Lurgan Lakes and Lough Road Race

The Lurgan Lakes and Lough Road Race is one of the more scenic running events in the north of Ireland, bringing together club runners and recreational joggers on the shores of Lough Neagh. Organised by St Peter’s AC Lurgan, it offers two distances - a short trail 5k entirely within Oxford Island, and a ten-mile route that loops out through the Craigavon Lakes before returning to the island. It suits everyone from first-timers doing their debut 5k to club runners looking for a flat but properly measured ten-miler with a good atmosphere. Proceeds have historically gone to local charities, including the Mandeville Cancer Unit in Craigavon.

What to expect

Both races start and finish at the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre on Oxford Island. The 5k stays fully within the island’s trail network, so you are running through woodland paths with open views of Lough Neagh for most of it - flat underfoot with only minor undulation. The ten-mile course opens on the road for the first two miles, then picks up the lakeside paths that link the Craigavon Lakes from miles three to seven, before returning to Oxford Island’s trails to finish. The organisers describe both courses as very flat, which makes this a good bet if you are chasing a personal best or just want to enjoy the landscape without a punishing climb. Entry includes a medal, chip timing, race number and goodie bag. Confirm the 2026 entry fee and registration dates at the St Peter’s AC website; in previous years entries have closed a few days before race day, with bib collection available on the Friday evening or race morning.

Getting there

Oxford Island is just off the M1 motorway at junction 10 - it is well signposted from the slip road. Coming from Belfast it is roughly 25 miles south-west; from Dublin it is about 80 miles north on the M1. Lurgan town centre is a few minutes’ drive away. There is on-site car parking at Oxford Island. No direct public transport serves the reserve, so a car is the practical option on race morning; if you are travelling without a car, Lurgan town is served by Northern Ireland Railways from Belfast and Portadown, from where a taxi to Oxford Island takes about five minutes.

While you’re in Lurgan

Oxford Island is worth a visit in its own right on race day - four miles of trail, five bird hides, and wide water views across Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles. The Loughside Café at the Discovery Centre is open daily in summer if you want food before or after the race. There is more to see in Lurgan and across Co. Armagh.

Good to know

• Date: Sunday 25 August 2026
• Distances: 5k (trail) and 10 miles (road and trail)
• Entry fee: approximately GBP 10 - confirm at saintpetersac.com
• Registration closes a few days before the race; on-the-day entry may not be available
• Oxford Island has car parking, toilets and a café on site
• The Discovery Centre is wheelchair accessible; the trail surfaces vary - check with the organiser if accessibility is a concern