writes Joe Quinn.
Top prize money of £250 for first Male and Female, prizes for top 5 Male and Female finishers and first in all Age categories, are likely to attract a top quality field. £50 Bonus will be paid if anyone betters the current records of 30.20 Male and 34.17 Female.
As well as receiving a special T-shirt and goodie bag every finisher will be entered in a draw for a £500 cash prize but to qualify for the prize, the owner of the number drawn must be present at the prize giving in Down Leisure Centre after the race.
The race will start at the earlier time of 11.00am this year due to St Patrick’s Day Cross Community Parade which takes place later in the day and host club East Down AC and Down District Council invite runners to bring their family and friends to cheer them on and then make a day of it in Downpatrick.
Online registration is now open at www.athleticsni.org and with entries limited to 600 runners are urged to so get in early to ensure their place. As a special incentive to enter in advance the organisers have given the unique undertaking to carry over entries to next year for anyone unable to run, for whatever reason!  So everyone can enter with confidence.
Entries will be taken on the day only if the limit has not been reached and then only at an increased fee. As initiated in this event 2 years ago Pacers will again be provided for sub 40, sub 45, sub 48, sub 50, and sub 60 targets.Parking in and around the town will be restricted but following on from their successful introduction at the London Olympics local “Gamesmakers” will be on hand to direct and help all visitors to find car parking spaces, direct to Registration and Start areas etc
But the advice is Come Early.
To ease possible congestion running numbers, timing chips and Goodie Bags including T-shirt, can be collected at Down Leisure Centre on Friday 15th March from 4.00pm, on Saturday 16th March from 12.00noon onwards and on the morning of the race from 9.00am. Runners, especially those living locally, are encouraged to collect in advance if possible. The route is over a scenic, accurately measured, and well marshalled course. There will be refreshments for all competitors in Down Leisure Centre afterwards. Further information is available on the club website www.eastdownac.co.uk or from Joe Quinn on 07933214894 or email joemarathon50@btinternet.com .]]>
