Special atmosphere as thousands of runners hit the Omagh streets

THOUSANDS of runners and spectators took to the streets of Omagh on Sunday morning for the annual Omagh Half Marathon and 5K.

Despite unpredictable weather conditions brought on by Storm Kathleen, no-one was deterred from lacing up their running shoes and crossing the finish line in what was an incredibly worthwhile challenge.

As the starting pistol was fired into the air, onlookers cheered for their friends and family who first took off, embarking on the half marathon, followed by those who were participating in the 5K.

A sea of colour flowed through the course; many of the runners were raising much needed funds for charity, whilst others were out to achieve their own personal goals.

This was the third year that the Omagh Half Marathon has been held on a Sunday morning and it has once again proven to have been a successful event with a fantastic turnout.

Those running the 5K were amongst the first to cross the finish line. Harry McKenzie from Irvinestown was the first male runner to finish with Eimear McCarroll from Eskra coming in as the first female runner.

In the Half Marathon, first place was claimed by Gary Hegarty for the second year in a row, with Conan McCaughey in second place.

The first female runner to cross the Half Marathon finish line was Ann-Marie McGlynn from Strabane who was part of a team running in memory of Rory Carlin to raise much needed
funds for the Koram Centre in
Strabane.

Amongst others running in memory of Rory, who tragically took his own life last year, was his father Dominic Carlin who, alongside his family and friends, have raised over £62,000 for charity through numerous events since the passing of his beloved son.

Speaking with the Tyrone Herald after the marathon, Mr Carlin said, “This marathon was not about time, it was about campaigning and raising awareness.

“We want to try to reach out to as many young people as possible, just to appeal to them and tell them to say no to drugs.

They will ruin your life and your family’s lives. There is no happy ending.”

Many other runners took to the course on behalf of the Enda Dolan Foundation.

Founder of the Enda Dolan Foundation Peter Dolan said that they had a ‘massive’ running programme this year with 320 people taking part in the 12 week programme that started in January in which participants trained for the Half Marathon, with almost a further 100 people training for the 5K.

Mr Dolan said, “All in all, we had about 400 people on the programme so it was fantastic to see such a big turnout.

“It’s a fantastic day for Omagh and it’s great to see so many supporters out.”

Mr Dolan, who took part in the 5K, concluded that, “It’s not about the time, it’s just about getting out there, making an effort, and trying to make a difference.”