Record turnout for Jimmy’s 10K anniversary race

19 March 2025

THE 25th anniversary edition of the Jimmy’s 10K, hosted by East Down Athletics Club, had been in preparation for months and the historic significance of the event captured the interest of runners from far and wide.

With the race selling out two weeks prior to getting underway and a grand total of more than 750 participants amassing in Downpatrick on Sunday, an army of volunteers was drawn up from club members, friends and supporters.

Market Street was lined with spectators and looking on was Joe Quinn – race founder, legend in his own time and someone that has helped East Down AC to thrive.

He set up the race in honour of his good friend, Jimmy Murray, who was singlehandedly responsible for motivating and encouraging junior athletes in the area, resulting in the creation of East Down Athletics Club.

With participants raring to go, Robert Wilson, winner of the inaugural race in 1999, blew the hooter to release the runners onto the course.

Cool and bright, with little wind, the conditions were perfect for running a fast 10K and many entrants had their sights on setting PBs.

Last year’s winner, Robbie Hagan, was disappointed to not defend his title, but with his sights set on running a marathon, he sensibly followed coach’s orders and stayed away.

This opened the door to a new contender and that is where Patrick Sheridan came in. Modest in his abilities, yet confident that he had the form to take the win, Patrick took off with intent, tucking in behind the lead bike.

Within a few minutes, he was on his own, with a gutsy group of eight to 10 runners realising they were not going to catch him.

He later commented that the 10K distance is not his forte, as he is more accustomed to track athletics, but there was little sign of that as he breezed through the kilometre markers and he was barely out of puff when he broke the tape in 31.50.

A worthy winner, and very gracious with it, the 2025 Jimmy’s 10K champion is a great role model for his peers.

Christopher Dean, from Willowfield Harriers, secured a strong second place (32.46), having shaken off a determined effort from Newcastle AC’s Patrick McNiff in third.

Patrick was a last minute entry, taking the place of his mum, who was forced to withdraw through injury, and he ran a commendable 33.07 in a return to form.

Catherine O’Connor is another unassuming athlete who trains away quietly and is always keen to produce a good, hard race.

Catherine was not taking it for granted that she would retain her title, but she was clear of her fellow females and on the heels of the chasing men before too long.

She loped across the line, in 22nd place overall, with her trademark relaxed gait and a grin as wide as the tape.

As the first female across the line, she clocked a time of 36.30, ahead Newcastle’s Sinead Murtagh in 39.01.

Sinead had shown nerves of steel, staving off a hard chase from Annadale Striders’ Eimear McCracken, who was a fraction behind and completed the podium.

There were prizes and titles galore, and one that deserves a mention is club entries. Saintfield Striders and Ballydrain Harriers are loyal supporters of Jimmy’s 10K and, pre-race, they were noted as each having entered 44 runners.

Saintfield folk must be made of strong stuff, as almost all of their entrants turned up on the day and allowed them to take the title of best represented club.

There are also trophies for the fastest male and female teams. The M.B. McGrady Shield went to Newcastle AC’s Patrick Sheridan, Patrick McNiff, David McNeilly and Frank Cunningham.

North Down AC lifted the Female Team Shield thanks to Fiona McQuillan, Clair Quigley and Sarah Benton.

Another type of teamwork is unique to this race and that is the chance to run as a team of two, enabling those who are not 10K ready to take part.

There were 20 relay teams in action, with Lagan Valley’s Ollie Hanna and Scott Owen taking the all-male prize.

EDAC juniors Cara Napier and Sarah Gilchrist were the top all-female duo and Luke Braniff and Willow Farrington of Scrabo Striders won the mixed category.

There were also age category prizes, from U-20s right through to over 70s and with such a packed field, it was nice to see some familiar names in the results.

Five-time champion Paul Rowan, of Willowfield Harriers, was back to see how things had changed since his reign and, as a male over 55, to run a 40-minute 10K and finish 77th overall is highly commendable.

It was also interesting to note that the entry was almost evenly split between club members and non club members, highlighting how important this race is to the locals.

For some people, this was about fast times and beating their rivals, while for others it was simply a chance to take part in a large scale event on their doorstep and enjoy the camaraderie that ensues.

The long sleeve t-shirts, which were given to the first 700 entrants, were much coveted by those who had left it too late to snag one.

The 25th anniversary design by Plus2print was a huge hit and their very own Gavin Oakes, who ran in the relay, was thrilled to see how many entrants wore their shirts on the day.

Wrap and Roll not only supplied the water bottles at the finish line, but Cathrina Kielty turned up to hand it out. She just wanted to be there to experience the buzz.

Finnebrogue have been in a generous three-year deal with EDAC and their financial support has enabled the race to grow, offer a huge prize fund and, more importantly, ensure that absolutely everyone was able to sample their wares.

Sinead Hanna had a team of EDAC volunteers well-drilled to work with the Finnebrogue Food Truck and they handed out over 900 hotdogs in less than an hour.

Thank you to Anthea McAuley, Finnebrogue Communications Manager, for working with us so efficiently.

We are delighted that Finnebrogue have committed to 2026 already, but for now that is a wrap.

Thanks to every single person who turned out to help in any way and, most importantly, a sincere thank you to all the runners who chose to join us.

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