Jimmy’s ten time

Jimmy’s ten time

12 March 2025

LOCAL runners are on the countdown for the 25th edition of the Jimmy’s 10K in Downpatrick this Sunday.

The annual race, organised by East Down AC in partnership with sponsor Finnebrogue, was first held in the former RAF base in Bishopscourt in 1999.

It was created by Joe Quinn, a stalwart of the athletics club, as he endeavoured to pay tribute to the life of his friend, James “Jimmy” Murray, who died at the age of 49 in 1998.

Jimmy was one of the founding members of EDAC, taking on the role of its first junior coach, and had a significant hand in shaping the club into what it is today.

Speaking on the impact Joe had made through his dedication to his friend’s memory, Alison Carroll, one of the race’s three directors, said: “Joe was determined Jimmy’s name would go down in history. Looking back over a quarter of a century, I don’t think he would have envisaged the race being such a popular and lasting tribute.”

The inaugural race was a success, with Willowfield Harriers’ Robert Wilson claiming the glory as the first winner and receiving the Jimmy Murray shield.

Since then, the Jimmy’s 10K has gone from stride to stride, moving into Downpatrick and becoming a name that is synonymous with the town and Northern Ireland athletics as a whole.

It has taken shape across various different routes, but one thing has remained the same. To this day, the event draws a field of over 800 runners — whether they are going for glory, testing themselves, or just enjoying occasion — and countless numbers of spectators.

Now gearing up for its 25th year, the social and economic impact it has on the area, as well as the fundraising efforts it inspires, cannot be understated and Alison was sure to point out just how much of that is down to Joe Quinn.

“Joe is synonymous with Jimmy’s 10K. He’s the thread that runs throughout the race’s history,” she said.

“Joe has always had high ambitions for the race, but even he didn’t realise how it would come to blaze a trail and set the standard for 10K races in this part of the world.”

Amongst the thousands of people that have taken to the line throughout the 24 previous runnings of the race, there have been a number of names that have stood out.

In terms of star-quality, Irish steeplechaser Kerry O’Flaherty is the name that catches the eye. She  won the race in 2016, prior to her appearance at the Olympic finals in Rio de Janeiro.

However, plenty of local and amateur athletes have also posted notable performances throughout the years.

Paul Rowan, clubmate of the inaugural winner, and Joe McAllister, St Malachy’s Belfast, are stand-out multiple-time winners, having claimed five and six titles respectively.

The host club has also found success through their own runners, with Neil McCartan taking first place in 2022 and Catherine O’Connor returning to defend her title on Sunday.

Catherine will be joined in defence by fellow 2024 winner Robbie Hagan, who will undoubtedly be out better his time from last year and set his sights on the time bonus.

As well as joining the coveted list of Jimmy’s 10K champions, the overall winner will receive £200 if they break the 31-minute mark, while the first female will receive the same cash prize if they come home in under 35 minutes.

The 25th anniversary Jimmy’s 10K race will begin on Market Street at 10.30am on Sunday.

Participants are advised to collect their numbers before race day and can do so between 3.30-7.30pm on Friday and 10.30am-1pm on Saturday.