ATHLETICS: Favourites live up to the billing at Downpatrick as Kerry O'Flaherty and Paddy Hamilton win

Kerry O'Flaherty and Paddy Hamilton started hot favourites for the Jimmy Murray 10K Road Race in Downpatrick and did not disappoint as both swept to convincing victories.

By The Newsroom

Published 13th Mar 2016, 21:10 BST

Updated 13th Mar 2016, 21:19 BST

The event – sponsored by MB McGrady and Co and promoted by East Down AC – attracted a record entry of almost 900 in warm and perfect conditions.

The Ladies’ entry was very strong with Olympic Steeplechase qualifier O’Flaherty joined by Senior cross country champion Shalene McMurray and Laura Graham who has been dominating the Forest Series.

O’Flaherty looked very relaxed as she crossed the line in 34:50.

Graham and McMurray were equally isolated in second and third.

Hamilton claimed the Men’s event in a time of 31:37, with James O’Hare second and Martin Cox third.

Team Harrison from Ballydrain won the two person relay with Double Trouble taking the Open Ladies.

William McKee won the Glenariff Mountain Race sponsored by Glens of Antrim Potatoes at Waterford while Shileen O’Kane took the Ladies.