Freddie races to impressive win

Those included people of all athletic abilities, many of whom raised thousands of pounds for a variety of worthwhile causes whilst running alongside many of the island of Ireland’s best distance runners.

This is the first year of the new Half Marathon route over a less hilly course. Previous winner Freddie Sittuk once again won the Half Marathon in an impressively fast time of 1:11:38.

The second male Half Marathoner was not far behind as Brian Campbell crossed the finish line with a time of 1:11:54.

Caitriona Jennings was the leading lady finishing in a winning time of 1:21:17 with Cathy McCourt close on her heels recording a time of 1:22:00.

It was a joint finish in the Half Marathon wheelchair race with Jim Corbett and Paul Hannin crossing the line together with a time of 1:05:40.

Ryan McDermott won the 10K in a time of 31:06 closely followed by Paddy Hamilton at a time of 31:17.

In the Ladies race, the winner was Natasha Adams who recorded a time of 34:53 with Rebecca Murtagh taking second place with a time of 36:50.

A highlight of the evening was the Community 3K Fun Run that attracted thousands of runners, some in various types of fancy dress that added greatly to the feel-good factor of the evening. Luke Johnson was first across the Fun Run Finishing Line with Rebecca Wallace the First Female Finisher.

The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Thomas Beckett commenting on the large turnout at the event said: “I am very pleased that through the participation of runners at this well-known sporting event a significant sum will have been raised for my mayoral charity, the Mary Peters Trust.”

Coca Cola’s Sarah Smith said: “We at Coca-Cola HBC were thrilled to be once again the title sponsor of the Lisburn Half Marathon. Coca-Cola has been involved in the Lisburn Half Marathon for more than 15 years and has been title sponsor of the event since 2008.

“Attracting over 6,000 participants annually including elite athletes, casual fun runners and wheelchair users this event is focussed just as much on community spirit as it is on promoting a healthy and active lifestyle and raises much needed funds for many very deserving charities each year. Congratulations to everyone who took part in the races, the evening was a great success.”

Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the Leisure & Community Development Committee, said: “Everyone enjoyed a great evening and once again the event attracted thousands of runners and it was gratifying to see so many children and young people entering the races.

“I am delighted that the new Half Marathon route allowed the runners to shave a few seconds off their times with perhaps a few new personal bests being set. Well done to everyone who took part in all the races and thank all those who came along to support them.”

For full results please go to www.lisburnhalfmarathon.com