RACE REPORT

The Sportsshoes.com Armagh International Men's 5k and Women's 3k was another romper stomper and super flying fast event. The weather conditions were not like the previous 2 years where we had ideal running conditions. We had what you would expect for February. During the day we had snow with biting cold conditions. By evening the snowfall had gone leaving behind a cold wind. Despite these unfavourable running conditions we certainly experienced the same high octane energy and blistering hot fast times. The crowd and athletes both combine together to create an incredible atmosphere. To be at this event is truly a great experience that you will never forget as an athlete or spectator. It is just a cauldron of energy on the looped and lapped course. The night time effect also adds to the occasion and atmosphere.

To watch the athletes cross the finish line at incredible speed is surreal and unimaginable. Tonight was no different..

The evening kicked off as usual with the juvenile races that got the spectators warmed up. No doubt some of these young athletes will be participating in the adult races in years to come.

The first adults race was the women's 3k. We had athletes from all over Europe, the Uk and Ireland. Megan Davies of Sale Harriers won in 9:19, hot on her heels was Cara Hughes of Cardiff AC and Alexandra Bell of Pudsley &Bramely AC completed the top trio.

The much eagerly awaited mens 5k was the next up. Topi Raitanen of Finland lead 17 runners to sub 14 mins in a time of 13:49. In second position was James Young of Morpeth Harriers in 13:50 and Alfie Manthorpe of Sheffield & Dearne coming 3rd.

130 runners broke the 15 minute barrier tonight with a further 42 under 15:30.

The last race of the night was the men's 3k. This race was made up of young upcoming junior talent and right up to older master age categories. The Junior athletes made themselves known with Oliver Patton (junior) the overall winner in 8:29, Charlie Wylie 8:32 and Charlie Jones (junior) 3rd.

The international team event was as exciting as ever with mere seconds seperating the winning teams. In the men's 5k Sweeden took the win in 41:37, followed by Finland in 41:40 and Scotland in 41:42.

In the women's 3k Scotalnd took the win in 28:30, England came 2nd in 28:33 and Ireland were 3rd in 28:40.

Already we are looking forward to 2025. Congratulations and well done to Armagh AC. Armagh City Council, Police and all local volunteers that make this huge logistical event happen.