Tipperary athletes are Kings and Queens of the Castle at Cashel Red Bull challenge

Stephen Flanagan from Grange, Gortnahoe, and Aoife O’Sullivan from Tramore reigned supreme at Red Bull Conquer the Castle, the ultimate obstacle course race which took place at the Rock of Cashel on Saturday.

Facing stern competition from both domestic and international athletes, Flanagan showed incredible athleticism and steel over the gruelling 2.5KM track.

The first man home with a devastating time of 11:10, the Tipperary native collected a prize of €1,000 for his efforts.

Running Flanagan extremely close on the day was local man Darren Gayson from Cashel, who finished second, and Karl Cosgrove, from Swords, county Dublin, who came home in third.

In the Women’s race, Waterford woman Aoife O’Sullivan delivered an exceptional display as she proved a cut above the rest of the field, conquering the castle in a time of 15:07 and pocketing the €1,000 on offer for the fastest female home.

Relentless in their pursuit of O’Sullivan were Ciara Cummins from Thurles in second place, and Belfast runner Stephanie Penney who claimed the final place on the podium in third.

A non-stop day of action kicked off at 10am and saw over 1,000 competitors take to the fields of the iconic Rock of Cashel.

Cheered on by supporters, participants hurdled over 23 obstacles from balance beams to cargo net climbs and stone wall crossings in challenging conditions to conquer the castle, in what proved an ultimate test of fitness and resolve for thrillseekers from across Ireland and beyond.