With the London Marathon well and truly behind them Ballymena Runners long distance running focused on the 2008 River Rock Belfast City marathon on May Day.
This year’s event saw a record number of participants with over 15,000 competitors taking part in the May Bank Holiday running extravaganza. Despite the large crowds present only 1500 runners were brave enough to tackle the 26.2-mile. The remainder of the entry was made up by the thousands who were participating in the six man marathon relay teams, fun run and walks. Ballymena Runners had six members out in the main marathon event with others taking part in various relay teams.
Conditions on the day were good for the runners as the race started off with cool misty conditions for the nine o’clock start. Although, as the day progressed bright sunshine broke through and temperatures began to rise and the runners could be glad of the early start. The Ballymena contingent was made up of both seasoned and debutant marathon runners alike with Tom Mills, Rodney Agnew, Jim Moore, Robin Alexander, Peter Fleming and Brigid Quinn all in action.
The club success of the day went to the ever-present Brigid Quinn. One of the Ballymena Runners founder members, Brigid once again won her age group on the day with a time of 4 hours 11 mins 12 secs in 757th overall. Nothing too remarkable there you may think until you hear that the Runners lady is now in her sixties! Congratulations to Brigid from all at the club.
First home for the club and pulling out all the stops to crack the three-hour barrier was Tom Mills. The Aughafatten man had been under the three hour mark once before and was pleased when he clocked 2 hrs 59 mins 26 secs to see him finish well up the field in 51st overall.
The next four to finish had all been training together over the long winter months and the effectiveness of their schedule produced four personal bests and they all finished in relatively close grouping. Former road cyclist Rodney Agnew was tackling his first ever marathon after having stepped up with a few half-distance races over the past year. Rodney finished in 3 hours 34 mins 24 secs in 259th overall. Next home was Jim Moore. Jim had completed the marathon distance quite a few times before but felt he never really reached his potential having never gone below the four-hour mark. This time was different as he reaped the rewards of a solid training programme to take over 30 minutes off his previous best for the distance! Jim finished just seconds behind Rodney in 3 hours 34 mins 45 secs in 280th spot. Next home, and also with a personal best over the distance was Robin Alexander who finished in 3 hours 40 mins 2 secs in 327th spot. All three had run together for the large part of the race until the closing stages where each found their own pace to reach the finishing line in Ormeau Park.
Also competing in his first marathon was Peter Fleming who was next to finish, slightly further down in 484th spot. Peter was also pleased to set his personal best below the four hours when he recorded 3 hours 53 mins 10 secs for the distance.
African runners provided a master class in long distance running in the May Bank Holiday 27th Deep River Rock Belfast Marathon to produce arguably the best performances ever seen in the city over the classic distance.
In the Women’s pre race favourite Marashet Jumma of Ethiopia sliced over 2 minutes off the course record to record new figures of 2.39.21- a time good enough to beat all but the first 11 male finishers. She was rewarded with a 1st prize of £3000 plus an additional £1000 for the new record. 2nd place went to Irish 10k Vets Champion Helena Crossan in 2.55.10 with Sperrins Karen Alexander taking the bronze medal in 2.55.58. There was a similarly impressive solo performance in the Men’s race where defending champion John Mutai of Kenya once again specifically attacked Marty Deane’s long standing 1985 record of 2.15.51 only to fail by the agonisingly close margin of 40 seconds.
Northern Irelands top finisher was veteran Tommy Hughes, who rolled back the years with an outstanding 6th place finish in 2.28.38. A delighted Tommy revealed that this was his 1st Marathon since his last Belfast victory 10 years ago. He had no complaints about the difficult course apart from the some poor marshalling at Ormeau Park, which cost him 30 seconds.
Ballymena Runners mountain man Jonnie Steede proved well worth his International selection last weekend when he finished as the second highest placed Northern Ireland runner in the P&O Irish Sea Knockdhu International Mountain race.
The course is on Knock Dhu mountain near Cairncastle, just north of Larne. This was the 16th year of the International event which is hosted by Larne AC and has become an established fixture on the mountain running calendar.
Teams representing Scotland, Wales, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland were all taking part. Men, ladies, junior men, junior ladies and veteran men all competed in their respective categories. Teams consisted of four runners with the first three to finish counting towards the overall team placing.
