Record numbers participate in the 2017 Lisburn Coca-Cola-HBC Half Marathon, 10K & Fun Run
June 26, 2017
Hailed as the most successful event yet, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council was thrilled to welcome just under 7,000 running enthusiasts to the start line at the 35th Lisburn Coca-Cola HBC Half Marathon, 10K Road Race and Fun Run on Wednesday 21st June.
Supported by title sponsors, Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland, and media partner, Cool FM, the ever-popular running event got off to a flying start with the newly elected Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Tim Morrow officiating the countdown to the Half Marathon, followed by the newly appointed Chairman of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee, Alderman James Tinsley overseeing the start of the 10K Road Race. Coca Cola’s Gillian Shields had the pleasure of launching the start of the Fun Run.
Some of Northern Ireland’s most talented runners took to the start line with the impressive Gladys Ganiel taking top honours in the women’s Half Marathon, while Amy Bulman took second spot and Jenny Bannerman third. In the men’s Half Marathon, Kenya-born, Freddy Sutik made it on to the podium in first place, with John Black taking second place and John Craig finishing a strong third.
In the Half Marathon Wheelchair race, local hand cyclist Ted McKibben finished in first place, with wheelchair competitors Paul Hannon placed second and Jim Corbett in third.
The experienced Donna Mone crossed the finish line in first place in the 10K, followed by Denise Logue in second and Sarahjane Guiney in third place. In the men's 10K, James Edgar took first place, closely followed by Chris Madden in second place and Andrew Annett in third.
Speaking about the event, the Mayor, Councillor Tim Morrow said: “Speaking about the event, the Mayor, Councillor Tim Morrow said: “This was one of my first events since becoming Mayor and as my wife Hilary was taking part in the 10K for the 10th time, which is one of her favourite events, I was particularly pleased to be involved. It was a great honour to be given the opportunity to start the Half Marathon and to see runners set off on the newly designated ‘Northern Ireland and Ulster Half Marathon Championship’ route.
“We had record numbers enter the event this year, which is credit to everyone involved in organising an event of this calibre.
“I would like thank the participants and supporters who came out in force, and did extremely well, in very humid conditions, and of course a huge thank you to title sponsors Coca-Cola HBC for their continued support, which is very much key to the success of the event”, conclude Councillor Morrow.
The Chairman, Councillor Alderman Tinsley, also commented: “As this was my first engagement since being elected as Chairman of the Leisure & Community Development Committee, I was particularly pleased to be involved. It was great to see so many friends and families from communities across the country come together to take part in one of Northern Ireland’s largest sporting participatory events.
“The Council encourages everyone to get active and maintain a healthy lifestyle and events like this one, provide a level of encouragement and focus for people to do just that.
“I would like to thank our title sponsors, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company and extend my gratitude to everyone who took part, especially the podium winners, I hope you all enjoyed the experience. You should all be very proud!”
Gillian Shields Community Affairs Manager, Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland said: “Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland are proud once again to be part of this event which is focussed just as much on community spirit as it is on being active. The 2017 event was superb. Congratulations to all the participants on completing their respective runs, to all the winners of this year’s races, to the organisers of this year’s event and more importantly to those who helped raised much needed funds for many charitable organisations.”
To view photographs from the event, please visit www.lisburnhalfmarathon.com or check out the Council’s Sports Development Facebook page, Beactivelisburncastlereagh.