Latest news with #BelfastMarathon


Sunday World
20-05-2025
- Sunday World
Cops release description of man who allegedly sexually assaulted jogger in Belfast
Police said that, around 5.50am, the woman reported that she was approached by an unknown male and subjected to an assault. The PSNI have released the description of a man who allegedly sexually assaulted a jogger in west Belfast on Monday morning. The incident occurred in the Glen Road area of the city. Police said that, around 5.50am, the woman reported that she was approached by an unknown male and subjected to an assault. Following the assault, the man made off in the direction of the Falls Road. Chef inspector Claire Hamilton called on anyone who witnessed the assault to come forward. A woman was allegedly sexually assaulted while jogging in Belfast (Stock image: Getty) News in 90 Seconds - May 20th "The male, who made off in the direction of the Falls Road is described as being aged in his mid to late teens, white, of slim build and was wearing a dark coloured coat with the hood up,' she said. "Enquiries are continuing and I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the assault or to anyone with any CCTV or other footage that could assist with the investigation, to contact police on 101 quoting 191 19/05/25." SDLP leader and MP for South Belfast and Mid Down, Claire Hanna, condemned the assault. 'I was shocked to hear about this case, and my thoughts primarily are with the woman who had this terrifying experience,' she told the Belfast Telegraph. 'Little underlines the crisis we're facing of gender based violence than when a woman can't even head out for a run, in daylight, on a main road.' Ms Hanna, who was the first MP to complete the Belfast Marathon earlier this month, said she had also been for a run on Monday morning. "I ran myself at that time this morning and it was broad daylight,' she added. "So many women are trying to fit activities for their physical and mental health into busy lives and should be able to feel safe when they are doing so.'


Belfast Telegraph
20-05-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
Police release description of man who allegedly sexually assaulted jogger in west Belfast
The incident occurred in the Glen Road area of the city. Police said that, around 5.50am, the woman reported that she was approached by an unknown male and subjected to an assault. Following the assault, the man made off in the direction of the Falls Road. Chef inspector Claire Hamilton called on anyone who witnessed the assault to come forward. "The male, who made off in the direction of the Falls Road is described as being aged in his mid to late teens, white, of slim build and was wearing a dark coloured coat with the hood up,' she said. "Enquiries are continuing and I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the assault or to anyone with any CCTV or other footage that could assist with the investigation, to contact police on 101 quoting 191 19/05/25." SDLP leader and MP for South Belfast and Mid Down, Claire Hanna, condemned the assault. 'I was shocked to hear about this case, and my thoughts primarily are with the woman who had this terrifying experience,' she told the Belfast Telegraph. 'Little underlines the crisis we're facing of gender based violence than when a woman can't even head out for a run, in daylight, on a main road.' News Catch Up - Monday 19 May Ms Hanna, who was the first MP to complete the Belfast Marathon earlier this month, said she had also been for a run on Monday morning. "I ran myself at that time this morning and it was broad daylight,' she added. "So many women are trying to fit activities for their physical and mental health into busy lives and should be able to feel safe when they are doing so.'


Belfast Telegraph
20-05-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
Police release description of man who allegedly assaulted jogger in west Belfast
The incident occurred in the Glen Road area of the city. Police said that, around 5.50am, the woman reported that she was approached by an unknown male and subjected to an assault. Following the assault, the man made off in the direction of the Falls Road. Chef inspector Claire Hamilton called on anyone who witnessed the assault to come forward. "The male, who made off in the direction of the Falls Road is described as being aged in his mid to late teens, white, of slim build and was wearing a dark coloured coat with the hood up,' she said. "Enquiries are continuing and I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the assault or to anyone with any CCTV or other footage that could assist with the investigation, to contact police on 101 quoting 191 19/05/25." SDLP leader and MP for South Belfast and Mid Down, Claire Hanna, condemned the assault. 'I was shocked to hear about this case, and my thoughts primarily are with the woman who had this terrifying experience,' she told the Belfast Telegraph. 'Little underlines the crisis we're facing of gender based violence than when a woman can't even head out for a run, in daylight, on a main road.' Ms Hanna, who was the first MP to complete the Belfast Marathon earlier this month, said she had also been for a run on Monday morning. "I ran myself at that time this morning and it was broad daylight,' she added. "So many women are trying to fit activities for their physical and mental health into busy lives and should be able to feel safe when they are doing so.'


