Record field and coastal drama as Larne 10 Mile draws biggest-ever turnout

Jordan Herron of Larne Athletic Club won the men’s race at the 2026 Saint-Gobain Exterior Solutions Larne 10 Mile Race. Jordan is pictured crossing the line in a time of 54:15. (All photographs by Presseye/Stephen Hamilton)

A record number of runners from across Northern Ireland and beyond lined the County Antrim coast on Saturday as the 2026 Saint-Gobain Exterior Solutions Larne 10 Mile Race delivered its biggest event to date, with local athlete Jordan Herron and Pamela Kirk taking the men’s and women’s titles in a fiercely contested day of racing.

Organised by Larne Athletic Club, the long-established event once again cemented its place as a standout fixture in Northern Ireland’s athletics calendar, bringing together elite competitors, club runners and recreational participants along one of the most scenic race routes in the region.

The growing scale of the event was evident from the record-breaking number of registrations, underlining its reputation as both a serious competitive race and a welcoming community occasion for runners of all abilities.

Local star Herron claims men’s title in tight finish

2026 Saint-Gobain Exterior Solutions Larne 10 Mile Race Winner Jordan Herron pictured with Gary Wilmot, CEO, Saint Gobain Exterior Solutions

Winner Jordan Herron, John Black second and Conal McCambridge third pictured with Gary Wilmot, CEO, Saint Gobain Exterior Solutions

Representing Larne Athletic Club, Jordan Herron powered home to claim the men’s title in an impressive 54:15, edging out strong competition in one of the closest finishes of the day.

John Black of North Belfast Harriers crossed second in 54:25, just 10 seconds behind the winner, while Conal McCambridge, also of North Belfast Harriers, completed the podium in 55:29.

The close margins at the front of the field added further drama to an event already buoyed by record participation and strong spectator support along the route.

Kirk leads women’s race in thrilling contest

Pamela Kirk of Roadrunners A.C. won the women’s race at the 2026 Saint-Gobain Exterior Solutions Larne 10 Mile Race. Pamela is pictured crossing the line in a time of 01:00:34.

2026 Saint-Gobain Exterior Solutions Larne 10 Mile Race Winner Pamela Kirk pictured with second placed Gladys Ganiel, third placed Maire Ferguson and Gary Wilmot, CEO, Saint Gobain Exterior Solutions

Pamela Kirk of Roadrunners A.C. won the women’s race at the 2026 Saint-Gobain Exterior Solutions Larne 10 Mile Race and pictured with Gary Wilmot, CEO, Saint Gobain Exterior Solutions

The women’s race proved equally competitive, with Pamela Kirk of Roadrunners A.C. taking first place in 01:00:34.

In an exceptionally tight battle for the top spot, Gladys Ganiel of North Belfast Harriers finished just five seconds behind in 01:00:39.

Máire Ferguson of Willowfield Harriers secured third place with a time of 01:01:11, completing a high-quality women’s podium in what was one of the standout races of the day.

Race continues to grow as major athletics fixture

The Larne 10 Mile has become a staple event on the Northern Ireland road racing calendar, attracting both seasoned competitors chasing personal bests and first-time entrants looking to be part of a long-running local tradition.

Ahead of this year’s race, Larne Athletic Club had invited runners to be “part of the tradition”, a message reflected in the strong turnout and vibrant atmosphere from start to finish.

The route, which winds along the County Antrim coastline, remains one of the race’s defining features, combining competitive road running with some of the most striking scenery in Northern Ireland.

Sponsor backing continues under Saint-Gobain brand

Longstanding support from Kilwaughter Minerals has continued following the company’s recent acquisition by Saint-Gobain, with this year’s event held under the Saint-Gobain Exterior Solutions brand.

The brand also includes the Weber businesses across the UK and Ireland, marking a continuation of the investment and sponsorship that has helped the race grow year after year.

Gary Wilmot, Saint-Gobain Exterior Solutions UK Managing Director, said:

“It’s fantastic to see the Larne 10 Mile Race continue to grow, with a record number of participants turning out for this year’s event. Saint-Gobain Exterior Solutions is proud to build on the legacy established in recent years and to support an event that brings such energy and positivity to the local area.

“From elite runners to those taking part for the first time, the atmosphere on the day really captured what this event is all about - community, wellbeing and a shared sense of achievement. Congratulations to everyone who took part and to Larne Athletic Club for delivering another outstanding race.”

Club hails special day for Larne

Larne Athletic Club said the day was about far more than competition, highlighting the wider sense of community pride and shared achievement surrounding the race.

Paul Tilson, Co-Chair of Larne Athletic Club, said:

“This was a fantastic day for Larne and for everyone involved in the race. Seeing a record number of runners take to the start line and enjoy the run made it a truly special occasion for the club.

“The Larne 10 Mile Race has always been about more than just competition - it’s about bringing people together, welcoming runners of all abilities and creating an event that the whole community can be proud of.”

Diane Hawthorne, Co-Chair of Larne Athletic Club, added:

“Events like this simply wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors, volunteers and the wider community, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who played their part.

“We’re especially thankful to Saint-Gobain Exterior Solutions for its continued backing, which has helped us grow the race year on year and deliver another memorable day for participants and spectators alike.”

Longstanding local industry connection

The event’s principal sponsor has deep roots in the Larne area.

Established in 1939, Kilwaughter Minerals was a quarry and mineral processor headquartered on a 187-acre site in Larne, Co Antrim, and is now part of the multinational Saint-Gobain group.

Its brands included Kilwaughter Lime, award-winning K Systems and K Rend, with K Rend recognised as the largest silicone render manufacturer in the UK and Ireland.

Weber, also now part of the wider group, operates across the render, EWI, flooring, tiling and concrete repair sectors in the UK and Ireland.

Saint-Gobain is recognised globally as a leader in light and sustainable construction solutions, with its stated purpose to Make the World a Better Home.

Comprehensive race results are available from ChampionChip Ireland.

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At a glance

• Record number of runners took part in the 2026 Larne 10 Mile

• Event organised by Larne Athletic Club

• Jordan Herron won the men’s race in 54:15

• Pamela Kirk won the women’s race in 01:00:34

• Men’s podium separated by just 1 minute 14 seconds

• Women’s top two separated by only 5 seconds

• Race route followed the County Antrim coastline

• Saint-Gobain Exterior Solutions continued long-term sponsorship support

• Club leaders praised community, volunteers and sponsors

• Event remains a major fixture in NI athletics calendar