Greencastle 5 Mile Road Race marks 40th anniversary

THE popular Greencastle 5 Mile Road Race attracted over 1,000 competitors on Boxing Day, with Conall McClean making it back-to-back victories.

The Candor Track Club man, who won the 2024 edition, crossed the line in a time of 24:24, followed by David Spalding of Ballydrain Harriers, who finished in a time of 25:01.

In third place was Conan McGaughey, of North Belfast Harriers, who completed the run in 25:34.

Oisin McGloin, of Lagan Valley AC, finished fourth in 26:21 and was the top junior finisher on the day, followed by John Lenehan (City of Derry Spartans) in 26:39 and Barry Kelly (26:49) in fifth and six respectively.

The top ten was completed by Adam Ward, of Award Performance (27:02), David Gormley from Dundrum South Dublin (27:29), Enda McKaigue of Tafelta AC (28:21) and Tom McKeveny, of Burren AC (28:26).

The ladies race was won by Letterkenny Athletic Club's Nakita Burke who crossed the finish line in 28:43 to finish 12th overall.

City of Derry AC Spartans' Catherine Whoriskey was the second female to finish in a time of 30:38 in 27th overall, with Kathleen Law of Ballymena Runners, completing the podium line up finishing in 31:07.

The route took runners round a unique five mile road loop starting and finishing on the exact same spot at Greencastle Community Centre.

This year also marked a major milestone for the popular run which was celebrating its 40th anniversary, making it County Tyrone's longest-running athletic event having never missed a year since it's beginning in 1986.

To mark the special occasion of 40 consecutive years, a specially commissioned high quality medal was presented to all run finishers.