DERRY City and Strabane District Council have launched a brand new route for this year’s Strabane Lifford Half Marathon which takes place on Sunday, May 13, 2018.Back for its fifth successive year, the cross-border half marathon is one of the biggest events on the local athletics calendar – proving hugely popular with seasoned and novice runners alike, and is set to attract a 1,500-strong field this year.
Council has redesigned the route this year to create a safer course for runners and motorists alike – following on from close cross-border cooperation and advice from the Department for Infrastructure and Roads, PSNI & Gardaí.
Festivals & Events Safety Officer at Derry City & Strabane District Council Paul Doherty said:
“We are delighted to launch the new route for this year’s Strabane Lifford Half Marathon.
“Working in strong collaboration with the Department for Infrastructure and Roads, the PSNI & Gardaí we have redesigned the route with the safety of runners and motorists alike foremost in our minds.
“Indeed, the new and improved route will help to minimise disruption to traffic and travel on race day – including church services taking place in and around the route on the Sunday morning in question.”
Mr Doherty explained that the 2018 half marathon will have the same start and end points as in previous years.
“The race will begin at Meeting House Street and then take the participants through the town before crossing the Lifford Bridge into the South and making its way up to Clady – importantly taking the runners past the iconic ‘Tinnies’ in Strabane and impressive ‘Three Coins’ sculpture in Lifford” he said.
“The route will then cross over the Clady Bridge back into the North, onto the Urney Road / Great Northern Link before turning onto Orchard Road, Melmount Road and the Ballycolman Road.
“The runners will then take their final descent through the Ballycolman Estate before finishing at the Melvin Sports Track.
“I hope that the new and improved route is full of ‘PB potential’ for the runners – and would encourage those of all levels to get involved on Sunday 13th May.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone taking part in this year’s race the very best of luck with their preparations – and have no doubts that the local community will come out once again in their thousands to support the runners and cheer them across the finish line!”
All Half Marathon entrants must be 18 or over on the day of the race which starts at 9:30am on Sunday 13th May from Meeting House Street in Strabane and will finish at the Melvin Sports Complex.
Race Packs can be picked up at the Melvin Sports Complex on Friday 11th May 5pm-9pm & Saturday 12th May 9.30am-12.30pm.
Registrations for this year’s half marathon will be limited to 1,500 runners so book early to avoid disappointment – Entries are now open at www.derrystrabane.com/halfmarathon and closing on Sunday 30th April 2018.
The entry fee for the 13.1mile race is £23 and all finishers will receive a specially commissioned O’Neills T-shirt and medal.
For further information email [email protected]
Or ring Derry City and Strabane District Council on 028 71 253253.
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