Partnership with the McKinney Games
Some race days cater to speedsters. Others are glorified fun runs. Enter the McKinney Games. It’s a full on running buffet. On Saturday the 4th of October, the Eikon Centre outside Lisburn turns into a one day festival with distances to suit absolutely everyone: 5k, 10k, 10 Mile, Half Marathon, 20 Mile, and the full Marathon, plus a lively kids’ dash. Today’s your final chance to join in on the action.
If you have a PB target, or you’re testing your marathon legs, or just fancy a family day out that doesn’t involve a shopping centre, this event has you covered. Entries close at 11pm tonight, so if you fancy a spot on the start line, now’s the time to here.
The 20 Mile Sweet Spot
If you’re training for 2025 Dublin Marathon, the McKinney 20 Mile is basically the perfect dress rehearsal. It lands exactly three weeks before Dublin, prime long run territory when you need a serious effort without the headache of organising it yourself.
Flat, looped, and chip timed, it’s ideal for locking into goal pace while soaking up the atmosphere of a real race. Think of it as your final boss before taper, with proper parking and no chance of a surprise hill at mile nineteen.
Last Call for a Full Marathon
Maybe you missed the Dublin entry window. Maybe you had your heart set on Galway Bay on 4 October only to find it sold out. The McKinney Marathon is your last chance saloon before the dark evenings roll in and we’re all running with headtorches by teatime.
Entry is £49.50 far cheaper than Dublin and the flat-ish looped course means you can focus on steady pacing rather than dodging potholes. It’s the perfect way to close out the year with a proper 26.2 before winter shuts the curtains at 4 p.m.
Perfect for Shorter Goals Too
Not everyone wants to clock double digits.
Maybe you only picked up running this summer and fancy a crack at a 10k PB before the cold hits. Or perhaps a crisp autumn 5k is more your speed Either way, McKinney gives you a proper race day experience with the same big event buzz, even if you’re only out for half an hour.
And if your partner, mate or training buddy is tackling the 20 or the marathon, you don’t have to sit in the car for three hours scrolling Instagram. You can race too, grab a coffee, then cheer them in. Bring the kids and let them burn energy in the kids’ dash, they’ll get their own medal while you get a breather. Bring the kids for the 1k dash and let them burn energy; they’ll get their own medal while you get a breather.
A Prize for Every Finisher
Here’s the surprise twist. Every single finisher, from the 5k to the marathon, is handed a sealed envelope the moment they cross the line. Inside: anything from McKinney Competitions credit to vouchers or a prize worth £25 to £5,000, with a total prize pot of over £100,000. Run hard, jog, or walk it, your odds are the same.
It’s a lottery ticket with a medal attached. I’ve said it before: usually the back of the pack prize is a banana and a polite clap. Here, the club runner gunning for sub three and the newbie chasing a 40 minute 5k have exactly the same chance of a windfall.
And if you are a club runner with podium dreams, relax, the usual top three cash prizes are still up for grabs in every distance.
A Venue That Works
The Eikon Centre is a dream for logistics: plenty of parking, indoor space to warm up, and a course that loops through the Maze area and Down Royal Racecourse. It’s close enough to Belfast for an easy morning drive and straightforward enough for anyone travelling from Dublin or further afield. No need for a 5 a.m. bus or a weekend of hotel bill, just turn up, race, and head for a celebratory pint or a big bag of chips.
My Plan
I’ll be lining up for the 20 Miler as part of my Dublin build up, aiming for controlled miles and a sensible finish. Then I’ll grab my envelope with the excitement of a kid on Christmas morning.
Maybe it’s a £25 voucher, maybe it’s £500, maybe it’s a Sodastream (don’t quote me, but I’m quietly rooting for fizzy water on tap). Whatever’s inside, it beats another soggy banana.
Your Turn
So what’s your excuse? Missed Dublin? Chasing a last minute PB? Want a family running day with a bit of craic and a guaranteed prize? The McKinney Games is built for all of it. Pick a distance, bring the kids, and make Saturday the 4th of October the day you wrap up your running year in style.
The Closing Date is today! Enter here
Follow McKinney Games on Facebook and Instagram for updates.