Mal McGrady, Director of M.B. McGrady & Co Chartered Accountants; Olympian and 2016’s Jimmy’s 10K winner, Kerry O’Flaherty and Tom McClean, Chairman of East Down Athletic Club

ONE of Co. Down’s largest athletic events is set to pound the pavements!

Now in its 20th year, Jimmy’s 10k race, organised by East Down Athletic Club and supported by M.B. McGrady & Co Chartered Accountants, is taking place on Sunday 18th March and the event which is celebrating its ‘platinum race’ is set to achieve its highest-ever participant numbers.

Olympian and 2016’s female winner, Kerry O’Flaherty, joined forces with representatives from East Down Athletics Club and sponsor, M.B. McGrady & Co Chartered Accountants to launch this year’s event.

With numbers capped at 900, almost 80% of places have already been allocated but there’s still time to register at www.online.athleticsni.org/ps/event/JimmysTen20182

Last year, Ben Branagh from St Malachy's Athletics Club was first past the post, in a race that featured 909 runners, including 49 relay teams. First lady home was local star Laura Graham.

Mal McGrady, Director of M.B. McGrady & Co Chartered Accountants comments:

“Jimmy’s 10k is a hugely successful event for the local community and to be celebrating 20 years is a tremendous achievement. Organised by East Down Athletics Club in memory of its Founder Jimmy Murray, the race attracts runners who travel from across Northern Ireland to take part.

"We’ve been on board as a sponsor for the last 9 years. Many of our staff and clients take part in the race, reflecting M.B. McGrady’s ongoing commitment for the local community, and we’re proud to be associated with such an incredible event that supports the East Down Athletic Club and raises funds for local charities.”

Mal adds: “This year you may spot the M.B. McGrady & Co. Jimmy’s 10K selfie frames at the finish line, to reward runners we are encouraging participants to ‘snap a selfie’ with their fellow runners to be in with a chance of winning a prize.”

East Down Athletics Club established the first Jimmy’s 10K in memory of Jimmy Murray, a Downpatrick school teacher and athletics enthusiast, who was one of the founding members of East Down AC in 1987.

Joe Quinn, Jimmy’s 10K Race Director, who is well known in the town for all things running and his service to EDAC was pleased to adds: "I believe that the primary aim of Jimmy's Ten, which was to keep Jimmy Murray’s name at the forefront of athletics in NI has been achieved. Most people, even those from outside the running fraternity know of this event – and this has been made possible with the help of our continued support from local businesses and sponsors including M.B. McGrady & Co. For top NI runners it has been the highlight of the road racing calendar for many years, but it also has encouraged many beginners to take to the sport.”

Jimmy’s 10k is taking place on Sunday 18th March 2018. Prizes are awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place male and female runners and age group winners. There are also team prizes for male, female and mixed relay teams. 10K registration costs £16 affiliated and £18 for non-affiliated. Relay registration is £20. There is no on the day entry for 10K or relay runners.

For further information on Jimmy’s 10k, visit www.eastdownac.co.uk or search East Down Athletic Club on Facebook.