RUNNERS are asked to mark their calendars and lace up their running shoes as the Bangor 10K is back and once again carries NI and Ulster Championship status.
The race will take place on September 28 and registration is now open until the Thursday preceding the event.
The championships are sponsored by leading local estate agent John Minnis Estate Agents and organised by North Down Athletics Club in association with Ards and North Down Borough Council.
While the championship status will attract the leading Northern road runners, the annual event also offers the less intense participants the opportunity to take on a fun challenge.
All this against the background of a stunning coastal route, beginning in Castle Park and making its way through Bangor town centre, before heading out along the coast and countryside to Groomsport and finishing in Ward Park.
John Minnis, Company Director at John Minnis Estate Agents, said: “As a local estate agent, we are dedicated to supporting community initiatives, and John Minnis Estate Agents is thrilled to once again partner with North Down Athletic Club to facilitate this exciting event.
“The NI and Ulster Championship Bangor 10K is always a fun-filled occasion which champions positive health and well-being locally, and we are very much looking forward to welcoming athletes and spectators to the city of Bangor in September.”
Jamie Stevenson, Chairperson of North Down Athletic Club, which is celebrating its 50th year in 2024, added:
“It has been incredible to watch the NI and Ulster Championship Bangor 10K grow in popularity over the past number of years, with local runners as well as participants from further afield travelling to take part.
As always, we are expecting a high demand for places, so we recommend runners register early to avoid disappointment!”
North Belfast Harrier Andrew Milligan was the winner of last year’s race in a tight finish with City of Derry’s Conor Bradley and St. Malachy’s Conall McClean in which a single second covered all three.
Annadale Strider Robyn McKee took the honours in the women’s race ahead of clubmate Dearbhla Cox and Lagan Valley’s Sarah McNutt.
Newcastle claimed the men’s team title while Annadale were comfortable women’s team champions.
The 2024 NI and Ulster Championship Bangor 10K prize fund is more than £3400, and a reduced early bird offer is available until 20 June 2024, with registrations starting from only £13.50.
The race will also be supported by Cosimac, Electronic & Security Systems, Pure Running, Gordons Chemists, and Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
For more information or to register for the NI and Ulster Championship Bangor 10k, please visit northdownac.co.uk/bangor10k
Meanwhile the looming deadline for Olympic qualification on 30 June may explain the number of Irish athletes taking part in midweek fixtures across Europe.
Tuesday evening’s Paavo Nurmi Memorial in Turku welcomes Louise Shanahan (800m), Mark English (800m), Luke McCann and Cathal Doyle (1500m), Sarah Lavin (100mH), and Thomas Barr (400mH).
While Wednesday sees Paul Robinson and J Dunne (1500m), Laura Mooney (5000m), and Finley Daly (3000m S/C) in Bilbao while Jodie McCann (5000m), Cillian Kirwan (800m) and Sam Healy (Long Jump) compete in Oslo.
