17/06/2026
Race day instructions for U Hire NI Ards Half Marathon have been sent out however I'll add a copy here also for anyone who hasn't received them.
Hi all,
Thank you for signing up to this years Ards half marathon, we're looking forward to welcoming you to our event.
Please find below all relevant information you'll need.
Ards Half Marathon 2026 - FINAL INFORMATION.
Number collection
Numbers can be collected from Ards Blair Mayne leisure center on the following dates:
Wednesday 24th June 6:30pm to 8pm
Thursday 25th June 6:30pm to 8pm
Limited pick up available on race day Friday 26th June from 4:30pm to 5:45pm only.
Change of name requests
Change of names for bibs can no longer be processed on the system. If you are no longer participating and have given your spot to another person, a name change still needs to be made for the results, you can provide details at either number collection above or on race day up to 5:45 where we'll be happy to change the details.
New Entries
Online Registration for new entries has closed. Limited entries will be available for £35 at number collection on a CASH ONLY basis, with no medal or t-shirt.
Bibs
Please make sure:
Your bib is attached properly so your time is registered.
You write emergency contact and medical info on the back of your bib.
Half Marathon start
We will meet in the dome in the Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex at 6:20pm to walk out to the starting point in South Street.
Water
There will be water stations at the following points:
Scrabo Road at miles 3 & 11.
Ballyhenry / Darragh Road at mile 7.
Bottom of Moate Road at mile 10.
Please make use of the water stations.
Weather
Please check the weather prior to race day so you know what to expect, dress appropriately, hydrate and wear suncream if required.
Pacers
Pacers are available from 1:30 to 2:30 in 10 minute increments, we also have a Tail runner who will be making sure no-one gets left behind.
Illness
If you become unwell, please notify your nearest marshal who will get you suitable medical attention.
Car parking
There's parking at Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex, as well as public car parks around the town, for example, South Street and Upper Court Street, please note these are pay and display until 6:30pm. Check signs in car parks to ensure you're following the correct guidelines.
Road Safety
Although roads will be closed, access still needs to be available to residents, so please keep to the left, with the exception of the one way system on High Street and Regent Street at the beginning of the route. Please listen to marshals around the route, they are there to help keep you safe.
Headphones
Under UK Athletics Rule 240 S5 the wearing of headphones is not permitted in races on single carriageway roads not wholly closed to traffic. The rule applies to in-ear or over-the-ear headphones (with the exception of those medically prescribed). Bone conducting headphones which sit on the cheek are permitted as they transfer sound through the cheekbone and do not block other sounds through the ear.
Post Race
Please join us at the dome in Ards Blair Mayne leisure centre afterwards for post race refreshments. We are looking forward to this year's event and we hope you enjoy your time with us, this is where you see your hard work paying off after all your training.
Thanks
A huge thanks in advance to all our marshals who will be around the course and also our water station teams.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our main sponsor Niall at U Hire as well as Scott at McWhinneys Sausages, and Paul Flynn at the Physio clinic, we're extremely grateful for your ongoing support.
