The latest edition of the Armagh International 5K has once again solidified its reputation as one of the fastest road races on the planet. Nick Griggs, clocking a stellar 13:37, became the first local champion in 32 years, while an incredible 130 runners shattered the 15-minute barrier.
13:37 Ends a 32-Year Wait: Nick Griggs Wins on Home Turf
Armagh, widely regarded as the “Holy Grail” for 5K specialists, delivered top-tier athletic drama once again. During this year’s event, held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, all eyes were on Nick Griggs. The 21-year-old Candour Track Club athlete, who lives just 20 minutes from the course, broke a drought for Irish winners dating back to 1994. Griggs crossed the finish line in 13:37, narrowly beating Britain’s Matthew Ramsden and Callum Morgan, who both clocked 13:39.
The depth of the field was unprecedented. This year, a record-breaking 23 athletes finished under 14 minutes. Furthermore, 130 runners broke the 15-minute mark, confirming Armagh’s status as a mecca for speed. Despite temperatures of just 4°C (39°F) and a light drizzle, the atmosphere around The Mall was electric. Fans created a “wall of sound” with cowbells, and the leaders were greeted by spectacular flamethrowers at the finish line.
In a post-race interview, Griggs noted that his tactical approach—conserving energy and striking at the perfect moment—was key. “I wanted to do as little work as possible for most of the race,” the champion admitted, adding that the home crowd’s support was vital in the final meters.
Women’s 3K: A Sentimental Victory for Emily Haggard Kearney
The women’s 3K race was equally thrilling, with Emily Haggard Kearney taking the win in 9:07. It was a deeply sentimental moment; Kearney shared that she debuted in Armagh exactly 10 years ago as a junior, finishing near 100th place. “I never thought I’d come back here and win. This is the greatest success of my life,” she said. The podium was completed by Danielle Donegan (9:12) and Louise Shanahan (9:13).
A total of 124 women competed, with the England national team taking the team title. Although the drizzle made the surface near the timing mats slightly slick, conditions remained conducive to personal bests. Kearney led for most of the race, maintaining a three-second gap over the chasing pack to secure a comfortable victory.
A Festival of Running: 1,300 Children and a Strong Men’s 3K
The Armagh festival is about more than just the elite fields. The evening kicked off with the Whites Oats Juvenile Series, featuring a record 1,300 children. The night concluded with the Men’s Open 3K, won by William Driscoll in 8:33. Driscoll, competing in Armagh for the third time, praised the crowd’s energy for helping runners “feel true speed.” This event dates back to 1975, remaining a cornerstone of the global long-distance running circuit for over half a century.
International Elite and Strict Entry Standards
There is no room for casual joggers in the Armagh International Road Race. To enter the prestigious Men’s 5K, runners must have a documented sub-16:00 time from the last 12 months. The depth is so extreme that the last of the 205 finishers clocked 16:41—a time that would win or podium at most standard road races. This year’s start list included representatives from Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Poland and Australia.
While the course record of 13:33 (set by American Andrew Colley in 2025) remained intact, the sheer volume of sub-14:00 performances (23) surpassed last year’s totals.
In the women’s 3K, Agnieszka Chorzepa drew praise from commentators for a bold, solo breakaway early in the race. Though she couldn’t maintain the lead, her aggressive racing style was a highlight.
To illustrate the incredible depth in Armagh: the last-place finisher in 2025, Russ Mullen (16:23), would hold the course record at almost every parkrun in Northern Ireland!
Proven Quality and Spectacular Results
The 2026 Armagh International Road Race proved that the combination of a flat course around The Mall, strict entry standards, and passionate fans creates the perfect “speed trap.” With Nick Griggs’ historic win and a record number of sub-14:00 finishes, the event continues to grow as a global magnet for elite talent.
Full results are available at myrunresults.com, with a complete race replay on YouTube.
