Sport

Launch of Spar run

THE 25th Spar Omagh Half-Marathon and 5k Fun Run on March 29 promises to be a day of activity and celebration in the Tyrone town.

The organisers are expecting a huge turnout, with up to 3,000 runners expected to take part in the annual half-marathon or 5K fun run. "Preparations are at an advanced stage for this year's race, which is now regarded as one of the most prestigious events in Ireland and the UK," said race director Michael Ward. "In fact, runners travel from all over Ireland as well as some participants flying in from Manchester, London and East Midlands, due to the quality and stature of this event."

The organising committee is planning something special this year to mark their silver jubilee and have produced a commemorative booklet containing interesting photographs and stories of the event.

There will also be £5,000 in prize money and participants are being encouraged to dress up and add to the carnival atmosphere.

North Belfast Harrier Cathy McCourt will be competing as she bids to get back to winning ways after 18 months out with injury.

She has had podium finishes in all races she has competed in since her return to racing and wants to add Omagh to that list. Local man Stephen Duncan has also had his injury problems but is back to the form that saw him win four Waterside Half-Marathon titles. A victory is his hometown event would cap a wonderful career. Other leading athletes who will be participating include Sergiu Ciobanu, Gary O'Hanlon, Eddie McGinley, Greg Roberts and last year's Dublin Marathon winner Maria McCambridge.

Omagh has achieved some of the fastest half marathon finishing times, with the men's course record broken twice in the last two years.

The 64:46 mark by Stephen Scullion set 12 months ago is now the time to beat for men. Ann-Marie McGlynn was the women's winner in 2013 with an 80:03 timing.

Further details available on www.omaghharriers.com.