Thousands of Runners Cross the Finish Line at the MB Chicken Lisburn Half Marathon, 10K & Fun Run

Adrenaline levels soared as 6,000 runners descended to the start line for 2026 MB Chicken Lisburn Half Marathon, 10K Road Race and Fun Run. The popular event returned to the streets of Lisburn for the 43rd year on Wednesday 17 June.

Organised by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, the sellout event saw the largest number of competitive runners, families and schools take on the challenge of one of Northern Ireland’s favourite running events. 

The ‘flat and fast’ course continued to provide a traffic free zone through the Eikon Centre and LMK site to help runners clock up a personal best time. There were also lots of prize giveaways along with entertainment from Cool Fm’s Pete Snodden to keep everyone’s spirits lifted.

Some of the countries most talented runners crossed the finishing line with Caitlyn Harvey taking top honours in the Women’s Half Marathon while Nicola Black took a well-deserved second spot and Gillian McCrory third. In the Men’s Half Marathon, Patrick McColl made it on to the podium in first place with Adam Smyth taking second place and Ronan O’Hara finishing a strong third.

In the Half Marathon Wheelchair race, Jayne Blakley finished in first place and Vincent & Meabh Bradley won the 10K Wheelchair event.

Kerry O’Flaherty crossed the finish line in first place in the Women’s 10K, followed by Harriet Buswell in second and Caroline MacNabb in third place. In the Men's 10K, Robbie Hagen clocked up a first place, closely followed by Noel McNally in second place and Eoin McCann in third.

In the Fun Run, first place was won Matthew Saberian, followed by Daniel Doherty in second place and Eloise McAuley in third.

Starting the Half Marathon event, the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh, Councillor Brian Higginson said, “The Half Marathon, 10K Road Race and Fun Run have been firm favourites with runners and families for over four decades. This year we were delighted to record one of our largest entries which shows the popularity of the event with runners, families and schools.

We are proud that the event has now grown to become one of Northern Ireland’s largest running events. Many participants come back year on year, while there are some who have run tonight for the very first time.

“I was honoured to meet so many people as they crossed the finish line. You should be very proud of your achievement and hopefully it will be the start of many more runs to come!”

The Chair of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Sharon Lowry added “Congratulations to everyone who crossed the finish line tonight. It was inspiring to see first-hand the amazing determination and community spirit shown by every participant that makes the Lisburn Half Marathon, 10K and Fun Run so special.

We had people of all ages and levels of fitness taking part, which shows the important role the event plays in promoting health and wellbeing across the council area. I hope this experience encourages even more people to take up running, whether recreationally or as part of a club.

I would like to thank MB Chicken Lisburn for generously sponsoring the event and look forward to seeing you all next year.”

Rana Abhol from MB Chicken in Lisburn said, “Sponsoring the Lisburn Half Marathon, 10K and Fun Run is a fantastic way to give back to the local community. We were delighted to be involved again with an event which brings people of all ages together and promotes healthier, more active lifestyles.”

To view photographs from the event, please visit www.lisburnhalfmarathon.com or check out the Council’s Sports Development Facebook page, Beactivestayactivelisburncastlereagh. 

Pictured - The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Brian Higginson and Chair of the Communities & Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Sharon Lowry at the start line for the MB Chicken Lisburn Half Marathon, 10K Road Race and Fun Run.

Pictured - Lisburn Half Marathon runners crossing the start line.

Pictured - Fun runners at the start line. 

Pictured - Runners with the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Brian Higginson and Chair of the Communities & Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Sharon Lowry.