Following the success of the two previous events, Bryansford GAC is pleased to announce the third annual running of the ‘Ford 5k. A little later than in 2017 (the race was in July), the event takes place at 11am on Saturday 29 September. The course is slightly different this year, but the modifications are designed to make it even faster than before. The Start will be further Down the Castlewellan Road, close to the entrance to the Sunnyholme Caravan Park. Once past the St. Patrick’s Park, there will be a lap of the town heading out to the roundabout on the Bryansford Road before turning back towards the town and going back to the Park where the race will finish with almost a lap of the pitch.
Last Year there were some outstanding times with Andrew Annett winning in an impressive 15:24 and Laura Graham recording the fastest ladies time with 17:40. 43 finishers dipped under the 20 minute barrier, no mean achievement. Race Director and seasoned running campaigner Eamon McCrickard is confident that without the twists and turns around the streets of Tullybrannigan, even faster times will be possible.
Entries are available on the day at St. Patrick’s Park on the Castlewellan Road at £10 and there will be refreshments and spot prizes at the finish. The organisers are keen to point out that this is a family event for runners, joggers and walkers of all ages and abilities. With four big running clubs in the area, East Down AC, Mourne Runners, Murlough AC and Newcastle & District AC, there promises to be a great wealth of talent on display and competition between clubs will be intense. From slightly further afield Ballydrain Harriers, Saintfield Striders, Crossgar Harriers, the Flying Horse Flyers and Scrabo Striders all travel well and one would expect many to avail of the opportunity to record a good time on a flat and fast course. Moreover, with so many people completing couch to 5k programmes in every town and village locally, there will be many looking to this event as a barometer of their progress against their personal goals. Numbers will undoubtedly be swelled by the large numbers of Bryansford stalwarts turning out to support their club and the sterling work of the race orgainsers.
In conclusion, keep the date free and come along to enjoy a great race.