Strabane Lifford Half Marathon draws over 1,000 runners to cross‑border course

More than 1,000 participants are set to run the 11th edition of the Strabane Lifford Half Marathon on Sunday, covering a 13.1‑mile route that crosses the border between County Tyrone (Northern Ireland) and County Donegal (Republic of Ireland). The flat course and mild temperatures in the low teens are expected to produce fast times.

A strong elite field is vying for the men's title, including Buncrana’s John Joe Doherty, Foyle Valley’s David Laird, and Ireland’s Andy Nevin, while former winners such as Philip McHugh and Danny Bradley are also in contention. In the women’s race, defending champion Ann Marie McGlynn aims to retain her crown against former winner Catherine Whoriskey and past podium finishers Helen McCready, Leoni Cooke and Kathryn Gibbons.

Organisers have advised runners to collect race packs at the Melvin Sports Complex on 15–16 May or the morning of the race, and have warned of traffic delays in Strabane town centre between 9 am and 12:30 pm. The event’s festival officer, Catherine Ashford, welcomed participants and spectators, noting recent course tweaks were made in response to runner feedback.