Armagh International Road Races return for 35th year with new Women's International Elite 5K

The Armagh International Road Races will return to the streets of Armagh on Thursday 11th February 2027, celebrating the 35th running of an event that has earned a formidable international reputation for world-class competition and outstanding performances.

A highlight of the athletics calendar, the races attract athletes from across the world to The Mall, Armagh, with the event widely recognised as one of the fastest road racing events in the world. For 2027, organisers are delighted to announce the introduction of a Women’s International Elite 5K, adding to the event’s established race programme and creating a new international platform for female athletes.

This exciting development complements the existing races and marks another important step in the continued growth of the event.

The existing Men’s International Elite 5K will remain unchanged, while the previous International 3K transitions to a Women’s Open 3K, ensuring opportunities continue for club athletes, developing runners and a new generation of competitors to experience the excitement of racing in Armagh.

The event attracts athletes from across the UK, Ireland, Europe and beyond. Its reputation for fast times, exceptional depth of competition and a distinctive floodlit atmosphere around The Mall has established the event as a highlight of the athletics calendar.

Reaching its 35th year running, it marks a significant milestone for the event which has grown from its roots in Armagh into a highly respected fixture on the international athletics scene. Race Director Craig Troughton commented, “As we approach the 35th running of the Armagh International Road Races, it’s incredible to reflect on how far the event has come. What has grown over the years is not just the scale of the races, but the reputation and respect the event now has internationally, among athletes and the wider sporting community.”

Craig added, “Armagh AC as hosting club, and the event committee, are immensely proud that Armagh has become a destination for athletes from across the world, with our races recognised for their exceptional standard of competition and the opportunity to produce outstanding performances. That brings tremendous value to our city, shining a spotlight on Armagh and bringing worldwide attention to what our city has to offer.”

The event is not just about the times recorded on the road. It is about the community, the volunteers, our sponsors, the young athletes, and everyone who has helped make these races what they are today. As the race celebrate 35 years, we’re excited about the next chapter and continuing to build on that legacy.

The introduction of the Women’s International Elite 5K represents an exciting addition to the programme for 2027. The new race complements the Women’s Open 3K, providing further opportunity for female athletes to compete on the international stage while retaining opportunities for club and developing runners.

Sheena Kerr, Co-Race Director, commented, “We are delighted to introduce the Women’s International Elite 5K to the programme for 2027. This is a really exciting development for the event. Providing women with further opportunities to compete in a high-quality international field is hugely important. We want to continue creating platforms where female athletes can challenge themselves, achieve their ambitions and inspire the next generation of women and girls to get involved in sport.”

We look forward to welcoming athletes to Armagh for what we hope will be a fantastic addition to race night and the beginning of another exciting chapter for the event.

Sheena added “We want Armagh to continue inspiring athletes at every stage of their journey, from developing club runners to international athletes, and to ensure that race night remains an opportunity for athletes to challenge themselves, gain experience and be part of something special.”

The 2026 Races once again demonstrated the exceptional standard of competition that has become synonymous with the event, with the International Men’s 5K producing remarkable performances of all 206 finishers recording times under 16:36. Of those, 137 athletes finished under 15 minutes, including 23 who broke the 14-minute barrier.

Northern Ireland & Ulster athlete Nick Griggs claimed victory in the Men’s International 5K in an outstanding time of 13:37, while Emily Haggard-Kearney, also representing NI & Ulster, won the Women’s International 3K in 9:07. The Men’s Open 3K was won by William Driscoll in 8:33. 1,300 juniors also took to the line across 11 juvenile races, all competing in the newly established Armagh Credit Union Schools League.

Beyond the performances on the road, the event captured a global audience, generating more than four million media views and online engagements, alongside 13,000 live-stream viewers, shining an international spotlight on Armagh.

The organisers are delighted to welcome back On and Armagh Sports and Trophies as returning headline sponsors for 2027. The event also welcomes back the continued support of Whites Oats and Linwood’s, as race title sponsors, alongside Armagh Credit Union, sponsor of the Schools League.

While the event attracts elite athletes and international attention, it remains deeply rooted in its local community and is run by Armagh Athletics Club. Local residents, businesses, schools, volunteers and spectators all contribute to the unique atmosphere that makes race night special.

Entries open for all races on Thursday 29th October 2026 at 9:00am. Athletes wishing to compete in the Men’s International 5K and Women’s International 5K must apply by application through the events entry platform. Applications for the international races will close at 8:00pm on Sunday 8 November 2026. Direct registrations for all Juvenile and Open 3K races will be live from 29th October through to January 2027.

As the event celebrates its 35th running, organisers remain committed to showcasing Armagh on the international stage, with all races being broadcast live, bringing the excitement of race night to audiences both at home and internationally.

With an exciting new addition to the women’s programme, an established international reputation and the continued backing of its sponsors and community, the Armagh International Road Races looks forward to welcoming athletes and supporters to Armagh on Thursday 11 February 2027.