Elite runners and Olympians have gathered at Ulster University’s new Belfast Sports Centre for the launch of the 2024 Condor Executive Antrim Coast Half Marathon.
Two of the world’s highest ranked female runners Yalemzerf Yehualaw and Joyciline Jepkosgei, both former winners of the London Marathon, were joined by men’s elite runners Hillary Chekwony and Birhanu Legese to speak with media at the Belfast facility as they prepare to race on Sunday 25 August.
The runners were joined by five-time Olympian, European Champion and World Bronze Medallist Jo Pavey and Judge Craig Mitchell, Superior Court Judge, Founder & Star of the Skid Row Marathon movie.
Set to the backdrop of Ulster University’s new state-of-the-art sports centre, which features an outdoor rooftop running track, the group shared their anticipations for the event and their excitement to once again race along the picturesque Antrim Coast.
2024 Condor Executive Antrim Coast Half Marathon
A UK & Ireland record-breaking half marathon, the 2024 Antrim Coast Half Marathon will host the most formidable women’s elite field ever assembled in the UK or Ireland, with runners from 26 countries set to compete along one of the world’s most scenic routes.
Headlining the event is Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw, returning for her third time, joined by the world’s top three fastest half marathon runners of 2024. Joining Yehualaw is Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei, the fastest half marathon runner in the world for 2024.
In the men’s race, nine elite male runners boasting sub-60-minute half marathon times are set to put on an extraordinary display of speed and endurance on the Antrim Coast on Sunday morning.
Race Director, Olympian athlete and graduate of Ulster University James McIlroy said the 2024 Antrim Coast Half Marathon promises to be another record-breaking event:
“With such an impressive lineup of elite runners, the 2024 Condor Executive Antrim Coast Half Marathon promises fans some of the fastest and most competitive distance running in the world for 2024. It was fantastic to welcome our headline runners to share exclusive details and special highlights of this year’s race, in the impressive setting of Ulster University’s new Belfast Sports Centre. As well as the elite racing, the Antrim Coast Half Marathon is a much-loved mass running event, and we are thrilled to have the support of Ulster University as we continue to grow the race and set more world records along the beautiful Antrim coastline.”
Ulster University also hosted an evening screening of the Skid Row Marathon film, with attending Judge Craig Mitchell, Superior Court Judge and star of the Skid Row Marathon movie, during a visit to Northern Ireland to participate in the Antrim Coast Half Marathon.
Head of Sports Services at Ulster University, Dr Nigel Dobson said:
“With the doors now open at the Belfast Sports Centre, it was an honour to welcome elite athletes and Olympians as they prepare for a significant race day at the Antrim Coast Half Marathon on Sunday. A landmark event in the running calendar, this year’s race is set to be another record breaker and we at Ulster University Sport are thrilled to support. With the addition of the Belfast Sports Centre, Ulster University has a rich sport offering, and we seek to support every student, staff member, and local community including sports clubs and professional athletes to reach their sporting goals, whether that be an Olympic Gold medal, a new personal best or enhanced fitness or relaxation. We hope the event, and participation of Judge Craig Mitchell, will serve as an inspiration to both this year’s elite competitors and mass runners at the Antrim Coast Half Marathon.”
For more information on Sport at Ulster University and to find out upcoming dates for Open Days for both campus and the Sports Centre, visit Sport Services - Ulster University.