Thousands Participate in the Lisburn Half Marathon, 10K & Fun Run

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council was delighted to welcome running enthusiasts to the streets of Lisburn for the 2016 Coca-Cola Lisburn Half Marathon, 10K Road Race and Fun Run.

 

The annual event attracted just under 7,000 runners and has been hailed a great success.

 

Supported by title sponsors, Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland, and new media partner, Cool FM, the ever-popular running event got off to a flying start with the Chairman of the Leisure and Community Development Committee, Councillor Tim Morrow officiating the countdown to the 10K Road Race, followed by the newly-elected Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Brian Bloomfield overseeing the start of the Half Marathon. Coca Cola’s Gillian Shields had the pleasure in launching the start of the Fun Run.

 

Some of Northern Ireland’s most talented runners took to the start line with Heather Foley crossing the finish line in first place in the 10K, followed by Jodi Smith in second and Mari Troeng coming in hard in third place. In the men's 10K, City of Lisburn athlete Christopher Madden took first place, closely followed by Adam Kirk-Smith in second and Daniel Dawson in third place.

 

The experienced Laura Graham took top honours in the women’s Half Marathon, while Karen Alexander took second spot and Shona Crombie-Hicks third. In the men’s Half Marathon, Stephen Duncan made it on to the podium in first place, with Matthew Hewitt taking second position and Marc Jennings finishing a strong third.

 

In the Half Marathon Wheelchair race, it was Jack Agnew who finished in first place, with Jim Corbett coming second.

 

Speaking about the event, the Mayor, Councillor Brian Bloomfield MBE said: “I really enjoyed the evening and I was delighted to be a part of this brilliant and well organised event, which has become one of the most popular running events in Northern Ireland and I am extremely proud to have it in the City of Lisburn and Castlereagh.

 

“Participants and supporters came out in force, and it was great to see so many friends and families from communities across the country come together – everyone did extremely well.

 

“I would like to congratulate everyone who participated, especially those who finished on the podium. You all should be very proud,” concluded Mayor Bloomfield.

 

The Chairman, Councillor Tim Morrow, 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.

 

“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 for their continued support, which is very much appreciated and key to the success of the event.

 

“I extend my gratitude to everyone who took part and I hope you all enjoyed the experience”.

 

Gillian Shields Community Affairs Manager, Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland said: “Coca-Cola have been involved in the Marathon for over 10 years and is proud to be part of an event which is focussed just as much on community spirit and fun as it is on competitive running. This was another hugely successful event for Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council with just under 7,000 competitors and a growing number of spectators. I would like to extend my congratulations to all the organisers, participants and winners and I look forward to seeing you all again next year.”