Irish Independent
20-05-2025
- Irish Independent
‘A woman can't even go for a run in daylight' – Jogger sexually assaulted in Belfast
The female jogger was sexually assaulted while running on a main road in west Belfast shortly before 6am on Monday morning. SDLP leader and MP for South Belfast and Mid Down Claire Hanna condemned the assault. 'I was shocked to hear about this case, and my thoughts primarily are with the woman who had this terrifying experience,' she told the Belfast Telegraph. 'Little underlines the crisis we're facing of gender based violence than when a woman can't even head out for a run, in daylight, on a main road,' she said. Police said that, around 5.50am, the woman reported that she was approached by an unknown male and subjected to an assault. The incident occurred in the Glen Road area of the city. Following the assault, the man made off in the direction of the Falls Road. Ms Hanna, who became the first MP to complete the Belfast Marathon earlier this month, said she had also been for a run on Monday morning. "I ran myself at that time this morning and it was broad daylight. So many women are trying to fit activities for their physical and mental health into busy lives and should be able to feel safe when they are doing so,' she said. Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey also said his thoughts are with the woman. 'It is extremely worrying to hear reports of a woman being sexually assaulted while jogging this morning,' he said 'My thoughts are with the woman and I hope she receives the necessary support at this time. 'Sinn Féin representatives are liaising with the PSNI and I would encourage anyone with information contact the police.' A west Belfast councillor also condemned the assault. "It's awful to think that a woman cannot even go for a run in the local area without being subjected to something like this,' said SDLP councillor Paul Doherty. Mr Doherty passed his sympathies on to the woman, adding: 'My thoughts are with her after what must have been an horrendous ordeal, one that will likely stay with her for a long time. "Women should be able to feel safe whether they are going for a run, at work, or simply going about their daily lives. "It's disheartening that something like this has happened on our doorstep.' Mr Doherty encouraged anyone with information surrounding the assault to contact police. "I urge anyone with information to to come forward to the police so this man can be brought to justice and others can be protected,' he said. A PSNI spokesperson said: 'Enquiries are continuing and anyone who witnessed this assault is asked to contact police on 101 quoting 191 19/05/25. 'A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at


Irish Post
06-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Post
Prisoners complete Belfast City Marathon for children's cancer charity
TWENTY prisoners completed the Belfast City Marathon over the weekend to raise funds for a children's cancer charity. The Maghaberry Prison inmates, who were all aged between 21 and 70 years old, ran the 26.2 mile marathon distance inside the prison's walls while the Belfast marathon got underway in the city on May 4. Two prison service staff teams, including Deputy Governor Claire Graham, also took part in the run, which raised money for the Cancer Fund for Children charity. 'This is the third Belfast Marathon held in Maghaberry Prison,' Maghaberry Prison Governor Tracy Megrath said. 'We started this in 2023 and it's been an annual event for the staff and prisoners ever since. 'The prisoners have been on a structured programme since January this year - as well as the fitness aspect they've been learning about good nutrition and diet,' she added. 'Several hundred pounds has already been raised through donations from staff and fellow prisoners, and we expect the final total to top £1000.' Chloe Walkingshaw, Governor in charge of Activities at Maghaberry Prison, pictured with Cormac McMullan, Community Fundraising and Engagement Lead with the Cancer Fund for Children, pictured with some of the prisoners who took part in the run Belfast Marathon administrators measured an official prison course for the prisoners to complete the 26.2miles. Ms Megrath added: 'The Prison Service challenge and support all those who are sent to us by the courts, and through various rehabilitation projects and purposeful activity we promote a sense of achievement and prepare them for the return to their community.' Cormac McMullan, Community Fundraising and Engagement lead with the Cancer Fund for Children, said the charity was 'incredibly grateful' for the prison's support. 'We are incredibly grateful to the Northern Ireland Prison Service at Maghaberry Prison for taking on this challenge to support families affected by cancer,' he said. 'Every week in Northern Ireland, three more children and young people are diagnosed with cancer, and many others are living with the impact of a parent's diagnosis. 'The funds raised will help us provide vital support in hospital, in the community, and at our therapeutic centre, Daisy Lodge - ensuring young people don't have to face cancer alone.'