Mary Peters Running Festival

Runners and families are gearing up for a special running event to mark the 50th anniversary of Lady Mary Peters historic Gold Medal at the Munich Olympic Games.

The eagerly awaited Mary Peters Running Festival will take place on Sunday 2 October in the grounds of the Eikon Centre in Lisburn. Runners can now sign up at https://endurancecui.active.com/event-reg/select-race?e=81925234

The event is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. First times runners can set a new fitness challenge by taking on the 5K, while those looking to progress to a longer distance can take the next step to the 10K.

Runners can also sign up for the popular Half Marathon and aim to beat the clock with a new personal best time. There is also the option to take on the ultimate challenge with the introduction of an exciting new Full Marathon route, which will be the first 26.2 miler for the Lisburn area.

The final event is a special 20 mile route, which is the perfect training ground for runners looking to get some miles into their legs for other marathon events later in the year.

The 5k and 10k will take place entirely inside the Eikon Centre grounds on smooth flat roads, while the longer races start and finish inside the site but involve a loop of the local roads before finishing at the venue.

Speaking at the launch, Lady Mary Peters said, “It is fantastic to celebrate my 50th anniversary with a superb event which will encourage people to get active. Running is a great activity which can be enjoyed by the whole family, no matter your age or running experience.

“The event includes a wide choice of races so you get involved whether you are new to running or looking to set yourself a new challenge. The Eikon Centre also offers an excellent venue with a great stretch of grounds to accommodate most races in one area.

“The day promises to be great fun and I would warmly encourage families, runners and clubs to get involved and sign up today!”

Councillor Aaron McIntyre, Chair of the Leisure and Community Development Committee, added, “Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is delighted to work in partnership with the Mary Peters Trust to deliver this fantastic event.

“The council has already held a very successful Half Marathon, 10K and Fun Run in June and the Running Festival will add to the popular running calendar in the Lisburn area. We are also particularly pleased to welcome the first Full Marathon to the council area, which will provide a great stepping stone for local runners.

“We are also looking forward to cheering on participants from our current Couch to 5K and 5K-10K programmes, who will be taking part in their graduation run as part of the event on 2 October.

“Keeping active is a great way to improve your health and wellbeing so these events and programmes are perfect for getting more people moving together.

“I would like to encourage both experienced runners and those running for fun to sign up for the event and I look forward to cheering you across the finishing line,” concluded Councillor McIntyre.

For further details on the Mary Peter’s Running Festival and to sign up, please visit www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk