The SPAR Omagh Half Marathon and 5K Run is returning on Sunday 7th April 2024. It is set to be a spectacular day for the town and local retailer, SPAR NI, is showing full support for the event for the 16th consecutive year.

This year will mark the 34th Omagh Half Marathon which has grown to be a major fixture in the Athletics road running calendar, with many runners returning year on year to participate and enjoy the festival atmosphere. Omagh Harriers have been awarded the Athletics N.I Half Marathon Championship, which is a huge endorsement to the quality and professionalism of the event organisers.

This year, Omagh Harriers have increased their entry numbers to over 3,200 which will be their largest participant field to date, with a further 800 running and walking the 5K route.

This year’s race sold out in record time, a true testament of the race’s esteemed profile throughout the athletics community in Northern Ireland.

Representatives from title sponsor SPAR NI, beneficiary charity partner Marie Curie, event organisers and elite athlete Michael Fox from Armagh A.C, gathered in Omagh to formally announce the details for the popular event.

Darcey Wilson, Corporate Marketing Assistant at Henderson Group, which owns the SPAR brand in Northern Ireland, said that SPAR NI are thrilled to be back on board as title sponsor for this year’s Omagh half marathon.

Darcey commented, “We’re so proud to be playing a part in delivering such a great event which is  one of the key events in our calendar every year. At SPAR NI, we are passionate about supporting events like this and promoting health and fitness initiatives throughout the country.

“Look out for us in Omagh on the day, as we’ll be cheering on the runners and walkers, and handing out some exciting prizes and goodies from SPAR NI.”

This year’s Half Marathon Walk commences at 08:30am, with the Half Marathon Run setting off at 09:30am, followed by the 5K at 09:45am. All participants start and end at Omagh Leisure Complex on the Old Mountfield Road and it is anticipated that there will be a total field of 4,000 runners, joggers and walkers.

A long-sleeved technical top will be provided to all half marathon finishers, commemorative medals to all half marathon and 5k finishers, as well as chip timing and SPAR NI goodie bags. Official race pacers will once again be provided for 1:30, 1:45, 2:00, 2:15 and 2:30 hours to help participants achieve target times.

Race Director, Michael Ward said preparations for the race are well advanced:

“On behalf of all the organisers, I’d like to pay tribute to our title sponsor SPAR NI who have worked closely with us to grow and develop the race into the popular event which exists today and look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come.

“We have witnessed this event grow enormously over the past 23 years. There is a growth in the amount of people pursuing a healthier lifestyle and with the pace and stresses of everyday living, running is a great release and also a way of meeting new friends.

“Of course the Omagh Half isn’t just for competitive runners”, Michael continued. “Our annual 5K run also attracts huge numbers, right through from primary school children to the more experienced. We have found that many of the runners that took part in our 5K race progressed and stepped up to the Half Marathon event in recent years. For those who aren’t registered for this year, why not come down and enjoy the magical atmosphere on Sunday 7th April, it might even encourage you to register to walk, jog or run the course next year”.

The event has chosen to support Marie Curie this year, a charity that shows vital care and support to patients at the end of their life, whatever the illness, and which SPAR NI has been supporting since 2017, raising over £840,000. Megan Martin is just one of the thousands of local runners already signed up for the Omagh Half Marathon and along with her brother Darren, raised £9,500 last year for Marie Curie. Megan wanted to show her family’s appreciation for the Marie Curie nursing care that her mother, Ann Martin, received at home before she died.

“Marie Curie was there for us when we needed them, it’s something you don’t take for granted or ever forget about,” said the student nurse, “Once we saw that Marie Curie nurse at the door, we all felt a sense of relief for mum and for us all.”

Those who have already secured their place in the event and who would like to fundraise for Marie Curie, please visit, www.mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved

Registrations are still open at sientries.co.uk for the 5k Run. Early entry is encouraged to avoid disappointment.

For more information about the SPAR Omagh Half, visit
https://www.facebook.com/OmaghHalfMarathon

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