In addition to the international team races there was an Open race for non-internationals and a race for Under 17 year old juniors. The main course includes ascents of Knock Dhu mountain and descents on Sallagh Braes. The distance is 7 km and this includes 420 of ascent and descent . The U20 juniors raced over a 4.4 km course with 210 metres of ascent and descent and the U17 juniors raced on a 3 km course with 140 metres of ascent and descent.
Jonnie had initially been selected for the ‘B’ squad, but on the day he pulled all the stops to finish ahead of three members of the ‘A’ squad at the finish. Jonnie completed the course in 42 mins 1 secs in 17th overall.
Overall winner was Colin Donnelly of Scotland finishing in 36 mins 56 secs. Scotland also won the team prize.
The University 5k race series continued last week when Coleraine played host to the latest race.
With 113 runners in the field Ballymena had a good turn out with six members out on the night. James Turtle, Noel Connor, Rodney Livingstone , Alistair Black, Ricky Weir and Robin Alexander were all in action over the 3.1 mile race distance.
James Turtle was the first to finish in 17 mins 32 secs in 12th overall. James was followed by Noel Connor 22nd, 18 mins 29 secs, Rodney Livingstone, 27th, 18 mins 56 secs, Alistair Black, 37th, 20 mins exactly, Richard Weir, 43rd, 20 mins 44 secs and Robin Alexander, 49th, 21 mins 14 secs.
The overall winner was Paul Rowan of Willowfield in 15 mins 24 secs with Ann Paul of City of Derry Spartans AC taking the ladies title in 18 mins 8 secs.
Ballymena Runners Jonny Steede has been selected for the Northern Ireland Mountain Running Squad once again when they take on the home countries in the Knockdhu Home International Mountain Race this weekend.
Jonny’s early season performances have obviously caught the eye of the selectors with his inclusion in the squad. This will be Jonny’s second appearance in the Northern Ireland Vest having taking part in the event last year.
The event takes part near at Knockdhu Mountain, Carncastle near Larne on Saturday 26th April. Action gets underway at 1 pm and covers 4.7 miles with 1470 feet of climb. An Under 17 race begins slightly earlier.
The 2008 Hill & Dale Race Series got off to a brilliant start recently in Castlewellan Forest Park with the traditional opener – the McVeigh Classic. The race series proved its continuing popularity when no less than169 runners starting and finishing. The race series takes in eleven races in total with the final results determined from the athlete’s best six results.
Glimpses of spring had been seen earlier in the week but at Castlewellan the weather was bitingly cold in the north wind. The route itself took in forest tracks, paths and rides with a length of 4.5 miles and 1200 feet of climb.
Ballymena Runners’ two mountain specialists, Jonny Steede and Mark Alexander were in action and both faired very well with high finishing positions. Jonny Steede was the first to finish well up in ninth overall in 35 mins 29 secs. Mark was next, not far behind Jonny in 13th overall in 35 mins 56 secs. His position was good enough to see him take first spot in his age category. This will put Mark in pole position for the series as he looks to defend his age group title for the series from last year.
Overall winner was Stephen Duncan of Omagh Harriers in 32 mins exactly.
Repeating his win from race one Stephen Duncan took the overall honours in 33 mins 16 secs.
Noel Connor was Ballymena Runners sole representative at the inaugural University of Ulster 5k University Challenge Road Race Series last week. Noel was amongst the 125 competitors taking part at the Jordanstown leg of the event.
The successful launch of the competition by the Ulster Sports Academy in partnership with Athletics Northern Ireland saw clubs and individuals take part in the race which is run over two University campuses.
Although their was a slight head wind the Jordanstown race proved to be a fast course with athletes improving on their previous week’s time over the 5k race at Queen’s University Belfast.
Noel improved on his time from the previous week when he clocked 18 mins 12 secs for the 5K distance, finishing in 34th spot overall.
Ulster’s Coleraine campus hosts the second part of the competition this Wednesday (23 April) and the winners from Jordanstown will look to become University Challenge champions.
Paul Rowan of Willowfield took the men’s open race title in 15:19mins, while Gladys Ganiel of Abbey AC won the ladies open event in 17:49mins.
