Dessie's run this weekend

LATE August and it's Dessie's Run time again with the Gransha Grounds once again set to host the popular 10K which will bring several hundred runners to the Clooney Road site this Sunday's 12 noon start.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Aug 2010, 12:14 BST
Updated 26th Aug 2010, 12:16 BST

The annual City of Derry Spartans promotion which commemorates a former Sparta AC captain, the late Dessie McNulty, is included in a new NI wide Spar Grand Prix 10K Series and will be the penultimate race in the Series, the Laganside race a week later on Sunday 5th September concluding what has proven to be a successful series of races.

Entries are currently been accepted for the event online at www.niathletics.org or by post to the Race Director, 3 Mount Vernon,Culmore BT48 8AG. Entry forms can be downloaded from the NI Athletics website, from www.sparta-athletics.co.uk or www.spar10kseries.com.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They are also available at all Derry City Council Leisure Centres and local Fitness Centres. You can also email [email protected] or phone (0770) 200 6667/(0776) 647 7533 for information.

The entry fees are 10 for affiliated athletes/11 for non affiliated up to tomorrow (Thursday) and thereafter either 12 or 15 euros.

Race Packs will be available for collection on Saturday between 12noon - 4pm at Race HQ, Oakgrove Integrated College in the Gransha Grounds and again on Sunday morning from 9.30am to 11.30am. Entries will also be taken at Oakgrove at these times on Saturday and Sunday and early entry is advised.

All participants will get a commemorative Dessie's Run T shirt and a Spar Goody Bag. There is a generous 1,200 prize fund for the leading age group finishers from U20 to O70, both male and female, and expert commentator David McKibbin will be on hand to keep everyone informed of proceedings. Post race refreshments will also be served at the Awards Ceremony in Oakgrove after the race and the School's excellent changing/shower facilities will be available to the runners.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Top local road runner Gregory Roberts will be keen to improve on last year's runners up spot behind Belfast speedster Joe McAllister. Both got below 31 minutes in a gripping duel last time and with many of the top road racers expected to take part, some high quality up front action is anticipated on the fast Gransha three lap course.

Many participants of course will use the race as part of their final preparations for the Tesco Waterside Half Marathon which will be based in the same venue two weeks later on Sunday, September 12.

News from the Derry City Council organised classic 13.1 miler is that entries are flooding in from all arts and parts and the target of 1500 runners for the 29th staging of the Waterside is well on course.

Half Marathon information is available on www.derrycity.gov.uk/halfmarathon and entry forms can be downloaded there or picked up from Council Leisure Centres. Defending women's champion Pauline Curley of Tullamore Harriers has confirmed her participation and more news on the likely up front male and female athletes will follow next week.