One of Ireland's most prestigious road racing events is introducing a major change for 2027, with the Armagh International Road Races confirming that women will compete over 5K at elite level for the first time.
The event, which celebrates its 35th edition on Thursday, 11 February 2027, has announced the introduction of a Women's International Elite 5K, bringing the distance in line with the established men's international race.
Previously, the elite women's competition was contested over 3K, while the men raced over 5K.
The new format will give female athletes the opportunity to compete over the same distance as their male counterparts, with organisers hoping to attract a strong international field to the famous circuit around The Mall in Armagh.
Importantly, the existing women's 3K will not disappear. Instead, it will become an open race, retaining opportunities for club runners and developing athletes.
A Significant Change for Women's Road Racing
Armagh has developed an international reputation for attracting exceptionally deep fields, with athletes travelling from across Ireland, Britain, Europe and beyond to compete on its fast, flat course.
However, the different distances for the men's and women's elite competitions have long been a distinctive feature of the event.
That will change next February.
The introduction of a women's 5K means both international races will now be contested over the same distance, giving elite female athletes another opportunity to pursue fast times against strong opposition.
It also creates an interesting prospect for the event itself.
The men's 5K has become famous for the extraordinary number of athletes breaking 15 minutes, with the depth of competition often attracting as much attention as the winning time.
Organisers will now have an opportunity to build a similarly competitive women's field over the same distance.
Speaking about the announcement, co race director Sheena Kerr said:
"We are delighted to introduce the Women's International Elite 5K to the programme for 2027."
Kerr explained that creating more opportunities for women to compete against strong international opposition was an important priority for the organisers.
She also expressed hope that the expanded programme would encourage more women and girls to become involved in athletics.
Following a Remarkable Night for Irish Athletes
The changes follow a memorable 2026 edition in which two athletes representing Northern Ireland and Ulster claimed the international titles.
Nick Griggs of Candour Track Club won the men's 5K in 13:37, becoming the first Northern Ireland athlete to claim the men's title since Bobby Farren in 1992.
Griggs produced a decisive finish to take victory ahead of England's Matthew Ramsden, who clocked 13:39, with fellow Candour athlete Callum Morgan third in the same time.
The depth of the men's field was remarkable.
Of the 206 finishers, 137 broke 15 minutes, including 23 athletes who completed the distance in under 14 minutes.
Meanwhile, Emily Haggard Kearney of North Belfast Harriers claimed an impressive victory in the women's international 3K.
She broke clear of her rivals in the closing stages to win in 9:07, finishing five seconds ahead of Tullamore Harriers athlete Danielle Donegan.
Leevale AC's Louise Shanahan finished third in 9:13.
The victories for Griggs and Haggard Kearney marked the first time Northern Ireland and Ulster athletes had won both international races at the same edition.
With the women's elite distance increasing to 5K, next year's event will provide a new challenge for athletes hoping to follow in their footsteps.
What About Club Runners?
Although much of the attention will understandably focus on the new international race, organisers have emphasised that the event will continue to cater for athletes outside the elite competitions.
The former Women's International 3K will become a Women's Open 3K, while the Men's Open 3K remains part of the programme.
These races provide opportunities for club athletes and developing runners to experience the atmosphere of an international road racing event without needing to meet the standards required for the elite fields.
The popular juvenile races will also return.
More than 1,300 young athletes participated across 11 juvenile races in 2026, competing as part of the Armagh Credit Union Schools League.
Despite its growing international reputation, the event remains organised by Armagh Athletics Club, with volunteers, local schools and community organisations playing an important role in race night.
How to Enter the 2027 Armagh International Road Races
Entries opened on Thursday, 29 October 2026, with separate arrangements for the international races and open competitions.
Applications for the Men's International 5K and the new Women's International 5K closed at 8pm on Sunday, 8 November.
Athletes applying for the international races were required to provide a working link verifying their best 5K performance from the previous 12 months.
Entries for the Men's and Women's Open 3K races, along with the juvenile competitions, remain available through the official event website, subject to capacity and the organisers' closing dates in January.
The full programme will take place on Thursday evening, 11 February 2027, around The Mall in Armagh.
Organisers have also confirmed that all races will be broadcast live, allowing supporters unable to attend to follow the action.
