Entries are now open for this year’s Larne Half-Marathon

Building on the success and popularity of last year’s event, organisers can confirm that the course will remain by far the most scenic half-marathon in Northern Ireland, taking in the spectacular Antrim Coast Road with its sheer cliffs on one side and sea views on the other.

Not only does the event enable fun runners, joggers and club athletes to take part, but it is excellent preparation for those planning to complete a full marathon, particularly for the Belfast marathon in May.

For those not wishing to run the full distance, there is the opportunity to run as part of a relay team or to walk the course, both of which have proved increasingly popular in recent years.

In 2014 the event raised money for a number of charities including £2,000 for Crohn’s and Colitis UK, and Diabetes UK. This year’s nominated charities are Asthma UK and Pretty ‘n’ Pink, a breast cancer charity.

All participants will receive a quality souvenir T-shirt, while finishers also receive a commemorative medal specially designed by local primary school children. Food is available for all afterwards in the Leisure Centre, with plenty of water supplied around the course.

There is a generous £3,000 prize fund with £400 to the first male and female athletes.

The Larne Half Marathon continues to grow from strength to strength and some 1,500 runners are expected to enter the 2015 event. With just 10 weeks to go, organisers are encouraging everyone to get their entry in early by visiting www.larnehalfmarathon.webs.com

NYC race for Baxters

Heather and Colin Baxter (right) joined over 4,000 runners Stateside to take part in the Joe Kleinerman 10k in a snow-covered Central Park, in New York.

In bitterly cold temperatures the runners completed just over one lap of this famous NYC landmark.

Heather completed the race in 51:59, while Colin, who was running after a long lay-off, finished in 69:30.