Following the successful event, University of Ulster Athletics Development Officer Kerry Harty said: “We must commend all the runners who took part. Having 127 runners racing in our first year of the event is phenomenal. We hope that we get a similar turnout for the race next week in Coleraine and would encourage all people of all abilities to come along to compete.”
Dr Nigel Dobson, Co-Director if the Ulster Sports Academy said: “The turnout for the race was fantastic. The University of Ulster has the vision of becoming the leading university for sport on the island of Ireland, and attracting such a large number of high-profile clubs and individuals to take part, shows that we are taking greater steps to achieve our goals.”
John Allen, Athletics Northern Ireland said: “This event proved to be very successful and has the potential to develop into a major addition to the Athletics Northern Ireland Road Racing Calendar. The flat and traffic free course produced fast times and we look forward to this event going from strength to strength.”
David Reid from the organising committee said "The event was a good trial run and we're hoping this will become one of the largest 5K road races in N Ireland over the next few years".
NEIL BREAKS CLUB TEN YEAR OLD RECORD!
Neil Douglas broke Ballymena Runners ten-year-old marathon club record time when he competed in the 2008 Flora London marathon recently.
Ray Curran had held the previous club record of 2 hours 42 mins 5 secs for ten years, a time he set at the London Marathon back in 1998. With the form Neil had shown in early season at the Blackpool and Larne Half Marathons he looked set to make a serious assault on the record and that proved to be the case when he bettered the time by almost two and a half minutes and took almost three minutes off his own personal best for the 26.2-mile distance. Neil now holds five of the club’s long distance records from 5k though to the marathon.
Three other members of the local club travelled with Neil to the event with Stephen Armstrong, Ray Curran and Eddie King also taking part. The four were amongst the huge entry of over 35,000 who started the race. That starting figure made the 2008 event the third largest of the 28 London Marathons held since it started in 1981. 92,000 people originally applied to run in this year’s race, and approximately 45,791 applications were accepted. More than 35,300 had registered to run by 5.00pm on Saturday.
Conditions on the day looked to be ideal for Marathon racing compared to last year’s heat wave conditions. The day started off bright and sunny with temperatures around 12 degrees Celsius; however an hour and a half into the race the heavens opened and competitors found themselves drenched in heavy down pours for the remainder of the race.
Neil Douglas was competing in his eighth marathon and was obviously the first of the Ballymena group to finish. Neil went through half way in 77 mins well on course and even with a stop to tie shoe laces in the latter stages, finished up with 2 hours 39 mins 39 secs (6m5s/mile) at the finish where he came in 174th overall and 50th in his own age group.
Next home was Stephen Armstrong who was running in his tenth marathon and making his eighth London appearance. Stephen had hoped to get under the three-hour mark once again and despite having an unscheduled pit stop in the early miles, managed to achieve his goal when he finished in 2 hours 59 mins 3 secs (6m49s/mile). Stephen was 1004th overall and 205th in his age group.
Close behind Stephen was Ray Curran also competing in his tenth marathon. Ray agonizingly missed the three-hour mark finishing in 3 hours 48 secs (6m/53s/mile), an impressive time for his age category. Ray finished 1160th overall and the highest placed member of the Ballymena men in their age category in 13th spot. Ray has a fantastic pedigree at the marathon and has recorded a 2-hour 20 mins marathon time in his long athletics career.
The final member of the group to finish was Eddie King, who was competing in his first marathon. The former British International track star, AAA indoor Champion at 800 and 1500m and British indoor 1500m record holder, was entering into unchartered waters when he tackled the 26.2-mile event for the first time. Despite not reaching the high targets set by himself Eddie can be proud of his 3 hour 16 mins 37 secs finishing time for a first time marathon which saw him come home in 2651st overall. Eddie currently holds four middle distance records in the Ballymena club.
Kenya's Martin Lel set a new course record at the London Marathon as he defended his title to win the race for the third time in four years with a finishing time of 2 hours 5 mins 15 secs. Irina Mikitenko of Germany won the ladies race in 2 hours 24 mins 14 secs.
Last week saw the start of mid week evening races when Queens University hosted the Race Round the River Queens 5K road event. The race attracted huge crowds of almost 600 runners on the night which saw the field compete over a two and a half lap course taking in the Stranmillis and Annadale Embankments.
