Molloy (1938–2023)
Oughterard Olympian • World Record Holder • Irish Marathon Legend
The Mick Molloy 5K celebrates one of Ireland's greatest ever distance runners and one of Oughterard's finest sporting ambassadors.
Born and raised in Birchall, Oughterard, Mick Molloy began running in his late teens while helping on the family farm. Without a coach, training group or modern facilities, he built himself into one of Europe's leading marathon runners through extraordinary determination, consistency and hard work. He later founded Oughterard Athletics Club, helping to inspire generations of young athletes in the west of Ireland.
His breakthrough came in 1968 when he won the Irish National Marathon in just his second attempt at the distance, earning selection for the Olympic Games in Mexico City. During the Olympic marathon, one of his shoes disintegrated in the extreme heat. Rather than stop, Mick removed both shoes and ran the final six miles barefoot, finishing 41st in one of the most courageous performances in Irish Olympic history.
Over an outstanding career, Mick won **15 All-Ireland titles**, represented Ireland internationally more than a dozen times and claimed national championships from **5 miles through to the marathon**. He competed at the Olympic Games, European Championships and World Cross Country Championships while proudly representing both Oughterard and Ireland.
In 1974 he produced one of the greatest marathon performances by an Irish athlete when he won the prestigious **Berchem International Marathon** in Belgium. After accidentally following the lead vehicle off course and losing around 90 seconds, he fought his way back through the field to win convincingly in **2:18:41**.
Only weeks later, Mick travelled to Walton-on-Thames in England and set a **world record for 30 miles on the track**, running **2:44:47**—a record that stood for four years.
His fastest marathon came the following year when he clocked **2:18:22** at the famous **Košice Peace Marathon** in Czechoslovakia. It remains one of the finest marathon performances by an Irish athlete of his era.
Away from competition, Mick remained passionate about athletics throughout his life. He believed that success came not from natural talent alone but from determination, discipline and perseverance. His achievements inspired countless athletes across Galway and beyond, and his legacy continues through the many runners he encouraged and mentored.
Today, the **Mick Molloy 5K** honours not only an exceptional athlete but also a proud Oughterard man whose courage, humility and dedication continue to inspire future generations.
