About
The Syd Quirk Half Marathon has a rich history and several notable records. The event was first held in 1976 and has evolved over the years with changes in the course and the addition of a walking race in 2001.
Syd Quirk, who lived in Ballasalla, was a founder member of Southern A C and club secretary in the early years. For several years, there was insufficient money to pay affiliation fees, so Syd dug deep into his own pocket and paid those fees, keeping the club alive when it was in danger of folding. Syd is remembered by naming the half marathon held in the area he lived after him. Race day was the first Sunday in November, the Sunday nearest the day Syd died.
Running Records:
- The men's running record is 1 hour 6 minutes 4 seconds, set by Corrin Leeming in 2024.
- The ladies' running record is 1 hour 16 minutes 33 seconds, set by Sarah Webster in 2020.
- Steve Kelly held the course record from 1978 until 2021 and won the race 10 times between 1977 and 1987.
Walking Records:
- The men's walk record is 1 hour 32 minutes 48 seconds, set by Quentin Rew in 2013.
- The ladies' walk record is 1 hour 47 minutes 28 seconds, set by Erika Kelly in 2017.
The event has seen various changes, including moving the start and finish locations, introducing chip timing, and adjusting the race format to reduce congestion.
