THE Enniskillen Spooktacular 2023 proved to be a record-breaking night on a number of fronts.

Overall winner Conor Bradley (City of Derry Spartans) broke the course record as he crossed the line in a time of 14.59 minutes while there was also a record number of 1504 entries for the event – with 1325 actually starting, which was also a record.

The Spooktacular – Ireland’s biggest night race – has continued to grow in popularity over the years as it caters for all runners, from those competing at the front to those out to enjoy the night and the atmosphere that it brings to the town in fancy dress.

Bradley produced a superb run to take the win in a record time, but there were plenty of other quality performances.

Last year’s winner, local runner Conan McCaughey, who runs for North Belfast Harriers, came home in second place in a time of 15.30 minutes, while the strength of youth running in the area was there for all to see with five U18 runners finishing in the top 10.

Leading the way was Enniskillen Running Club’s Harry McKenzie who was fourth, just behind three elite international runners and ahead of club-mate Jamie McDonnell in fifth.

St Michael’s had three runners in the top 10 with Frank Buchanan and Ben Warnock sixth and seventh while Charlie Reihill was tenth with all breaking the 17-minute mark.

Nakita Burke (Letterkenny AC) was the first female home, coming in 11th overall, while the duel of the night was between two local girls, Annabel Morrison and Edel Monaghan. Sixteen-year-old Morrison was the second female across the line, producing a strong final burst to edge out Monaghan by two seconds.

There was also some big performances by the eternal youth of Fermanagh with Tony McGourty winning the Over-70s Male and Enniskillen Running Club’s Kathleen Murphy crossing the line to take the Over-70s Female title.

Race director Desi Elton was thrilled with yet another successful Spooktacular event. He said: “I say it every year – best Spook ever!

“It is a great Fermanagh community event, perfection in many ways. Spookily there was a full moon and a dry, clear night. We had a course record and a super atmosphere – what a way to run and experience Enniskillen.

“As always, we catered for the broad spectrum of runners, from the elite to the classic Spooktacular runners and walkers who only do the Spook each year.

“Everything just went right on the night so we were delighted with it,” said Elton, who added: “On behalf of Enniskillen Running Club I would like to say a massive thank you to those who participated in our 11th year of the 5km event and to all our sponsors – Enniskillen Experience, Elite Electronics, O’Doherty’s Butchers, Nature’s Choice, Western Cars and Murdock Builders Merchants.”

Elton went on to thank all the volunteers on the night – Enniskillen Rotary Club, Maguiresbridge Running Club and Enniskillen Running Club members.

And there are plans in place to make 2024 even bigger and better with organisers hoping to have an additional 200 places available for the event.