Although there was a wet start to the day, the rain soon cleared and conditions on the evening were excellent for running with a 10km race, 5km Fun Run and a 1km Family Challenge all watched by an appreciative crowd.

Starting and finishing at Craigavon Watersports Centre, the 10km Race and 5km Fun Run took in the pathways around the picturesque Craigavon Lakes and City Park areas with MacMillan Cancer Support benefiting from the evening’s activities.

Paul Rowan and Alan McCullough ensured a one-two finish for Willowfield Athletics Club in the Male Open race with the two runners finishing well clear of an impressive field of athletes. It was an historic fifth win in a row for Paul at the Craigavon Lakes who crossed the line in 31mins 32secs with Alan recording a finish of 31mins 47secs. Armagh’s Richard Turkington went one place better than his fourth place finish in 2007, taking third place with a time of 32mins 59secs.

The Female Open category was won very impressively by Sharon Trimble from North Belfast Harriers who crossed the line in 37mins 55secs, just in front of Donna Evans of Monaghan Phoenix, winner of the Over 40 category. Behind them there was a battle on for the other honours, with last year’s winner, Karen Alexander of Sperrin Athletics Club emerging to take the second place spot, with Gillian Burns in third and Roslynn Dobson in fourth.

An excellent performance by Lee Maginnis helped secure a very satisfying win in the 5km Fun Run. Craigavon twins Niall and Sean Devlin from Councillor Kieran Corr’s Moyraverty Amateur Drama Society finished second and third respectively. Niall had finished third last year and was determined to go one better this year.

Winner in the female category was St. Peter’s Athletics Club’s Orlagh McKavanagh with Newry athletes Michaela Doherty and Michaela Magee finishing second and third respectively.

The evening which was organised by Craigavon Borough Council in partnership with St. Peter’s Athletic Club, had earlier commenced with the 1km Family Challenge with a good representation from the local families and groups.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the new Mayor of Craigavon, Alderman Sidney Anderson, on his first official visit, congratulated all the competitors for coming along and welcomed in particular visitors to the Borough. He also thanked the event organisers for all their efforts and for making the evening an occasion for all the family.