Hundreds take part in CBS run

By Callum McGuigan

Hundreds of runners took part in the Omagh Christian Brothers’ 5 and 10K runs on Saturday.

The charity runs, hosted by the the local grammar school, has been the first since COVID.

For many of the runners, this event is a key part of their training for the Belfast marathon this year.

The proceeds of the fundraising event are set to go to local charities, including the Enda Dolan charity, the NI Air Ambulance and the Ukrainian refugees.

Speaking at the event, CBS principal Foncy McConnell said “I’m not sure of the exact numbers but we were thinking 320 330, which is the best turn out we’ve had.

“We are well supported by the local community in particular I know Peter Dolan is very good with the big number of Enda Dolan runners.

“This is an opportunity for us and the local community to come into the school and for the runners to get a bit of practice. I know a few of them are currently training for the half marathon.

“The proceeds of this go to local charities, one of which would be the Enda Dolan charity,” said Mr McConnell.

One group of runners in attendance were EMT staff in the Omagh ambulance service, running for the Air Ambulance charity.

One runner, Bryan Kelly, said; “Today there was three of us out on a training session for our upcoming Belfast City marathon for the air ambulance NI charity. The CBS always do a great, well organised run – bit hilly at places but we really enjoyed it.”