# Race Report: Strangford Gala 5K & 10K 2026

28 August 2026 · 233 finishers (5K) · 173 finishers (10K)

The Strangford Gala once again brought a big crowd to the shores of the lough, with the 5K and 10K races drawing well over 400 finishers between them. Clubs from right across County Down and beyond — East Down AC, Ballygalget AC, Loughshore Coasters, Carryduff Running Club and more — turned out in force for a great evening of racing.

## The 5K

Niall McCaulfield (Lagan Valley) took the win in a sharp 17:19, just holding off a fast-finishing Carter Rolston (North Down Athletics), still in the M17 category, who crossed in 17:28. David Conlon (Ballygalget AC) was third in 17:42, giving the home club something to cheer, with Thomas Magee (East Down AC) fourth in 18:19.

The first woman home was Katie Napier (Lagan Valley), also in the F17 category, who finished fifth overall in a superb 18:31. Órlaith Keary (East Down Athletic Club) was next across for the women in 19:51.

With 233 finishers, the 5K field stretched from those sub-18-minute front-runners right through to a well-earned finish for Orla Mckeever (Carryduff Running Club) closing out the results in 45:08 — a race for every level from club speedsters to family fun-runners.

## The 10K

Robert Hagen (Roadrunners AC) produced the standout run of the night, taking the 10K win in 32:53 — nearly four minutes clear of the field. Aaron McAuley was second in 36:48, with Philip Young (Adam Smyth Coaching) completing the podium in 37:31. Brendan McQuaid (Newcastle AC) and Gareth Lyons (North Belfast Harriers) rounded out the top five.

Kerry O'Flaherty (Newcastle & District AC) was the first woman home, finishing 12th overall in 39:21, with Sinead Murtagh (Newcastle AC) the next woman across the line in 41:52.

173 runners completed the 10K, with the pack finishing out through the 50-minute and hour marks and on to a final finisher in caitlin meighan (Carryduff Running Club) in 1:13:30.

## Full Results

Every finisher, club and time for both races is available here:

👉 Strangford Gala 5K — Full Results 👉 Strangford Gala 10K — Full Results

Well done to everyone who took part, and to the organisers and volunteers behind another great night of racing at Strangford.