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Man films his solo run of postponed Antrim Coast Road Half Marathon for racers in isolation

Stephen Reid mixing his two favourite things Running and Vlogging while running the route of the postponed Larne Half Marthon solo Picture Mal McCann.
Stephen Reid mixing his two favourite things Running and Vlogging while running the route of the postponed Larne Half Marthon solo Picture Mal McCann. Stephen Reid mixing his two favourite things Running and Vlogging while running the route of the postponed Larne Half Marthon solo Picture Mal McCann.

JUST because the Antrim Coast Road Half Marathon did not go ahead as planned due to coronavirus restrictions didn't mean runners and spectators had to miss out experiencing the stunning course.

Organisers announced that the race, formerly known as the Larne Half Marathon, has been postponed until September.

Having done all his training, runner Stephen Reid - who also happens to be a film maker - had planned to run the 13.1 miles solo on Saturday.

However, while looking at fine weather forecast for the day before he came up with an even better idea.

"I run an independent video production company and as part of that I have a YouTube channel," Mr Reid said.

"I thought, what if I run it the day before and record myself doing it and then publish it on Saturday morning at the time it was supposed to happen and then everyone could watch it in isolation without the suffering and pain.

"There is a YouTube premiere option which means it goes live at a certain time."

The 33-year-old filmed his run which took him around Larne harbour, through the town and along the spectacular Antrim Coast road, with (running) commentary on the history of the area and the sights throughout.

Despite only able to give around an hour and a half's notice, 50 people tuned in and almost 1,300 had watched it within 24 hours.

"A lot of the people watching it seem to be ex-pats who were leaving comments saying `I miss home'."

If possible, he plans to take more works to take people out and about with him in coming weeks as social distancing and self isolation continues.

"I want to go up the Mournes or through forests and along the coast, but it is going to depend what the advice is. It's changing all the time.

"It would be nice to give people a slice of outside and nature."

His YouTube channel is Stephen J Reid.