Ballymena Runners had five members competing with James Turtle leading the way with a personal best for the distance. James was first of the Ballymena Group to finish in 49th overall in 17 mins 21 secs. Next in was Noel Connor also with a personal best in 18 mins 43 secs in 91st spot. Rodney Livingstone followed in 19:13, 117th with Iain Hammill next in 19 mins 35 secs, 119th and Alistair Black 189th in 20 mins 51 secs.
The Overall winner was Joe McAllister of St Malachy’s in 14 mins 46 secs. The ladies race was won by Suzanne McCormick of Lagan Valley in 17 mins 20 secs.
Ballymena Runners were amongst one of the largest race turn-outs of the year when they competed in the Titanic Quarter 10K road race last weekend.
Almost 700 competitors took part, with numbers reaching just short of 600 in the 10K, which is superb considering the weather forecast! The event was organised by Athletics Northern Ireland & sponsored by Titanic Quarter, Port of Belfast and the Streat Cafe.
Conditions on the day were less than ideal to say the least and competitors had to endure all the seasons within an hour when they ran though wind, rain hail, snow, sunshine and blustery winds for the duration of the race!
The first Ballymena Runner to finish was Martin Emans. Martin was well up the 600 strong field finishing in 22nd overall in 36 mins 16 secs. Next home was Roy White who finished in 250th in 48 mins 16 secs and David Strain who was 424th in 56 mins 26 secs. Brigid Quinn from the club was also competing.
Overall winner was Ethiopia's Ayele Mergessa in 31 minutes and seven seconds from Kenyan Raymond Tonui (31.12) and St Malachy's Kevin Seaward (31.40).
The ladies race winner was Kerry Harty of Newcastle in 36 mins 6 secs, with Kenyan Joyce Kandia second in 36:24.
Also in action on the same weekend were James Turtle and Noel Connor who were taking part in the Whitehead Community Association Five Mile Road race. Once again competitors were faced with high winds throughout the race on a bitterly cold day.
James was the first of the pair to finish in 30 mins 14 secs in 11th overall with Noel finishing in 31 mins 57 secs in 17th spot.
Ballymena Runners had a successful day out when they claimed three age category wins and one member recorded a personal best when they took part in the first half marathon of the season at the 2008 Premier Power Larne Half Marathon hosted by Larne AC.
The thirteen point one mile event has been a popular fixture since 1993 and its popularity was illustrated in the large entry of just below 500 competitors who were taking part in the main race, relay event and non-competitive walk which started before the main race.
The huge start list included a good turn out of nine members from Ballymena Runners with most aiming to put the finishing touches to their preparations for either the London or Belfast Marathon; others just out to test themselves over the classic half-marathon distance.
The day of the race might have dawned dry and bright but a bitterly cold, strong North Easterly winds meant that conditions for running were far from ideal, particularly on the first half on the way out to Ballygally. Many looked to getting round the course rather than chasing times in the windy conditions with groups of runners working together to combat the windy sections of the course.
The race route heads out along the North Antrim Coast Road passing through Drains Bay and Carfunnock before reaching Ballygalley. From there the course heads inland and up hill for the next two miles before sweeping back down on to the coast road again to trace its path back to the finish at Larne Leisure Centre.
The conditions therefore dictated a tactical first half of the race with Neil Douglas working in the second chasing group with Ray Curran sitting in the third and Stephen Armstrong in the group behind.
Neil Douglas was the first Ballymena man home when he finished comfortably in 74 mins 11 secs in seventh overall. This was good enough to see him finish in top spot in his age category. Obviously not feeling the effects of the winds, Ray Curran also claimed first spot in his age category when he recorded 71 mins 21 secs for the distance seeing him finish 27th overall. Ray was a clear three and a half minute ahead of his nearest rival. Club Chairman Stephen Armstrong followed five places down in 32nd in his first race of the year in 83 mins 10 secs. Colin Hoey was next in 91st spot in 90 mins 47 secs.
