COLERAINE CAMPUS 5K - ROAD CHAMPIONSHIP REACHES COLERAINE FOR FIRST TIME
Excitement is building in anticipation of a first for Coleraine, as it plays host to the prestigious Northern Ireland & Ulster Road 5k Championships, being held as part of the Coleraine Campus 5k on Friday 10th March 2023.
In its second year, the event which attracted over 300 runners in 2022, offers the chance of a PB and an electric atmosphere on a lapped course within the University Campus in Coleraine.
A spokesperson from headline sponsor, Roadside Garages Coleraine who is backing the event again in 2023 commented, “We’re delighted to be supporting the Coleraine Campus 5k for the second year running (no pun intended!) after its very successful launch in 2022. Ryan Galway has done a fantastic job in organising and promoting this already popular event which has attracted so many runners and supporters to the North Coast, as well as raising so much money and awareness for local charities. We look forward to being there on the day with our very own Roadside runners!”
Runners ranging from 14 to 40 minutes took part last year and this year there will be 4 separate races on the night – an under 16 Junior Race (approx. 1100m), 22+ mins 5k, 17-22 mins 5k and a Sub 17 minute 5k. It is hoped that 2022 NI & Ulster 5k Champion & recent U20 European XC silver medalist Nick Griggs and 2018 Commonwealth Games athlete Emma Mitchell will be back to defend their titles.
So far, entries for 2023 include City of Derry’s Conor Bradley, Raheny Shamrock’s Kieran Kelly as well as 2022 winner Jonny Whan of Clonliffe Harriers. It is hoped that 2022 Commonwealth Games runner Hannah Irwin will make a return from injury at the race in March.
Nigel Dobson, head of Sports Services at Ulster University commented, “We are delighted to be supporting the delivery of the 2023 NI & Ulster 5k Road Championships at Ulster University's Coleraine Campus this Spring. The campus has a rich history of hosting running and cross-country events over many years. Building on the back of the inaugural year, we know that the event will attract a strong field for all race categories and attract elite runners from afar. Best wishes to all taking part in the event, we are very proud to welcome you all on campus and hope you have a wonderfully successful evening.”
Entries are filling up fast and runners have until Monday 27th February to register online at the link below:
For any enquiries about the race, contact Ryan Galway (Race Director) on 07795088524 or via email ([email protected]).