‘Hopping mad’: Runners concerned at Omagh half marathon bouncers

RUNNERS set to take part in Omagh’s half marathon have expressed safety concerns over the more than three dozen competitors completing the race on space hoppers.

Sunday’s race, which is returning after a two year hiatus due to the pandemic, is expected to draw thousands of runners but some fear that their hopping peers could lead to injuries.

The space hopping bouncers represent a group of concerned Manchester United fans in Northern Ireland.

They are targeting mass sporting events like Omagh Half Marathon to express their unhappiness about how the club is being run.

“The club has been a joke in recent years, spending millions on players yet falling further behind on the pitch,” said spokesperson Roy Best.

“The fans need to speak out and that’s why we’ve started this bouncing campaign.

“It’s no harm to anyone; we are experienced bouncers and the runners have nothing to worry about.”

However, some local runners are worried that the space hoppers could pose a risk to participants.

“They’re hopping mad if they think they can complete 13 miles on one of those balls without causing themselves, or worse, another competitor an injury,” said Nigel Rodgers.

“These things just seem to bounce all over the place.

“A lot of runners aren’t happy about this. They’ve been training for months and are prepared to use safety pins if these space hoppers get in the way.”

Space hopping competitors have competed in the Belfast Marathon before but it is understood that it has never happened on this scale in a single race in Ireland before.

Fair play to the space hopper guy @belfastmarathon @irish_news #belfastmarathon pic.twitter.com/UE7QsSBVyQ

— Mal McCann (@MalMccann) May 7, 2018

This year will be the first time the team of more than 30 space hoppers will compete locally race and Roy Best insists they are serious about putting in a good time.

He said, “Listen, all of this concern is just more health and safety gone mad. We have as much right to compete as anyone else and we will be competing for good times against those who take the easy route of using their legs.

“Bouncing along at that distance is a real feat of endurance and I dare say when we cross the finish line a lot of the runners will have egg on their face.”

The Omagh half marathons organisers have been contacted for comment about the safety concerns.