Olympian fires starting pistol for Storming the Castle countdown

Rio Olympian Breege Connolly joined Seapark AC to launch this year's Storming the Castle 10k road race in Carrickfergus.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th May 2017, 18:27 BST
Updated 16th May 2017, 14:26 BST
Breege Connolly, 2016 Rio Olympian, at the Storming the Castle launch with Charlie Strudwick from Whitehead and Seapark AC representative Neill Harper (in costume). INCT 20-791-CONBreege Connolly, 2016 Rio Olympian, at the Storming the Castle launch with Charlie Strudwick from Whitehead and Seapark AC representative Neill Harper (in costume). INCT 20-791-CON
Breege Connolly, 2016 Rio Olympian, at the Storming the Castle launch with Charlie Strudwick from Whitehead and Seapark AC representative Neill Harper (in costume). INCT 20-791-CON

Up to 800 runners are expected to participate and with many more spectators and volunteers also getting involved it is expected to be an exciting event for the town.

Launching the August 27 event, Andy Smyth, Seapark AC race director, said: “We are delighted Breege could join us. She has been an inspiration and role model for the sport and we hope to inspire more people to take up their own challenge whether they are running for fun or looking for a personal best.

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“We are also pleased that the race has once again been selected to be part of the Novosco 10K Grand Prix series.

Breege Connolly, the 2016 Rio Olympian, joined Seapark AC to launch this years Storming the Castle 10k road race. Pictured with Breege Connolly and Race Director, Andy Smyth, Seapark AC, are Seapark runners with Jack Creighton, Ownies Bar and Restaurant, main sponsor. INCT 20-790-CONBreege Connolly, the 2016 Rio Olympian, joined Seapark AC to launch this years Storming the Castle 10k road race. Pictured with Breege Connolly and Race Director, Andy Smyth, Seapark AC, are Seapark runners with Jack Creighton, Ownies Bar and Restaurant, main sponsor. INCT 20-790-CON
Breege Connolly, the 2016 Rio Olympian, joined Seapark AC to launch this years Storming the Castle 10k road race. Pictured with Breege Connolly and Race Director, Andy Smyth, Seapark AC, are Seapark runners with Jack Creighton, Ownies Bar and Restaurant, main sponsor. INCT 20-790-CON

“Boosting a fast, flat course, it is a popular choice for all ability running enthusiasts, from serious competitors, club athletes and joggers, to those simply wanting to keep fit or run for their chosen charity.

“In addition, it makes the most of the towns iconic attractions such as the castle and picturesque harbour and marina making it a striking choice of venue for both runners and spectators.

“Runners participating have grown each year, and we have already had much interest in this year’s event with almost 150 registered to take part from a range of clubs across Northern Ireland. To kick start the countdown, we have a discounted early bird rate available until 30 June to encourage people to register so they don’t miss out, simply visit www.athleticsni.org to sign up.

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“We are delighted to be working with Mid and East Antrim Council who will be running a kids fun run, Chase the Knight as part of the day’s events. We would also like to thank and acknowledge the generous support from our main sponsor Ownies Bar and Restaurant. We have also welcomed sponsorship from Carrick Osteopathic Clinic, SPR McGowan Tree Services, Abbey Insurance, NIBC Ltd, Flipping Crepes and Dale Farm.”

Breege Connolly, the 2016 Rio Olympian, joined Seapark AC to launch this years Storming the Castle 10k road race. Pictured with Breege Connolly and Race Director, Andy Smyth, Seapark AC, are Seapark runners with Jack Creighton, Ownies Bar and Restaurant, main sponsor. INCT 20-790-CONBreege Connolly, the 2016 Rio Olympian, joined Seapark AC to launch this years Storming the Castle 10k road race. Pictured with Breege Connolly and Race Director, Andy Smyth, Seapark AC, are Seapark runners with Jack Creighton, Ownies Bar and Restaurant, main sponsor. INCT 20-790-CON
Breege Connolly, the 2016 Rio Olympian, joined Seapark AC to launch this years Storming the Castle 10k road race. Pictured with Breege Connolly and Race Director, Andy Smyth, Seapark AC, are Seapark runners with Jack Creighton, Ownies Bar and Restaurant, main sponsor. INCT 20-790-CON

Furthermore, Carrickfergus Camera Club will be teaming up with Seapark AC to capture all the action on the day.

“There will be prizes for main race categories as well as spot prizes on the day so we expect this to be a fantastic day out for all involved. While everyone can’t be winners, whatever your reason to run, the real prize is in taking part and celebrating the benefits of a more active lifestyle,” Andy concluded.

Full details are available at www.seaparkac.com or Facebook Storming the Castle, #STC10K.

Related topics:CarrickfergusNorthern Ireland