Newry City Marathon

Probably the main event on Sunday 24th May was the Newry City Marathon sponsored by Newry City Credit Union, Ltd. However, there were half marathon and 10k events and various measured walks running concurrently with the main event.

The marathon and half marathon started close to Newry Sports Centre and encompassed routes around the city itself, the Newry canal towpath and roads in and around Jerretspass and Poyntzpass. Inevitably, Michael O’Donoghue, always a glutton for punishment, entered the full marathon while Robin Montgomery, Des Fahy, Brian Todd and Catherine Fearon made the more sensible decision to enter the half marathon race.

Indeed, even more sensibly, Chris Downey and Andy McIntyre in the end plumped for the 10k event. Credit to the organisers, this was a very well organised and marshalled event with something for everybody. Nothing was too much trouble and one was very distinctly given the impression that the runner, regardless of his or her ability, was the main focus of all that happened.

For the record the following times were recorded by Orangegrove participants:

Marathon Michael O’Donoghue 4.14.20
Half Marathon Robin Montgomery 1.25.36 (25th/561)
Half Marathon Des Fahy 1.27.18
Half Marathon Brian Todd 1.36.34
Half Marathon Catherine Fearon 2.08.04
10K Andy McIntyre 38.24 (8th/169)
10K Chris Downey 40.32 (16th/169)