Jim Moore’s marathon training is obviously paying dividends when he pulled out all the stops with his effort taking a massive five minutes off his personal best finishing in 1 hour 37 mins 42 secs in 148th overall. Despite an unscheduled stop, Rodney Agnew still managed a respectable time recording 1 hour 40 mins 47 secs in 178th spot. Perhaps saving himself for his appearance in the Prague Half Marathon a week later, Robin Alexander found himself slightly slower than his normal form when he came home in 1 hour 47 mins 20 secs in 245th. The third age category win of the day for the Ballymena Club came from Brigid Quinn who finished in 1 hour 49 mins 30 secs in 270th. As is the norm, Brigid beat many of her younger adversaries with her time. The last member of the Ballymena group to finish was Roy White who finished in 1-hour 52 mins 39 secs in 316th.
The winners rostrum was an exact repeat of last years with Brian Campbell of Willowfield first in 69 mins 40 secs, David Morwood, North Belfast Harriers, 2nd in 70 mins exactly and Alan McCullough of Willowfield third in 70:54. Their times were roughly a minute down on last year due to the conditions on the day.
The race route starts from St Patrick’s Primary school in Glenariff and follows the Glen River inland for approximately two miles before heading up the steep climb of the north face of Glenariff Glen to a height of 1,200 feet to the turn point before heading back down retracing the route to the finish back at the primary school. Right from the start in Waterfoot host club runner Mark Alexander and sole Ballymena Runner was amongst the pack as they turned inland to travel along the riverside section. At this stage Mourne Runner Eddie Hanna forged ahead along the river section hotly pursued by Cunningham and Hanna. As the race leaders approached the Glen Road a horse that had broken loose from a neighbouring field was galloping along the course providing an unwelcome addition to the race entry for race director Brendan O’Boyle. Thankfully, Larne’s very own horse whisperer, Evan Taylor, was on hand to intervene and shepherd the horse into a nearby field. The leading pack began the tough 1100 feet climb up the South face of the Glen with Cowan, Ferguson and Gregg climbing well closely behind. As they came back down off the mountain Mourne Runners trio of Bailey, Cunningham and Hanna had opened up a sizeable gap on the rest of the field and despite changing positions a number of times on the run home this was the way they were to finish back at St Patrick’s primary school with Gary Bailey out sprinting last year’s winner Eddie Hanna finishing in 46 minutes 43 seconds.
Alwynne Shannon of Newcastle AC cruised home to a comfortable win in the ladies section in 55 minutes 03 seconds with the ever improving Charlene Haugh of Mourne Runners finishing second in 60 minutes 45 seconds narrowly holding off last year’s winner Anne Sanford of Newcastle AC who finished in 60 minutes 50 seconds.
The team prize was won by Mourne Runners with Andy Gregg taking the Master Trophy finishing well up the field in eighth overall. Andy was closely followed by Dominic McGreevy in eleventh place who claimed the male vet 50 category with a strong run. Next home in the veteran section was NIRMA Chairman Jim Patterson taking the vet 60 category in fourteenth. Stewart Cunningham of Mourne finished 30th claiming the vet 55 category. The female vet 35 category was won by Alison Rankin of Springwell.
Ballymena Runners man, Mark Alexander finished well up the field in sixth overall.
Full results can be found on the race website, www.glenariffmountainrace.co.uk and event photos can be found on the MRM Pictures website http://www.mrmpictures.com/.
The club would like to thank their sponsors, Glens Of Antrim Potatoes, Lucozade Sport and St Patrick’s Primary school for the use of their facilities. The club would also like to thank Ambutran for providing paramedic cover and all club members who helped out with the organisational duties on the day.
Neil Runner up in Blackpool
Ballymena Runners’ man Neil Douglas took the opportunity to test out his marathon training schedule when he travelled to England to take part in the Great North West Half marathon in Blackpool recently. Neil, who is currently in training for the London marathon in April was using the race as a indication of how effective his marathon training has been over the last couple of months.The race itself looked under threat with sections of the course cordoned off to facilitate recovery vehicles for the beached Riverdance Ferry just off the Blackpool coast line. However the race organisers re-thought the route and came up with a new two and a half lap course through the coastal town. Conditions were less than ideal with blustery winds and driving rain for the Sunday morning event with waves crashing on to the course along the promenade sections of the route. The poor weather however didn’t deter the large entry which was over 1400 for the 13.1 mile road race.Neil proved his training was definitely going in the right direction when he had an excellent performance to come second overall with a finishing in 72 mins 51 secs. Neil ran a tactical race in fifth spot overall before making his move in the closing stages to overhaul those ahead of home to claim second and just under one minute behind the winner, Garry Dixon of Barrow in Furness Striders.
