The Killyleagh Five Mile Challenge was started in 2004 by John Huddleston with a view to bringing another type of sport to the town. Previous to that, the main sport played in the town was football for which Killyleagh is justly proud of the high quality footballers it has produced, David Healy being the latest in a line of International players.
It is called a challenge due not only to the undulating scenic course set around the town and along Strangford shore, but to its distance allowing the more experienced runner to improve their timing over a measured set distance, but also for the novice runner, being not too short or long a distance for them to see if it is the sport for them.
The first ever race saw only 20 entrants, now four years on that figure has risen to 104, due to the course being described as one of the most picturesque courses in the Province as well as challenging.
The organisation is a joint effort by John Huddleston & Joe Quinn of The East Down Athletic Club. So if you which to improve your timing or are thinking of trying road racing and challenging yourself then the Killyleagh Five Mile Challenge is the race for you.
Entry fee is only £5 for federation registered and £6 for unregistered runners, registration is on the day at the Bridge Community Centre Killyleagh. The race is run in August each year and placed on the Athletic Federation Calendar. Contact John Huddleston 02844 828114 for race details.
