Robbie shows some Patience to win 5k race

Robbie shows some Patience to win 5k race

18 June 2025

DOWNPATRICK was buzzing with life, laughter and the pounding of running shoes last Friday night as the MB McGrady Co Down 5K brought the entire community together in the name of sport, charity and local pride.

With four adult races and three children’s races, the town centre was transformed into a festival of colour and cheers, with runners of every age and speed taking to the streets, watched and roared on by hundreds of family members, friends and proud locals.

This year’s event smashed all expectations once again, raising vital funds for Friends of the Cancer Centre, Belfast and the beloved, local McCreesh Family — causes that touch hearts right across the community.

Local Councillors played their part too. In fact, Cllr Phillip Campbell, chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Cllr Oonagh Hanlon and Cllr Gareth Sharvin did not just wave from the sidelines, 

but rolled up their sleeves to help marshal, direct traffic 

and lend a hand wherever needed — true community spirit in action.

“To see Downpatrick come alive like this, with everyone pulling together, is just incredible,” an organiser said. “Every clap, every shout, every helping hand shows what this town is all about.”

Unlike many runs, the Co Down 5KM stands out for its brilliant wave system, featuring races of 18 minutes and under, 18–22 minutes, 22–30 minutes and 30 minutes and over.

This clever set-up means elite athletes, club runners and first-timers all have their moment to shine, and shine they did.

The 7.5 laps of the course are flat and perfect for fast running and PB hunters.

The kids were not left out either, with P2 and under, P3–P5 and P6–P7 races filling the square with smiles, proud parents, medals for all participants and more than a few post-race ice creams.

The elite 18-minute-and-under race was a showstopper. Robbie Hagen (Newcastle AC) thrilled the crowds, holding off a ferocious final surge from the in-form Cameron Stewart (Annadale Striders) in a sprint that had spectators screaming encouragement all the way to the line.

Robbie clinched it in a blistering 15:02, with Stewart just behind in 15.04. Patrick McColl (RoadRunners AC) ran a lifetime best of 15:13 for a deserved third.

In the ladies’ elite event, former Olympian Kerry O’Flaherty proved her class once more, cruising home first in an impressive 17:27 and showing everyone exactly why she is a local sporting icon.

There was drama and tight finishes right across the board. In the 30 minutes and over race, Noel Sharp won in 29:45, just ahead of Brendan O’Reilly (West Belfast Coolers, 29:49) and Kee Murray (29:50). 

In the ladies, Ciara Kielty led the charge in 29:39, followed closely by Ella McDonagh (29:40) and the outstanding young talent Nevaeh Rice, still only U-13, in 29:42.

The 22-30 minutes race saw Michael Childs (County Antrim Harriers) break the tape in 21:35, chased hard by Darryl Glennon (East Down AC, 21:39) and JR Louden (21:41), making an inspiring return from injury and illness. 

Nuala McNally (Carryduff Running Club) took the women’s honours in 21:51, with Sinead O’Hare (Mallusk Harriers) second (22:24) and East Down AC favourite Sharon Madine third (22:28).

Local hero Philip Young (Down Tri Club) went for it from the gun and never looked back in the 18-22 minute category, crossing the line in 17:29. 

Ollie Hanna (Lagan Valley AC) pushed him all the way (17:41), with David Coffey clocking 17:44 for third. 

The ladies’ race saw Tara McDonough (North Down AC) win in a super time of 18:29, followed by clubmate Sophie Rankin (19:16) and rising local junior star Orlaith Keary (East 

Down AC), who ran a fantastic 19:20.

As each runner caught their breath, they were rewarded in true Downpatrick style, with tasty burgers from the supportive Doc’s Fish & Chips 

and whippy cones from Mabel’s Ice Cream — a sweet tradition that had kids grinning ear to 

ear.

The organising team express heartfelt thanks to every volunteer, sponsor, local business and cheerful supporter who made this year’s event such an overwhelming success.

Encouraged by the record crowds and electric atmosphere, the committee is already preparing to take the MB McGrady Co Down 5k to new heights in 2026.