Ballymena Runners ex-pat, Willie Richmond completed the 250th race of his running career when he finished the 2008 Wrexham Half marathon. The race is known as the Village Bakery Half Marathon and attracted a large crowd on the day with well over five hundred runners taking part. The course was relatively flat winding along the country road on the outskirts of Wrexham and conditions were excellent for running on what wa a calm, bright and frosty day. Wiilie had the good fortune of recording a personal best for himself when he finished in 86 mins 46 secs in 115th overall.
Schools Cross Country Three of Ballymena Runners junior athletes were in action at both the Schools District and Ulster Cross Country Championships. Jack Neeson, Iain Hamill and Alistair Black all represent Ballymena Academy.First up for the boys was the District Championships at Coleraine. Jack Neeson was in action first in the boy’s intermediate category over a 4500m course. Jack had an excellent run in finishing second overall in 17 mins 33 secs just 5 secs behind the winner Pauric McLaughlin. This was good enough to see him qualify for the Ulster Schools Championships later in the month.Iain Hammill and Alistair Black were in the older Senior category and finished in 9th (24:42) and 12th respectively.Next up was the Ulster Schools Championships held at Mallusk Playing Fields. Jack was in action in the Intermediate section once again and finished in 25th spot from 115 runners in 17 minutes 12 secs. The winner was N Cullen of St Michael’s Enniskillen in 15 mins 56 secs. Iain and Alistair were in the senior section once again and finished 40th and 63rd respectively.
Three out at NI Senior Cross Country Champs
This years Northern Ireland Senior Cross Country Championships saw a new course as they were hosted in the grounds adjacent to the Antrim Forum. The event was promoted by Antrim Borough Council and Athletics Ireland.The 7.5 mile course was fast and flat and included six laps over a 12 kilometre course. Whilst many disliked the new flat style course which is a long way from the traditional tough muddy course it was created with the new European style cross country courses in mind.The senior men’s race attracted an entry of 75 runners on the day with two Ballymena Runners taking part. Neil Douglas was the first Ballymena man home finishing in 26th overall in 41 mins 40 secs. Also competing was Ray Curran finishing in 56th in 44 mins 52 secs. Overall winner and also retaining his title from last year was Willowfield’s Brian Campbell who finished in 38 mins 6 secs.Brigid Quinn was in action in the women’s race finishing her shorter course in 28 mins 36 secs. Kerry Harty of Newcastle won the ladies title in 21 mins 25 secs.With all three Ballymena Runners poised well in the Northern Ireland Veterans League all had to make the effort to turn out on the day to ensure they retained their high standings in the league.
Last Saturday saw a change of venue for the Northern Ireland and Ulster Junior Cross Country Championships when Derry played host to the promotion. Organised and promoted by Athletics Northern Ireland and Ulster Athletics the Championships switched from their usual venue at Castle Park, Bangor to Gransha Hospital Grounds, Derry.The promotion also includes the N.I. and Ulster Veteran championships in which Ballymena Runners had three members taking part, with one out in the ladies Champs. Conditions on the day remained dry for the racing although the going underfoot was quite heavy in places however the course itself was almost entirely flat.As is the norm, the veterans race produced the largest entry of the day when almost one hundred runners making up the field. Ballymena had three out in this race with Neil Douglas, Ray Curran and Rodney Livingstone all in action.
The vet’s race was over eight kilometres on a four lap course and Neil Douglas was the first home for the Ballymena club when a sprint finish saw him overtake two North Belfast runners to squeeze into the top ten when he finished ninth overall. Neil finished in 28 mins 48 secs and seventy in his age group. Ray Curran was next in 30th overall with a time of 31 mins 9 secs. Ray picked up a third place in his age group for his efforts. The third and final man home was Rodney Livingstone in 60th spot in 34 mins 21 secs.Overall winner of the vets race was North Belfast harrier David Morwood who finished in 27 mins 15 secs with Letterkenny’s Pauric McKinney second and Paul Carroll third. The team race was a close affair with Letterkenny taking top honours by one point from North Belfast Harriers as a result of Neil Douglas’ sprint finish.Next race up was the ladies vets’ race with a field of 33 runners that included Ballymena’s Brigid Quinn. Brigid won her age group once again when she finished 29th overall in 21 mins 11 secs.Ballymena Runners had no-one racing in the main event of the day the Junior Championships which saw Stephen Duncan of Omagh harriers take top honours with Owen Carlton of Abbey AC second and Ballymena and Antrim man Jarlath Falls third. The team prize went to Omagh Harriers.
