Record breaking numbers turn out for Tesco Half Marathon

Winning the Men’s race for the second year in a row was Stephen Duncan from Omagh Harriers (67mins 41 secs) with previous 2002 winner, Anne Paul from City of Derry (84 mins 15 secs) clinching the top spot for the Women. Overall clubs team, male and female categories, was won by City of Derry Spartans.

Relay team participants also noted a significant increase with Keep Baby Kate Award Foundation winning the male category, Inishowen AC For for Life winning the Female and the mixed category being won by Springwell.

The Mayor Colum Eastwood praised organizers and congratulated participants.

"The Tesco Waterside Half Marathon is one of our city’s pivotal sporting events and I was delighted to learn that this year’s event attracted record breaking numbers.

“Congratulations to all those who took part and thanks also to those who came along in large numbers to support their family and friends. Organisers must also be acknowledged for their hard work and dedication to this event," he said.

Irene Hewitt, Community Relations Manager of official sponsors, Tesco, said: "We were very much encouraged by this year’s increase in numbers and would like to pay tribute to all participants and supporters who have pushed themselves to help raise money for their nominated charities.

“Tesco are delighted to be associated with this fantastic sporting event which underpins our values as a company that support local communities.”

Presenting the medals to race winners, John Glover, President of Athletics Northern Ireland said: "The Tesco Waterside Half Marathon continues to deliver as an Athletics Northern Ireland Championship course, with the event continuing to attract more and more participants each year.

“I would like to congratulate Derry City Council in once again delivering a top class sporting occasion as well as the local clubs who have been extremely supportive in the weeks leading up the event”.

Organisers, Derry City Council wish to thank all participants, officials, announcers and sponsors for supporting the Tesco Waterside Half Marathon this year.

The support of the Western Health and Social Care Trust, Oak Grove Integrated College, Invista Textiles (UK) Ltd and the Blue Light emergency services was also essential for a successful event and Derry City Council acknowledges their facilitation on Sunday.

Full race results and photo gallery will be available on www.derrycity.gov.uk/halfmarathon later today, Monday 13th September.

HURT and the Foyle Branch of the Parkinson’s Society, the nominated charities, would also like to thank everyone for their support.