Sport

Born2Run claim super silver at prestigious Running Awards

The Born2Run team with Kelly Holmes, from left, Jane Rowe, Carol McMenamin and Gerard Rowe after being named runners-up in the The Running Awards at the O2 in London
The Born2Run team with Kelly Holmes, from left, Jane Rowe, Carol McMenamin and Gerard Rowe after being named runners-up in the The Running Awards at the O2 in London The Born2Run team with Kelly Holmes, from left, Jane Rowe, Carol McMenamin and Gerard Rowe after being named runners-up in the The Running Awards at the O2 in London

LOCAL race organisers Born2Run Events Company fought off some serious competition to finish runner-up at the prestigious Running Awards held at London’s O2.

Born2Run was shortlisted in the Race Series category, that included big hitters such as Park Run, the Great Run series and Race for Life, for their popular Run Forest Run events. Parkrun were the winners of the section.

“We decided to make the trip to London as we were just really happy to be shortlisted and thought we might as well get a night out as a result, never did we think we’d be picking up the silver award” said Born2Run director Carol McMenamin.

“When Dame Kelly Holmes called out our name we just couldn’t believe it.

“We were beaten by Park Run, which is a global phenomenon, so there’s absolutely no shame in that, we are extremely grateful to everyone who voted for us.”

Born2Run was the only event organiser from Ireland at the event which was compered by BBC’s Mike Bushell and Dame Kelly Holmes.

All of the top running brands were represented as well as some famous athletes and the Born2Run team thoroughly enjoyed the evening, with their silver award being the icing on the cake.

The company was set up by Carol McMenamin along with friends Jane and Gerard Rowe five years ago.

They had the simple idea of organising great races in great places which has now become the slogan for the company’s events.

In the short time since then, their races have become increasingly popular and appeal to runners of all abilities, from fun runners to international athletes and everyone in between.

The next event is the Sea2Sky that starts in Newcastle on July 14 and takes in an out and back course in the foothills of the Mourne Mountains. There is more information on the Born2Run races at www.born2runevents.com