May 25^th saw the successful second staging of the Newry City Marathon, Half Marathon and Fun Run, events which further enhanced the burgeoning reputation of the city as a destination for runners from Ireland, the UK and beyond. Over 1200 runners took part in the two main races with several hundred others participating in the one mile Fun Run around the city streets. The turnout exceeded expectations and judging from the positive feedback from runners and spectators alike the day was a resounding triumph in terms of sporting excellence, community participation and smooth organisation. In weather conditions highly conducive to distance running the marathon wended its way through the undulating drumlin country from Newry to Scarva and returned via the historic and picturesque tow path which runs beside the Newry canal. Furnished with vocal support and an abundance of water and energy stations the marathoners were led home by local Don Travers in a time of 2:46:21 with Peter Savage almost two minutes adrift. Third and fourth places were annexed in under the three hour mark by Dale Mathers and David Griffin who turned in very creditable performances. A large crowd cheered the runners home along Merchants Quay where a carnival atmosphere prevailed.

This year the Newry Half Marathon was designated one of a half dozen races over the distance which comprise The ChampionChip Ireland Grand Prix Series. This prestigious competition, with a substantial prize fund on offer, added some spice to proceedings with a field of 900 runners taking to the starting line. All abilities were in evidence on the day ranging from the fleet-footed to those out for a 13 mile stroll. The course took them all as far as Jerretspass where they made a sweeping right turn which led them onto the towpath and home to rapturous applause through the centre of the city. The victor on the day and now twice in a row winner was Richard Turkington of Armagh AC who clocked a marvellous time of 1:12:24, followed by Paul Buckley in 1:12:58 and local Eamon White in 1:13:12.Some tremendous times were returned for the distance and the consensus was that the course and its management was of the highest calibre.

The Fun Run sponsored by The Buttercrane Shopping Centre and organised by Naoimh Mathers, an experienced runner herself, was held over one mile in the centre of the city after the two main races had set off and was a spectacular success. Several hundred participants of all ages, shapes and sizes ran, sauntered or even dandered through the streets dressed in an array of costumes that would not have looked out of place at the carnival in Rio. All competitors were awarded a commemorative medal as well as sweets and drinks and some lucky runners even returned home with one of the many spot prizes distributed on the day. It was a good old fashioned knees-up and a wonderful day out for everyone involved.

The trio of events, as well as providing a truly cross-community ,everybody catered for day out, also raised thousands of pounds for a staggering array of local and national charities through sponsorship and donations raised from the Fun Run entry fee. Newry Marathon Day has already become one of the premier sporting and civic events in the local calendar and through building upon its successes and constantly seeking improvements at every level it will inevitably go from strength to strength. Photos by Shanroe Photography