Exciting New Route for the 2025 Strabane Lifford Half Marathon
The 2025 Strabane Lifford Half Marathon is set to offer runners an exhilarating experience with an all-new, faster route. Taking place on Sunday, May 18th, at the Alley Theatre, this year marks the 10th edition of the highly anticipated event. Runners can expect not only a challenging race but also an opportunity for spectators to cheer them on more frequently throughout the course.
The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, officially launched the event, highlighting its significance in the local athletics calendar. This year’s course will guide participants through vibrant Lifford, lead them to Clady village, and culminate at Strabane’s Melvin Running Track. A distinct change in the starting point to the Alley Theatre promises an exciting ambiance for both runners and onlookers.
Notably, the early section of the course has been restructured to enhance spectator engagement. With runners passing through Strabane multiple times, the experience becomes more communal. Moreover, the revised route eliminates the arduous climb on the A5 Strabane by-pass between miles 11 and 12, which should contribute to improved finishing times for participants.
The event caters to a diverse range of athletes with three race categories: the traditional Half Marathon, a Wheelchair Half Marathon, and a Three-Person Relay. The continuation of the relay event stems from its successful debut last year, demonstrating the organizers’ commitment to inclusivity and competitive spirit among athletes at all levels.
With registration now open, interest has surged since its launch before Christmas. Mayor Seenoi-Barr urges potential runners to register promptly to secure their spots. “The Strabane Lifford Half Marathon has become a premier local athletics event, and I commend the Council’s Sports Development and Festival Teams for reaching this significant milestone,” she stated.
Jacqueline Whoriskey, the Festival and Events Manager at the Council, elaborated on the rationale behind the new course design. “We strive to incorporate feedback from runners year after year, and this redesign emphasizes the need for a more spectator-friendly experience while addressing the concerns regarding challenging segments of the previous route,” she explained. The incorporation of the Strabane footbridge in the final mile is a notable highlight, promising a picturesque finish.
Hosted by the Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Events team, the Strabane Lifford Half Marathon welcomes participants aged 17 and over on race day, while relay team members must be at least 15 years of age. Interested individuals can register for the Half Marathon, Wheelchair Half Marathon, and Relay at www.derrystrabane.com/slhm. Registrations will remain open until Saturday, April 26th, or until the event sells out. For further inquiries, participants can contact [info@derrydaily.net](mailto:[email protected]) or call 028 71 253 253.
