Bangor man Andrew Kinney is making this year’s Ards Half Marathon on Friday 26 June his 100th race. Andrew took up running in 2009 and since then he has competed in 99 half marathons, 80 of these in the past five years. Born and raised in Bangor, he now lives in London but travels home every year to take part in the Ards Half Marathon, which he has chosen to make his milestone 100th race.
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Andrew Kinney ready to run the Ards Half Marathon.[/caption]
He said: “When I was considering which race to target as my 100th, I couldn’t think of a better event than the Ards Half Marathon to celebrate reaching this milestone. Over the years numerous members of my family have participated in the race, so for me, there is a personal attachment that I don’t have anywhere else.
“Ards has everything you would expect from a much larger race, including a community spirit that makes it greater than the sum of its parts. For me it doesn’t matter how many people run a race, nor where it is, or even the course. Granted, they are all factors – and the hilly Ards course definitely poses a challenge – but ultimately what will make me want to come back is the heart of the race, the local people who volunteer at the race and cheer us on along the way. This is what makes the Ards Half Marathon such an attractive proposition each year.”
A generous prize fund of almost £3,000, with a top prize of £400 for the first male and female runners to complete the route, is available. The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Alan Graham, will present the top five male and female competitors with their prizes and medals. The 2015 Ards Half Marathon and Walk takes place on Friday 26 June and begins at 6.30pm. For more information or to book a place visit:
www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk]]>
