This Friday sees the welcome return of Enniskillen’s much-loved Spooktacular 5km Fun Run.

Events have come a long way in the running world since the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, and Enniskillen Running Club are delighted to finally be able to host their tenth anniversary run, which has been postponed for two years due to Covid-10.

The Spooktacular had its fledgling run in 2010. At the time, following many discussions and concerns surrounding a night-time run through the town, many people were on the fence and it looked like the idea might fizzle out.

However, a brave (or reckless) three souls decided to – literally – run with the idea, and the gamble paid off. Those three men were Martin Dillon, Stephen Clawson and Eustace Tierney.

In that first year, less than 300 people entered the run – but by 2019, more than 1,300 people entered.

The ‘Spook’ snowballed in popularity over the years, for many reasons.

Being suitable for 11 years and older, it’s a great family and community event. It is the biggest night-time run in Ireland. It welcomes all abilities; from the super-speedy to the slow and steady. And it’s a great excuse to dress up on a Friday night – the sillier the better!

Costumes are one of the favourite and most eagerly awaited parts. Over the years, many a strange character has been seen running through the town, including Barbie and Ken, Superman, Dracula and Donald Trump, to name but a few.

All in all, it’s just a really good night out. Participants take to the streets on a Friday evening to run three miles, which is a fantastic thing to do for your health and wellbeing.

Included in the registration fee this year is a bespoke tenth-anniversary medal, T-shirt and warm meal in Pat’s Bar, followed by a presentation ceremony of prizes which total a hefty £1,500.

Prizes are awarded for running categories and for costumes, so everyone stands a chance of winning. And for those inclined to celebrate their run with a few drinks, there’s the opportunity to hit the town afterwards!

The organising committee are hugely grateful to their three main sponsors, who have helped make Spook 22 possible: Nuala Lilley, from Nature’s Choice, who has unfailingly sponsored from the start; Western Cars Enniskillen; and Murdock Builders Merchants.

The Spooktacular is a fantastic opportunity to put the fun back into running.

The running world is often dominated with a continual quest for achieving personal bests and the constant push for improvement, analysing pace and scrutinising strava, which is fantastic, but every so often it’s important to step away from that and join a run that is literally just for fun, to let off steam after a busy working week, and to make memories with friends.

Life is too short not to run around the town on a Friday night dressed as a clown; there aren’t many other opportunities in the year to do that!

Sadly, Martin Dillon passed away in 2015, but his legacy in the Spook lives on and each year he is remembered and missed by those who were fortunate to know him.

The Martin Dillon Memorial Trophy is traditionally presented by a family member, and is always a heartfelt moment in the night.

This year’s Spook committee has been busy organising what will hopefully be one of the biggest and best events yet, A lot of work goes on behind the scenes, and theywould like to thank all those involved for all of their time and constant endeavour.

Of course, what makes the Spook so enjoyable is the crowd that attends!

The tenth Anniversary Enniskillen Spooktacular 5km will take place on Friday October 28 at 8pm. Registration is available via the link on Enniskillen Running Club’s facebook page, or at St Michael’s Community Centre from 5pm on Thursday, October 27, and also on Friday, October 28.