Countdown to Ballynahinch Run and Walk event

Countdown to Ballynahinch Run and Walk event

23 October 2019

PREPARATIONS are underway for next month’s Ballynahinch Run and Walk To Remember event.

Now in its third year and organised by the Ballynahinch branch of The Royal British Legion, it takes place on Saturday, November 9.

The event is organised in partnership with running events company, Atlas Running from Crossgar, and sponsored by Ballynahinch’s Primrose Bar and Restaurant.

Regularly attracting some of the best club runners from around Northern Ireland, the athletes have recorded some very fast times around the 5k route since it first started when 150 runners took part.

This year, organisers aim to have 300 participants and already half of the places are sold out.

“This is an event for everyone to enjoy from families walking the 5k route together to the serious club runner chasing their new personal best time,” said Gareth Armstrong from Ballynahinch RBL.

“The challenging but beautiful countryside route has something for everyone,” he added.

Last year’s race was won by Ballynahinch athlete John Craig (Victoria Park and Connswater AC) in 17:12 minutes, with East Down Athletic Club’s Martin Wilcox securing second place in 19:00 minutes.

Ross Moore of Saintfield Striders crossed the line in 19:13 minutes to finish third, while Sarah Graham took first place in the female race where the Mourne Runners athlete clocked 20:25 minutes to take the ladies title and claim sixth place overall. 

Ballynahinch athlete Joanne Foster (East Down AC) followed in 21:45 minutes (second place), while Albertville Harriers’ Beverley Mitchell completing the top three in 22:25 (third place).

Online entry for the forthcoming event is strongly advised to avoid disappointment by logging on at via www.sientries.co.uk. Entries close on Thursday, November 7 and fees are £11 for affiliated runners and £13 for unaffiliated.

All runners and walkers will receive a special one-off Poppy design finishers’ medal and there will be trophies for the first three male and female runners to cross the line.

And there is also something extra this year as the first 80 runners to cross the line will receive a free pint of Budweiser Light beer in the Primrose Bar immediately afterwards. 

All participants will receive a free bottle of water sponsored by Morrison’s Vivo Extra garage located at the Belfast Road in Ballynahinch.

Free car parking is available for participants and spectators at Lisburn Street public car park with registration on the day in the RBL Hall between 11am and 12.40pm.

Race assembly is from 12:50pm at The War Memorial.