from Athletcis Northern Ireland The Newry City Half Marathon, which this year becomes one of the six races in Northern Ireland to constitute the ChampionChip Ireland Half Marathon Grand Prix Series, was officially launched in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry on Tuesday 31st March. The race, which will take place on May 25th, is one of a trio of events scheduled for the city on that day, the other two being the Newry City Marathon and the Fun Run.
Race Directors Jackie Malone and Damien Mc Stay expressed their delight at Newry’s selection as one of the ChampionChip Grand Prix races as it underlined not only the quality of the route chosen but the level of organisation required to carry off such a race.
The course itself will follow the same scenic route as last year involving the use of undulating road and flat tow path and will begin at 9.30am outside the Newry Sports Centre in Patrick Street. Marshalling, mile markers, refreshment stations and chip timing will of course feature in the race and results will be posted on the website as soon as possible (www.newrycitymarathon.com).
Last year’s edition of the Newry City Half Marathon was a hotly contested affair both in terms of the weather and the race itself with Richard Turkington of Richill coming up trumps with a nippy 1:12:09,followed by Paul Blaney of Moira and Andrew Mc Kee of Newry coming home in 1:14:26 and 1:18:38 respectively.
Entries for this year’s race continue to pour in with May the 1st being the closing date. The Marathon Committee are prepared for a big turnout for the event which is expected to manifest an extra competitive edge due its inclusion in the Grand Prix Series.
Whether competing at the highest level or not, the Newry Half Marathon on May 25th is sure to provide an exhilarating and memorable experience for all participants.
Visit the Fixtures section for full details on the Half Marathon Grand Prix Series.
