The 2020 edition of the popular Laganside 10k has been transformed into a virtual event, with all proceeds donated to charities providing vital services during the Covid-19 pandemic: St Patrick’s Soup Kitchen, TAMHI (Tackling Awareness of Mental Health Issues), and Marie Curie cancer care.
Promoting club North Belfast Harriers, in partnership with sponsors Concentrix and KRW Law, are covering all costs of the virtual event. Every penny of the £10 entry fee goes directly to these charities, with entrants choosing which one they want to support. Entrants also may donate above and beyond the entry fee.
The event also features a unique ‘leader board’ system, where entrants can opt to upload their time and create a bit of friendly virtual competition. This also allows participants to complete the distance multiple times between the date of their entry and 5 pm on Sunday 6 September, with their fastest time counting in the final results.
Medals are being posted to the first 950 entrants, so if you fancy getting your hands on one, and you are capable of walking, jogging or running the 10k distance then why not support one of these great charities by entering at https://laganside10k.com/
Leader Board
There are already over 250 entrants, with donations now totalling over £4,000, and some fast times being recorded. The current top-20 looks like this:
| Pos | Athlete | Time |
| 1 | John Black | 32:41 |
| 2 | Gladys Ganiel | 37:26 |
| 3 | Rachel Carlisle | 38:20 |
| 4 | Philip Mason | 38:38 |
| 5 | Eoin McQuillan | 39:33 |
| 6 | Jim McClean | 42:00 |
| 7 | Ray Cameron | 42:17 |
| 8 | Peter Corr | 42:56 |
| 9 | Paul Manton | 43:07 |
| 10 | Paul Carlin | 43:17 |
| 11 | Matt Shields | 44:30 |
| 12 | Thomas McLaughlin | 44:57 |
| 13 | Craig Goodall | 45:29 |
| 14 | Fionnuala O’Hare | 45:30 |
| 15 | Darren Clarke | 45:44 |
| 16 | Stephen Torney | 45:50 |
| 17 | Roisin Byrne | 45:56 |
| 18 | Paul Sheldon | 46:06 |
| 19 | Peter Dolan | 46:25 |
| 20 | Helen Weir | 46:40 |
Popular with Members
The event is proving popular amongst the harrier’s own members who feature prominently in the top 20 and have enjoyed adding a unique medal to their collection.
Event Launch
Launching the event, event director Matt Shields commented ‘Over the years, the Laganside 10k has become a celebration of community health and well-being. The Covid-19 pandemic has meant it is not possible to hold the Laganside in its usual form this year. The pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues, hunger and homelessness, and contributed to delays in cancer diagnoses and treatments. Charities tackling these issues are strapped for cash. We are delighted to be working in partnership with these charities and our sponsors to assist their important efforts’.
