Record Numbers break Minute Marks at Armagh International Road Races

15 February 2019

A record 113 runners break the 15 minute mark in the Men’s 5k as 49 women go sub 10 minutes over 3k at the 29^th edition of the Armagh International Road Races, on Thursday 14^th February.

Steph Twell (Aldershot & Farnham AC) clinched the victory in the Intersports Women’s 3k in 8.59, while Finland’s Topi Raitanen ran 13.43 to break the Brooks Men’s 5k course record.

The NI & Ulster Women’s team all finished in sub-10 times, with Armagh AC’s Fionnuala Ross leading the charge in an impressive 15^th place in 9.29. Breege Connolly (City of Derry Spartans) finished in 9.45 to be the second of the team across the line, followed by Springwell Running Club’s Ciara Toner in a time of 9.53 and North Down AC’s Rachel Gibson in 9.55.

Northern Ireland’s Emma Mitchell (Team Nike) and Letterkenny AC’s Nikita Burke also ran under 10 minute times, with Emma taking 8^th place overall in a time of 9.24, while Nikita was 20^th in a time of 9.33.

Following the excitement of the Women’s event, it was time for the Men’s team to take to the start line in the Brooks Men’s 5k.

Springwell Running Club’s Neil Johnston took the team’s top position, finishing in 42^nd place in a time of 14.28. Conor Duffy (Glaslough Harriers) finished in 56^th place in a time of 14.33, followed by City of Lisburn AC’s James Edgar in 90^th place in a time of 14.52 and club teammate Christopher Madden in 14.52 in 92^nd place.

Other great performances include North Belfast Harrier’s Mark McKinstry who took 65^th place in a time of 14.39 and Neil McCartan (East Down AC) in 86^th place in a time of 14.48. North Down AC’s Craig McMeechan just edged into the under 15 minute zone in a time of 14.59, coming in 113^th.

Jackie Newton, Director of Coaching & Athlete Development: “I am very proud of the performances from both teams last night. Every one of our athletes went in with a plan to test themselves in this highly competitive race and came out with fast times and valuable racing experience. Thanks to Armagh AC for the amazing job they do with this event. For our athletes to have this opportunity close to home is priceless.”

Find the full results here.