Les Jones Memorial 10k 2018:

Pre-race favourites Vincent McKenna (QUB AC) and Jessica Craig (North Down AC) lived up to expectation as they led a capacity field home at the 27^th annual Les Jones Memorial 10k (Friday 18^th May 2018).

The Athletics NI hosted event is a popular annual fixture, organised in memory of late athlete, team manager and Athletics NI Chairman Les Jones, who sadly passed away in 1992.

For the event, Athletics NI worked alongside Action Mental Health as part of the Mental Health Awareness week, which began on 14th May 2018. A donation will be made to the charity from the race entries.

The race started at the Mary Peters Track and took competitors onto the Lagan Towpath towards Shaws Bridge.  Athletes negotiated the infamous climb in Barnetts Demesne on their way back to the finish line on the Mary Peters Track.

The fast improving Vincent McKenna impressed yet again, leading the field home in 34:54 (1^st place).  Mark Smith (Mallusk Harriers), who performed well at the recent Larne Half Marathon, claimed the runners up spot in 35:20 (2^nd place).  University track star James Smyth (St Malachy’s AC), making his 10k debut, completed the top three in 36:07 (3^rd place).

In the ladies race, Northern Ireland international Jessica Craig took top honours in 37:25 (1^st place), approximately ninety seconds ahead of in-form Newcastle AC athlete Sinead Murtagh, who recorded 38:57 for 2^nd place.  Melissa Eccles looked back to her best with a sub-40 finish for 3^rd place, crossing the line in 39:11.

Full Results:  Les Jones Memorial 10k 2018 Results