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- By Julian Fowler
- BBC News NI south-west reporter
There were some spooky looking characters taking part in this year’s event
Zombies, witches and skeletons were running for their lives in Enniskillen on Friday night, but it wasn’t because they were scared into a sprint.
Instead it was down to the annual Enniskillen Spooktacular 5km, which is now in its 11th year.
With a record 1,500 entrants, organisers say it has become the largest night race in Ireland.
Elite athletes made it a competitive event with the fastest runner finishing in a time of 15 minutes 28 seconds.
Others were happy to run, jog or walk in fancy dress, as an almost full moon, and a large crowd adding their encouragement, contributed to the Halloween atmosphere.
Ian Birney, from Enniskillen Running Club whose volunteers spend months organising the race, said it creates “a great community spirit”.
As well as the elite runners, he said some people are racing to raise money for charity while others are taking part in couch to 5k programmes.
“We know there’s a lot of people travelling from afar here tonight to take part, which is very important to us,” he said.
Teresa Hughes travelled from Limerick to compete as part of a charity challenge to run 32 races in 32 counties.
“It’s actually my first time ever in Enniskillen as well, it seems like a really nice place, I’m actually looking forward to it,” she said beforehand.
“I watched the videos and everything from last year and it looks like a really fun event so it should be very good.”
The run is sponsored by local firms through Enniskillen Business Improvement District (BID).
Elite athletes made it a competitive race with the fastest runner finishing in a time of 15 minutes 28 seconds
Noelle McAloon from Enniskillen BID said it is an important annual event for the town.
“People want experiences but also it gives them that sense of community.
“Whenever you’re running through the town and you’re running past businesses and the business owners are out cheering you, it just brings community and business together – and that’s what we want.”
Arlene Ferguson and Lorraine Browne ran with their dogs Winston and Bailey.
Arlene Ferguson and Lorraine Browne ran with their dogs Winston and Bailey.
Arlene was taking part for the first time and said “it’s been absolutely amazing, so much fun”.
“It’s been hard getting around it with these two because they’ve been stopping to say hello to the absolute world, but the atmosphere is absolutely amazing.
“It’s so good to see such a great community spirit and the dogs just loved it, they loved the attention,” added Lorraine.
Erin from Maguiresbridge collecting here medal
After collecting her medal, eight-year-old Erin from Maguiresbridge said: “I thought it was really fun.
“I think I’m going to do it next year, but maybe in a costume next time.”
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