From Athletics Northern Ireland Ards is sprinting towards a half marathon, with a route of 13.1 miles mapped out between Newtownards and Comber. The 4th of July race has already attracted competitors from across Northern Ireland and the rest of the British Isles and in excess of 400 are expected to participate, with hundreds more lining the route to give moral support.
Organised by Ards Borough Council, the Half Marathon route has been accurately measured by Athletics N.I, and will have spectacular views of the local countryside along the way.
It will take runners from Ards Leisure Centre, William Street through the centre of Newtownards, onto to South Street, Circular Road, Mill Street and Scrabo Road, with Ballyhenry Road and Darragh Road leading the competitors into Comber, before the return leg via the Comber dual carriageway, Moat Road, Scrabo Road, Frederick Street and the finish line back in William Street.
The event is also being sponsored by local organisations, with Lindsay Ford Bangor, Hugh Ritchie & Sons, Deep Riverock, County Down Spectator and Chronicle and Momentum Fitnessall providing support for the event, while Macmillan Cancer Support is the race’s designated charity and will benefit from funds raised through sponsorship gained by the runners.
“We’re extremely grateful to all our sponsors for their support of the Ards area’s half marathon and very encouraged at the level of interest from both serious runners and local people who’d like to give the race a go and are signing up to compete,” said Mayor of Ards, Councillor Robin Drysdale.
“We’re also hoping that those who won’t be taking part will show their support for the event by coming out to cheer on the runners and through their donations to a very worthy charity, Macmillan Cancer Support”.
The first male and female competitors will receive £400 and prizes will also be given in a range of other categories, with a T shirt and medal for all participants,
The Half Marathon takes place on Friday 4th July, beginning at 6.30pm at Ards Leisure Centre. Entrants must be 16 years or over on the day of the race and the closing date for entries is 31st May 2008.
Late entries will be accepted up to 25th June at additional charge. For more details and to register, contact Emma Hingston, Sports Development Officer with Ards Borough Council, Tel: 028 9182 4018 or log onto www.ardshalfmarathon.info.
For further information contact Ursula Mezza, Ards Borough Council, Tel: 028 9182 4021.