Strabane/Lifford and Waterside half marathons to be held annually

Two highlights of the north west's athletics calendar will both go ahead next year, it has been confirmed.

The popular Strabane/Lifford and Waterside half marathons will take place in May and September respectively with both events now expected to be held annually.

This year's events saw 1,209 runners cross the line in Strabane and 2,774 completing the Waterside Half Marathon which was the biggest ever entry for the race.

In recent years there had been fears that both races could be in danger of being cut by Derry and Strabane District Council.

In 2023 it emerged that the council planned to alternate the Waterside and Strabane/Lifford races on a bi-annul basis in a bid to save money.

However following public outcry and financial support from the private sector both races have since been staged.

At this week's Business and Culture committee, councillors were given a detailed report about the proposals for next year's races.

The report stated that due to the “overwhelmingly positive feedback from the 2025 races”, it is proposed to further increase participant numbers and to continue to secure sponsorship for the events which would allow the events to continue annually.

“Every effort will be made to increase participant numbers and if registrations could open in December 2025 it would allow this to be monitored closely in advance of the rates process,” the report stated.

It is also proposed that the registration fee increase to £28 per person (from £27 per person) plus booking fee for both races. The half marathon relay fee would be £73 per 3-person relay team (from £70 per team). The increase in the registration fee would help to cover rising costs, the report added.

DUP councillor Julie Middleton commended council staff associated with the half marathons. Alderman Middleton added that her party would like to see movement in the coming years to having no rates involved in paying for the events.

SDLP councillor Sean Mooney said that following the plans to alternate the races announced in 2023, it was nice to see them now flourishing.

Cllr Mooney, who has taken part in the Waterside Half Marathon and marshalled at the race, said: “Given where we're going and given where we were two years ago, this is a great success story.”

Sinn Féin councillor Christoper Jackson has welcomed confirmation that the Strabane/Lifford and Waterside Half Marathons will take place in 2026 with both events now expected to be held annually.

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He said: “It’s welcome news that both the Waterside Half Marathon and Strabane Lifford Half Marathons will go ahead in 2026.

“Both these events provide a healthy outlet for thousands of people and are also a vehicle for many participants to raise funds and awareness for local organisations, charities and good causes.

“There is also a hugely positive impact from hosting large events like this with additional visitors coming into the region and generating an economic boost for local business and services.”