MORE than 1,500 runners are set to descend on the streets of Bangor on Saturday morning as the city’s much-anticipated 10k race takes centre stage.
Many will be chasing personal goals as they challenge themselves to complete the scenic route, while some local athletes will have their eyes on titles and prizes at the NI & Ulster Championship event.
Proudly sponsored by John Minnis Estate Agents and organised by North Down Athletics Club in association with Ards and North Down Borough Council, the race is open to experienced and novice runners alike.
Beginning in Castle Park, runners will make their way through the city centre before heading out along the coast to Groomsport and back to the finish in Ward Park.
This year’s 10K boasts a prize fund in excess of £3,400 with a host of familiar faces from the local athletics fraternity expected to join participants travelling from further afield in taking part.
Jamie Stevenson, chairperson of North Down Athletic Club, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, said it has been ‘incredible’ to watch the event grow in popularity over the past number of years.
He added: “The race, set against the stunning backdrop of north Down, is particularly unique in terms of its picturesque views, which incentivise large numbers of runners of all abilities to take part each year.
“North Down Athletic Club would like to thank our event sponsor, John Minnis Estate Agents, for its support in making this year’s NI and Ulster Championship Bangor 10K a race to remember.”
John Minnis, company director at John Minnis Estate Agents, said the firm was ‘thrilled’ to once again partner with North Down AC to facilitate the event.
“We are proud to work closely with our local community to have a lasting and positive impact and partnering with North Down Athletics Club for the Bangor 10k allows us to do just that.
“With the race just around the corner, it’s a fantastic opportunity to bring together both experienced runners and those new to the sport, all in the spirit of community and togetherness.
“We’re committed to supporting initiatives that promote health and wellbeing and are looking forward to cheering all of those signed up for this weekend’s race.”
Ones to watch out for at the Bangor 10K
CRAIG MCMEECHAN, NORTH DOWN AC
The local man, fifth in last year’s race, has a 10k PB of 30:26. He finished third in the Laganside 10k earlier this month in 30:43.
JARED MARTIN, BALLYDRAIN HARRIERS
Jared has a PB of 31:55 and with wins at the Peel 10K and the Wytham Woods Trails 10K this year already, he’s another contender on the flatter north Down roads.
JIMMY SLOAN, ANNADALE STRIDERS
With times of 33:00 at the Jimmy’s 10K and 33:06 at the Portadown Running Festival 10K this year, as well as 15:12 on the track at 5000m last month, Jimmy is one of a strong contingent of Annadale Striders heading to north Down on Saturday.
LEA ADAMSON, ANNADALE STRIDERS
After running 80:52 at the Rome Half Marathon this year and fantastic performances over 8K distance, the Surrey-based Annadale Strider looks likely to be a strong contender in the women’s race.
JESSICA CRAIG, NORTH DOWN AC
Another strong local contender in the women’s race, Jessica ran 77:51 at the Omagh Half Marathon last year and has a 10k PB of 33:52.
FINN MCNALLY, NORTH BELFAST HARRIERS
The North Belfast Harrier was second at last weekend’s Belfast City Half Marathon in 67:44. The winner of this year’s Brighton Phoenix 10K in 30:07 has a 10k PB of 29:29 and a parkrun PB of 14:24.
BRHANE GEBREBRHAN, ANNADALE STRIDERS
After a third-placed finish at the Belfast City Half Marathon in 68:23, this year’s Laganside 10K winner in 30:31 will be another strong contender from Annadale Striders.
CONALL MCCLEAN, CANDOUR TRACK CLUB
Conall won the Féile 10K in August in 31:48 and boasts a 10k PB of 30:28.
TONY MCCAMBRIDGE, CANDOUR TRACK CLUB
Second to his clubmate Conall McClean at the Féile 10K in 31:48 and with a PB of 31:02, Tony is another local runner to look out for in Bangor on Saturday.
CAMERON STEWART, ANNADALE STRIDERS
Another strong contender with a sixth-placed finish in 30:50 at last year’s Bangor 10K and a win at the Carlingford 5K this year.
ZAK HANNA, NEWCASTLE AC
Newcastle AC runner Zak is at home in the Mournes and even faster on the roads. He won this year’s Jimmy’s 10K in 31:14.
PATRICK MCNIFF, NEWCASTLE AC
Another strong Newcastle;e AC runner, Patrick ran 31:48 in Bangor last year and finished this year’s Queen’s 5K in 15:13.
ROBYN MCKEE, ANNADALE STRIDERS
Robyn’s recent form includes 33:51 at the 2023 Seeley Cup and a 17:17 third-placed finish at the Carlingford 5K.
CONNOR GALLAGHER, CANDOUR TRACK CLUB
Connor has great pace across a variety of distances with a marathon PB of 2:22:56 and a 10K PB of 31:22. He recently ran 70:53 at the Antrim Coast Half Marathon.
For more information about this year’s NI and Ulster Championship Bangor 10k, please visit northdownac.co.uk/bangor10k.
