Finishing touches to KK McArthur festival

Local residents are working hard in preparation for the Olympic Torch Run on 3 June and the Festival of Running on the 21 July.

There will be an international feel to the village with the Union, South African, Swedish and Olympic flags being flown - all of which represent a link to the Kennedy Kane story.

The young adults of the village have played their part designing banners commemorating Kennedy Kane’s achievement at the 1912 Olympics and these will be displayed around the village during the festival.

The committee have commissioned perpetual trophies for the three races, including trophies for the first male and female Dervock resident to finish in each event.

This has generated a lot of local interest with runners regularly seen training on the new course.

Race Director Bryan Edgar said: “The race committee have been planning this event since last August. Finally things seem to be falling into place in terms of sponsors, support and most importantly competitors.

“Already a number of overseas runners have entered and I am sure that a warm North Antrim welcome will be extended to all.

“We hope to recreate the traditional carnival atmosphere in Dervock, the neighbouring village of Stranocum through which all three races pass and that the event will be a fitting tribute to Kennedy Kane’s achievement 100 years ago.”

There has been an increase in the number of entries in recent weeks and the race organisers are expecting an influx before the closing date of 30 June. There will be no entries on the day.

Anyone interested in entering the Festival of Running can do so online at www.athleticsni.org or by downloading an entry form from www.springwellrunners.com.

The three races include a Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K event. All three courses have been accurately measured by Athletics NI.

The Half Marathon is included in the Up & Running Half Marathon Series and anyone running the marathon can have their half way time recorded for that competition.

Timing for the event will be provided by ChampionChip Ireland. All runners will receive a technical T-shirt and for marathon and half marathon runners, a specially commissioned bespoke medal.

You can also keep up to date with developments and post questions on our Facebook page Kennedy Kane McArthur Festival of Running.

For further details email Bryan Edgar: [email protected] or Kenny Bacon: [email protected]. Check out the Marathon Mac site www.marathonmac2012.com for all the details of the centenary celebrations.