A HUGE athletics event is set to attract thousands to the county and boost the local economy.
The annual National Cross-Country Championships will be held at the Castle Irvine Estate in Irvinestown, with up to 8,000 people set to descend on Fermanagh on Sunday, November 17.
A proposal from Enniskillen Running Club, which was supported by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, was brought to Athletics Ireland, who gave the plan the thumbs up.
“It’ll be the first time it’s been staged in Northern Ireland in 24 years and the first time in Fermanagh or Tyrone,” Eamonn Monaghan of Enniskillen Running Club explained.
“There will be approximately 1,900 competitors taking part. Counting families and spectators, we’re expecting approximately 6,000 spectators, so potentially 8,000 people in total will attend the event.
“If the local sports enthusiasts get behind it, this number could well be exceeded.
“People talk about ‘event tourism’ and this is exactly what this is. This event will bring increased visitors here during the off-peak season too.”
Runners and supporters from the length and breadth of Ireland will be coming to Fermanagh for the big day.
“You’ll have competitors here from Cork to Carndonagh. There will be thousands coming from all over the country and they’ll be staying in Fermanagh for the weekend,” Mr Monaghan said.
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