Bobby Rea International Cross Country

The International Cross Country is supported by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and will once again be part of the World Athletics Silver Cross Country Tour for the fourth consecutive season.

The event, now in its 46^th year, has welcomed an array of International athletes, including Paul Tanui; Timothy Cheruiyot, Margaret Chelimo Kipkemboi, Steve Ovett, Steve Cram, Brendan Foster, Paula Radcliffe, Paul Tergat, Fionnuala Britton, Gizelaw Ayana and Helen Obiri.

Councillor Thomas Beckett, Communities & Wellbeing Committee Chairman, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council stated: “It is fantastic to have the annual International Cross Country Race back at our Billy Neill MBE Country Park.  This major international athletic event is an established and welcome addition to our sporting calendar, attracting quality athletes of all ages.  Hosting this event allows residents and visitors to support world class athletes and experience first-hand the high-quality sporting facilities we are proud of and are continuing to develop.” 

The Bobby Rea Memorial Cross Country is held annually in memory of the former Chairman of the Athletics Northern Ireland, coach and founding member of Abbey AC, who passed away in November of 2006. The race is one of the fixtures that are part of the Athletics NI Cross Country League.

Alongside the International event will be a range of age group races for children aged 8 and up as the NI & Ulster Even Age Group Championships, giving runners the opportunity to win their national and regional Championships and qualify to the All-Ireland Championships later in the year.

More information about the event can be found here