Paul Burns, East Down Athletic Club (EDAC) Vice Chair;  Mal McGrady, Director at M.B. McGrady & Co Chartered Accountants;  Alison Carroll, EDAC Secretary; Conaill McGrady, Director at M.B. McGrady & Co Chartered Accountants and Joe Quinn, EDAC.   

DOWNPATRICK’s largest athletics event is set to pound the pavements once again!

Jimmy’s 10k race, organised by East Down Athletic Club, and supported for the 11th year by M. B. McGrady & Co Chartered Accountants, is taking place on Sunday 15th March 2020.

To mark the ongoing support and sponsorship with the local accountants, Jimmy’s 10K have launched the M. B. McGrady & Co Team Trophy – awarded to the fastest male and female club teams to cross the finish line.   

Last year, Mark McKinstry from North Belfast Harriers was first past the post, in a race that featured over 900 runners, including 42 relay teams. First lady home was Olympian and local star Kerry O’Flaherty. 

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 22 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 10 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.”

East Down Athletics Club established the first Jimmy’s 10K in memory of Jimmy Murray, a Downpatrick schoolteacher 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 add "Jimmy’s 10k is a highlight of the road racing calendar, attracting top runners as well as encouraging beginners to put on their trainers and take to the roads. Most people, even those from outside the running fraternity know of this event, and I believe that the primary aim, which was to keep Jimmy Murray’s name at the forefront of athletics in NI, has been achieved. This has been made possible through the continued support from the local community, businesses and sponsors including M. B. McGrady & Co Chartered Accountants.

“This year, with the support of M. B.  McGrady & Co we are launching the team trophies, which is a great addition to the race and a nod of thanks towards the 11 years of ongoing support from Mal and the team at M. B. McGrady’s.”

Jimmy’s 10k is taking place on Sunday 15th March 2020. 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 £18 affiliated and £20 for non-affiliated. Relay registration is £25 for a team of two.

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