03/07/2026
One week on and now the dust has settled I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped and supported this year's UHire Ards Half Marathon.
Firstly our marshalls and volunteers: This event could not go ahead without you, and you certainly made your presence known! From music, to clappers, sweets and extra water you all embraced our event and made it something incredibly special. We've had so much positive feedback and we're so so grateful to you all.
Our pacers: We have an incredible pacing team who smashed it again this year. Even in the much warmer conditions we had absolutely no concerns and knew you would all get back over that finish line, smiling and delighted to have hit your target. Thank you so much to every one of you. Especially those that finished with their 🎈.
Our Sponsors: we are so lucky to have UHire as our main sponsor again this year along with the continued support and sponsorship from Mawhinneys Sausages and Paul at the Physio Clinic. Thank you so much for helping us keep Ards half marathon on the racing calendar each year.
Key Interested parties: Huge thanks to Athletics NI, Paul, Emma, Sean, Ian & Claire in your respective areas at Ards and North Down Borough Council , Ambutran Event Medical Services for providing our medical cover. Andy @ Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex Glenn Grant Ireland as well as road traffic management we hope to see you all again next year ☺️
A million thank you's to the Ards half marathon organising committee, these ladies literally go above and beyond to make sure this event is a success every single year and could not go ahead with them. So huge thank you to: Lynn McGonigal, Amanda Martin, Elaine Mcgonigal, Nicola Forsythe, Kim & Georgia Reid.
George T McGonigal and Paulfor everything you did, from course set up, to water delivery, collecting cups in their very special bag, photos and being present for the entire race, your support means so much!
And finally the wonderful Joanne Wray, you jumped in from the very beginning and were literally my right hand woman throughout, your attention to detail as well as your belief in this race and want for it to be a success for all is amazing. The extras you added such as the marshalls meeting were a huge success and the start of us putting our own stamp on the race 🤩
Just to wrap up, we have seen the feedback the good, the bad and the in-between and are definitely looking at ways to improve as we go along, so if you have any feedback at all or want to share some photos (or good news stories) please add below or send it through to us directly.
Thanks again and we hope to see you all again next year.
Andrea
Race Director
