Olympic legend Haile Gebrselassie is heading to this year's Antrim Coast Half Marathon event. The 10,000m gold medallist from Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 will be among thousands of runners taking part.
Supported by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, the world-class event takes place on Sunday, August 28. A host of elite sporting stars will line up in Larne to race along the spectacular Antrim Coast Road.
Olympic champion Gebrselassie will be a star attraction this year. The legendary Ethiopian runner will compete in the one-mile street race on Saturday, August 27 and then commentate on Sunday's half marathon showpiece.
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The 49-year-old follows in the footsteps of Sir Mo Farah who lit up the event two years ago. Four-time Olympic gold medallist Farah proved his class with victory in the main half marathon.
This time it will be Gebrselassie who will take centre stage in the one-mile race. He will be joined by British Olympian Jo Pavey.
Sunday's half marathon also has a stellar line-up, with names including Britain’s Marc Scott and Callum Hawkins and Ethiopians Yalemzerf Yehualaw and Jemal Yimer.
Race director James McIlroy said the response for the 2022 half marathon has been superb to date, with entries from throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, America and Australia. It has also been confirmed that the event will be shown live on the BBC.
McIlroy said: “The Mid and East Antrim – Antrim Coast Half Marathon really is going from strength to strength and the quality of competitors on board is testament to the incredible offering we have. We have all the ingredients for the ideal race and this year will be bigger and better than ever before.
“I commend Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for their ongoing support.”
As well as the race events, a raft of activities are planned in Larne throughout race weekend, including free family entertainment at Sandy Bay, and pop-up entertainment along the course route.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Noel Williams, added: “We are delighted to be key sponsors of the half marathon which is a world-class event in Mid and East Antrim. This event really does put our Borough on the map and that is evidenced by the number of competitors travelling from so far afield to take part.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase Mid and East Antrim and our top class tourism and hospitality offering, as well as staging an elite sporting event which our community can get involved and participate in. I look forward to what promises to be a spectacular – and hopefully record-breaking – weekend.”
For more information on the Mid and East Antrim – Antrim Coast Half Marathon, visit: antrimcoasthalfmarathon.com
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