Monday May 31st saw the third annual staging of the Newry City Marathon, Half-Marathon and Fun Run in favourable weather conditions amidst the rolling countryside of counties Down and Armagh. As a marathon destination Newry has continued to build upon its burgeoning reputation for organisational detail and friendliness with a substantial increase in entries in both timed races.
The courses for full and half-marathons encompass undulating road and flat tow path starting and finishing in the centre of the city. Large crowds were in attendance to soak up the carnival atmosphere and sunshine as the 300 marathon runners set off over the classic distance at 9.00am.
Approximately 30 minutes later 850 half-marathoners took to the line for the ChampionChip Ireland Grand Prix Series event with participants ranging from the fleet-footed to those employing a more sedate pace. The Newry Half-Marathon was once again this year designated as one of seven ranking events in the series and therefore attracted a quality field from Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. In both chipped events there was also an increased number of competitors from other parts of the UK and even North America. 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 the day’s blue riband event, the Newry City Marathon, competitors covered the first half through a combination of flat country road out of the city and some gentle inclines and slopes leading to the 13 mile mark. Thereafter the second half of the race was run on the flat via the historic and picturesque tow path which flanks the Newry canal. On the day participants were bathed in sunshine throughout and were more than willing to avail of the water, energy drinks and gels which were to be found at the refreshment stations dotted throughout the course.
The winner on the day was local Don Travers in a time of 02:46:57 with Nigel Grier in close attendance at 02:48:39.Third spot was claimed by David Griffin with a very creditable time of 02:49:22.The leading female runner was once again Derry stalwart Helena Crossan in a time of03:00:32 with marathon first-timer Helen Mc Kevitt from Newry clocking a flyer at 03:24:02.Caroline Harlan-Marks from Birmingham took third place in 03:34:00.
The Newry City Half Marathon proved to be as competitive with a very large turnout in excess of 850 runners. The course was again largely flat with a couple of manageable inclines in the mix around the halfway mark and as always the comforting prospect of a flat final towpath to finish. Competition was ferocious with Armagh City runner Richard Turkington triumphing in a thrilling finish to record a time of 01:12:31 followed by Noel Kelly in 01:12:35.Local runner Eamon White distinguished himself again with a performance which saw him register a time of 01:13:03.Demonstrating that females were anything but slowcoaches were Saval runner Julie Turley who headed the women’s field with a time of 01:20:37 with Roberta Dornan and Irene Mc Shane taking second and third slots in 01:27:36 and 01:32:40 respectively.
For those who prefer a more leisurely approach to running there was also the opportunity on the day to take part in the Buttercrane Fun Run over a distance of one mile in the city centre at 9.45am.It attracted a wide spectrum of participants of all ages and shapes and with many clad in fancy dress it certainly conferred a fun-filled atmosphere upon the day affording as it did an opportunity for family participation.
Local and national charities were also the winners on the day as they benefitted from all three events. Judging from the feedback already received by the organisers of the three races it would appear that the day was a resounding success and the reputation of city as a marathon venue has been further enhanced .An increase in numbers is expected for 2011 as the Marathon Committee seek to consolidate and build upon their successes. For further information www.newrycitymarathon.com or Facebook : Newrycitymarathon Newry
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