Inishowen Athletics Club to host re-established Furey 5k race

Mr McLaughlin described the race as part of the ‘Donegal Grand Prix’ event of 5k and 10k races annually held over the summer season

“We’ve invited all the other clubs in Donegal, Derry and further afield to take part, and the feedback has been good,” revealed Mr. McLaughlin, “This is a good time of the year to run a race; it’s early in the road season. People would use it as a benchmark for the summer season.”

Ex Inishown A.C. chairman Niall McGee added: “There will be prizes for the first three males, three females and then all the Masters categories will be recognised as well. The race will be held on the same basis as it was traditionally and we are inviting people to come and enjoy getting back into the Furey 5k after a two year break.”

The Inishowen club said it was proud to take on the organisation of the race as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations. Mr McGee expressed his appreciation to the Furey brothers for their support and their work in making the race such a success. Local brothers, Dara and Eoghan, of Furey Insurances had originally set the race up in association with City of Derry Spartans in 2003 but stepped away from it in 2024 following a highly successful 21 year run.

The race had developed a reputation that became synonymous with fast times as athletes came from Belfast and further afield,” said Mr McGee, “It became a highlight in the north west racing calendar.

“There is a lot of work involved in organising it and we have a committee taking charge of it. Funding will be raised from the entry fee of €10 and costs include permits and insurance. All the prizes will be covered by the club.

“The reason we are going back to that 5k course is because it’s been renowned for being super-fast. It’s a very flat course. There have been times recorded by athletes that are among the top 50 times across the UK and Ireland. There have been some phenomenal times – low 14 minutes - over the years.”

“There used to be a number of Kenyan athletes who would come across to get a fast time. Those of high end competition and even the more recreational athletes, the Dubliners you know, want a course that’s really fast, and whether it’s sub 14 minutes they’re going for or sub 45 minutes, it’ll be easier done on a flat, fast course.”

Inishowen A.C. has evolved into a dynamic club at the heart of the community, with weekly training schedules in Buncrana, Carndonagh and the Illies. Over the years the club has produced national medallists and trained thousands of athletes. The Furey brothers have welcomed the decision by Inishowen AC to take it on and bring it forward. Now they see an opportunity for it to evolve once more.

“It’s important that a race feels open to people,” said Dara Furey. “We always wanted it to be competitive, but never exclusive. That balance is what makes an event part of a community.”

The Inishowen Athletics Club Furey 5k race starts on St. Oran’s Road in Buncrana at 7.30pm on May 27. For registration go to https://eventmaster.ie/event/R177cL5h76