Armagh’s legendary 10-Miler is back on Sunday, October 11 – and with Olympians in its history, hot chocolate and ice cream at the finish, and a route steeped in Navan Fort mythology, this year’s race is shaping up as anything but your average Sunday run.
Race Sponsors – Digby’s Restaurant, JMW Meats, Autobits and MaxxPresso joined organisers and club members for the launch of the event at the Armagh City Hotel.
Race Directors of Armagh A.C., the organising club, thanked everyone for attending and for their support. The Armagh 10-Mile and associated 6k Fun Run has been staged every year since 1999, except 2020 when the pandemic shut down all events.
Since the victory in the inaugural year of Alan McCullough, brother of celebrated Olympic boxing silver-medallist, Wayne, the race has maintained a high profile with the men’s race having been won three times by Irish International John Downes, twice in the colours of London-Irish and once in the blue, green and white of Armagh A.C.
Olympian Breege Connolly of North Belfast won the Women’s race no fewer than five times, while fellow-Olympian, Dundrum South Dublin’s Maria McCambridge had two successes, as had Belfast Marathon winner Laura Graham of Mourne Runners.
Former Dublin Marathon winner, and World Championship competitor, Sean Hehir, was successful here in 2019. In 2025 the winners were Dearbhla Cox and Cameron Stewart.
Used by many as a useful warm-up for the Dublin Marathon at the end of October, the race takes the runners through the rolling Armagh countryside, with not-too-steep climbs interspersed with downhill and flat stretches, providing an ideal workout.
Both the 10-Mile and the 6k Fun Run begin and end at the Navan Centre where refreshments will be served when the racing’s done.
Eamhain Macha, or The Navan Fort as it is known today, was the setting for a mythical race between Macha and the King’s charioteer. Macha was at a serious disadvantage as she was on foot and also heavily pregnant, while the King’s Charioteer was riding in a chariot drawn by an exceptionally speedy horse. The story goes that against all the odds Macha won, and on crossing the finishing-line gave birth to the twins of Macha – “Emain Macha”.
This story is commemorated on the magnificent bronze sculpture by artist Carolyn Mulholland, which is presented jointly to the male and female winners of the 10-Mile, sponsored by Armagh City Hotel.
The Fun Run has been immensely popular with both young and old over the years, with the first, second, and third finishers in both male and female categories receiving a handsome trophy, and all finishers a medal.
A special thanks to our Race Sponsors, their support ensures the race is organised to a high standard. We wish all participants good luck in the race.”
Sponsors Maxxpresso have kindly sponsored a complimentary hot chocolate or Ice Cream to all finishers before 1pm on presentation of bib number so what’s not to LOVE about this race!!
Entry to both races is online via myrunresults.com and more information can be found on the race’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
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