Countdown has begun for popular Jimmy’s 10k race

Countdown has begun for popular Jimmy’s 10k race

11 February 2015

THE clock has starting ticking for this year’s Jimmy’s 10k which will be run on Sunday, March 15, as part of the St. Patrick’s Festival.

One of the biggest one-day sporting event in Down district, now in its 17th year, annually attracts over 700 runners to Downpatrick and entries are already flooding in for this year’s event.

It is hoped that Joe McAllister from the St. Malachy’s AC in Belfast will return to defend his title.

Downpatrick’s James O’Hare, who runs for Annadale, will provide his main opposition along with East Down AC’s Brendan Teer and Annadale’s Eddie McGinley, last year’s runner-up.

Online entry for the race closes on March 11 and East Down AC stalwart Joe Quinn is condfident of hosting yet another successful race.

“We always seem to get a bit of decent weather for the race, but it will be hard for anybody to beat Paul Rowan’s record time for men of 30:20 set 10 years ago and Gladys Ganiel O’Neill’s ladies record of 34:17, also set 10 years ago,’ he said.

“We are eternally grateful to all the sponsors who back us year in, year out and this year we welcome aboard McDonald’s, Murphy’s Bar and Restaurant and Denvir’s Hotel.

“We continue to receive support from Flowers by Tracey, M. B. McGrady and Co., Plus 2 Print, Stoneyways Ltd., Wrap & Roll and Dupes DVD and Videos.

“Their help enables us to provide decent cash prizes for the overall winners and section winners. In addition we also have an open draw among all those who have competed in the race for cash prizes.

“We also provide our renowned post-race refreshments and for the first time this will be held in our recently acquired clubrooms at the Ballydugan Industrial Estate.”

Joe added: “We are always looking for help to marshal the race and generally we can look after this ourselves, but anyone wishing to help out in any way on the day can contact me on 07933 214894.”

The junior one-mile walk for P3-P7s gets the action underway at the Asda car park at 9.30am with the main event starting at 11am.

Registration for Jimmy’s 10 costs £13 for a registered athlete and £15 for an unregistered runner.

There will also be team relay races on the day to cater for all types of runners.

Numbers, timing chips and T- shirts will be available for collection at East Down AC  clubrooms in Ballydugan Industrial Estate, 

Ballydugan Road Downpartrick (entrance on left past New Horizons building), on the following days and times: Friday, March 13, 3.30-8pm; Saturday, March 14, 12noon-4.30pm; Sunday, March 15, 8-10.45am.