Tonight’s Clonmany 5K kicks off the competitive action and the 7.30 p.m. start is sure to attract the usual healthy entry from both Derry and Donegal runners organised by Inishowen AC.

This is usually a competitive race in the annual Donegal Grand Prix Series and Muff 5K winner Diarmuid Grant is likely to travel the short distance from his Buncrana base to chase more honours.

Sunday brings the Letterkenny Summer 15K and this one starts at 11.00 a.m. Letterkenny AC promotes the race and although only introduced to the Grand Prix calendar a few years ago, it has an excellent reputation and will draw a good entry especially from those runners and joggers keen to escape from the diet of 5Ks in recent months.

Tullamore hosts the National Masters Track and Field Championships this weekend and this age graded competition is always a high quality meeting with North West athletes, as ever, chasing medals.

City of Derry duo Robert Bigger and Danea Herron are among the local confirmed entries and could both return with some silverware in their respective events.

Creggan 3K

On Tuesday next, August 12th the road race action moves to Creggan for the annual festival 3K which uses the 1k circuit around Central Drive, Iniscarn Road, Fanad Drive. Entries will be taken at the Bishop’s Field Complex from 6.30 p.m. for the 7.30 p.m. start.

There is also a 1K fun run starting at 7.00 p.m. aimed primarily at children with ribboned medals for all finishers. Entries taken on the night. No entry fee is required.

Finally Antrim hosts the combined events championships tomorrow and Sunday with competition for U13s right up to seniors. The local interest will centre primarily on the under age multi event athletes with the U13s, U15s, U17s and U20s from the City Clubs expected to feature strongly in the medals chase.

Earhart Challenge Cup

5k run

Meanwhile, Amateur athletics returns to Ballyarnett Country Park next weekend (Sunday, August 17th) for the first time in 30 year - the organisers of the Earhart Festival about to revive a tradition with the first Earhart Challenge Cup 5 kms ‘Fun Run.’

The challenging course takes in one of Derry’s steepest inclines which is sure to test both stamina and fitness! So, even if the cross-country events at Ballyarnett racecourse are just a distant folk memory, come along to register-free- or watch those brave enough to do so.

The race is open to all and registration begins at 11.45 a.m., with the race scheduled to start at 12 noon.