Over 5,000 runners return to the streets of Lisburn

Over 5000 runners descended to the start line to take part in the 2024 Vitality Membership Lisburn Half Marathon, 10K Road Race and Fun Run. The popular event returned to the streets of Lisburn on Wednesday 19 June.

Organised by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, the sellout event saw competitive runners, families and schools take on the challenge of one of Northern Ireland’s favourite running events. 

This year also heralded a new sponsorship area which attracted amazing giveaways from Coca-Cola, MB Chicken and Fulfil. There were also carnival games along with music from Cool FM for a superb atmosphere.

Some of the countries most talented runners crossed the finishing line with Gillian McCrory taking top honours in the women’s Half Marathon with a time of 1.25.08, while Sarah McNutt took a well-deserved second spot and Leann Gibson third. In the men’s Half Marathon, Eskander Turki made it on to the podium in first place in an impressive time of 1.09.31, with Conor Gallagher taking second place and Adam Smyth finishing a strong third.

In the 10K Wheelchair race, Jim Corbett finished in first place with a time of 33.48 and Jane Bleakley was placed highest finishing female.

Hannah Gilliland crossed the finish line in first place in the women’s 10K in 35.40, followed by Elisoa Crawford in second and Nicola Black in third place. In the men's 10K, Brandon McKeown clocked up a first place with a quick time of 34.09, closely followed by Ciaran McKendry in second place and Ronan McAree in third.

The Fun Run was keenly contended with Anna Kelly picking up first place in the female event, followed by Upe Speiskaite in second and Isla Wiltshire in third place. The male Fun Run event was proudly won by Caleb Lewis who excelled to first place. Second place was won by Ashton Cusick and third place Conall Kelly.

Starting the Half Marathon event, the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh, Councillor Kurtis Dickson said, “The Half Marathon, 10K Road Race and Fun Run have been firm favourites with runners and families for over four decades. This year we were delighted to record one of our highest entry numbers which shows the popularity of the event with runners, families and schools.

We are proud that the event has now grown to become one of Northern Ireland’s largest running events. Many participants come back year on year, while there are some who have run tonight for the very first time.

“I was honoured to meet so many people around the course earlier when completing in the Fun Run, which was such a great atmosphere and lots of fun. You should be very proud of your achievement and hopefully it will be the start of many more runs to come!”

“I would like to thank everyone for supporting the event and helping to raise donations for my Mayoral Charity, Emerge Counselling Services”, concluded Mayor Dickson

The Chairman of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Jonathan Craig added “The Council is pleased to once again organise this great event and inspire people to come together to get active.

We have a proud history of sporting success and I am delighted that we can continue to organise an event of this scale which is both accessible and enjoyable for everyone. 

I would like to thank the council for supporting the event in partnership with their Vitality Membership package which encourages people to get active through the many classes and activities on offer.

I would also like to thank Coca-Cola, MB Chicken and Fulfil for their support.  They have offered some amazing giveaways for runners to enjoy when they crossed the finish line. It was also fantastic to watch families taking on the challenge of the carnival games, which added to the atmosphere.”

To view photographs from the event, please visit www.lisburnhalfmarathon.com or check out the Council’s Sports Development Facebook page, Beactivelisburncastlereagh.