Jimmy’s Ten entries go on sale Friday

13 December 2023

JIMMY’S Ten, organised by East Down Athletics Club and sponsored by Finnebrogue, is back on the streets of Downpatrick on Sunday, March 10, with a 10.30am start.

Finnebrogue, leading UK food producer and Downpatrick’s largest private employer, is back for a second year to support the local running club with race promotion and to enhance the race day experience.

As part of a generous three-year deal, which will see the race through to its 25th anniversary in 2025, Finnebrogue will provide financial backing to enable the club to host a top-notch event as well as supply goodie bags to the first 100 to sign up.

Finnebrogue will also host a post-race barbecue for runners and spectators using their Finnebrogue Naked range, which is gluten-free and made without artificial preservatives.

The partnership also plan to give back to the community by making a donation to the town’s flood fund out of the entry fees revenue.

“As a business deeply rooted in fostering community spirit and supporting local initiatives, Finnebrogue is thrilled to be back supporting East

Down Athletics and their delivery of the 24th Jimmy’s Ten next year,” said Finnebrogue communications manager Anthea McAuley.

“This event attracts crowds from across the widespread running community, injecting vitality into the town centre.

“And following the recent floods, this influx of visitors is a much-needed boost for businesses and the local economy,” she continued.

“The sight of runners racing down Market Street, which we know was worst hit by the floods, is a remarkable spectacle, and we encourage as many people as possible to get involved.

She added: “I know colleagues at Finnebrogue are already organising their relay teams.”

Established in 1999, by Joe Quinn MBE, Jimmy’s Ten road race is in memory of Jimmy Murray who was a stalwart of the East Down Athletics Club and an inspirational coach of juniors.

The first race was only attended by 30 runners but year on year Joe built the event to what it is today.

“It now takes a small army of volunteers to make this happen as well as incurring considerable expense, so having a financial backer like Finnebrogue is key,” said Joe.

He was also quick to give his seal of approval to the decision to repeat the course used last year.

“The race will go from Market Street through the town centre, out to the River Quoile where the runners will complete a double loop before returning through the town,” he explained.

“It works well as the runners appreciate the terrain and the good road surface and the spectators get to see the runners multiple times”.

Meanwhile, East Down AC chairman Martin Willcox extended a warm invitation to all ahead of the event.

“Our race caters to all, from those chasing personal bests to first-time 10K runners,” he said.

“We also hope to see Zak Hanna and Anna Gardiner back to defend their titles and maybe this year we will see the time bonus lifted.

“It’s currently sitting at £200 for the winning male if he is sub-31 minutes and for the female winner if she is sub-35 minutes – and this is on top of the £200 prize money,” he continued.

“With the support of Finnebrogue, we are thrilled we can offer one of the best prize pots around, but just as importantly, offer a fantastic day out for all.”

Entries open on this Friday, in perfect timing for a Christmas gift or to encourage yourself to set a New Year’s fitness resolution.

Early Bird pricing runs until the end of January and the first 100 entrants will qualify for a Finnebrogue goodie bag.

Entries can be made at https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/Jimmys10K2024.

For further information visit the club website at www.eastdownac.co.uk or email racedirector@eastdownac.co.uk.

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