Moira Cross Country
The previous weekend Ballymena had two out at the Lisburn AC cross country promotion held in Moira Demesne. James Turtle and Rodney Livingstone where the Ballymena pair in action. James was the first of the pair to finish in 19th overall in 23 mins 53 secs. Rodney finished in 32nd spot in 25 mins 2 secs.
Overall winner was Brian Campbell of Willowfield in 20 mins 18 secs.
Athletics Northern Ireland staged a successful International Cross Country meeting recently when they staged the 31st annual Belfast International Cross Country races at Stormont Estate sponsored by Mizuno. Ballymena Runners had the opportunity to sample the International racing with five members in action on the day with two competing in the actual International races themselves.
However the plans for the blue riband event was thrown into turmoil in the days preceding the event when an unanticipated snowstorm produced chaos in the Province. Certainly if this had occurred 24 hours later, travel arrangements and safety considerations would have come into play and ensured the cancellation of this annual sporting showpiece. Luckily conditions improved sufficiently on the day to ensure a classic slush and mud combination at the picturesque Stormont venue – ideal for cross-country purists.
With a total of seven races featuring during the day, the fifth race of the afternoon was the male vets race. Ballymena Runners had three out in what was the biggest entry of the day with around seventy runners competing. Conditions were atrocious with many sections of the course now knee deep in water and slush.
Neil Douglas was the first Ballymena man home finishing in tenth overall in 28 mins 56 secs over a 7400m course. Ray Curran was next in in 22nd overall in 31 mins 16 secs with Robin Alexander finishing in 41 mins 21 secs. Overall winner was David Morwood of North Belfast Harriers in 27 mins 17 secs.
Brigid Quinn was next in action when she found herself competing in the ladies International race when the ladies vets race was amalgamated with the main race. Brigid competed over a 5600m course and finished in 32 mins 40 secs.
In the final and main race of the day, Nicholas Rooke was the only Ballymena Runner in action as he toed the line with some of the world’s top cross country runners. Nicholas completed the 9000 metre course in 38 mins 14 secs finishing 42nd overall. Was the World 5000 metres bronze medallist Moses Kipsiro from Uganda retained the men's elite crown in the Men’s event. Kipsiro pipped 2006 winner Barnabas Cosgei of Kenya in a thrilling finish. England's Mike Skinner ran a fine race to get fourth while local St Malachy's man Gary Murray sealed a top 10 finish.
England's Haley Yelling won the women's elite race with Cathy Butler from Scotland in second and Mary Margaret Meade the best Irish runner in 13th.
The race is now in its twelfth year and has become one of the most popular races on the Northern Ireland Athletics calendar both with local runners and those from further a field. It is staged in the picturesque setting of Glenariff Forest Park and takes a variety of forest paths over a five and a half mile course, including the infamous hill and steps sections. The club were delighted to have Mobile Choice Retail of Ballymena on board for the second year as the main race sponsor with Powerade and Northern Bank Finance centre also contributing with Michelin Tyre Company PLC Sponsoring the ‘Queen of the Glens’ perpetual trophy. The favourable weather conditions probably resulted in the high entry with the rain staying away and mild temperatures throughout the day.
The race itself starts with a short road section before taking the mile long descent to the bottom of the Glen passing the stunning waterfalls at Laragh Lodge. From there it takes in a step hill climb with a short switchback section before climbing to the south face of the Glen via the steps section. Once on the top side of the Glen the course follows an undulating route for the last three miles passing the lone piper before returning to the finish at the visitor centre car park.
Previous three time winner and course record holder, Ballymena and Antrim Athlete, Jarlath Falls was the main pre race favourite and was in no mood to give up his ‘King of the Glen’; title. Jarlath cruised home in style with over a minute and a half to spare over second place man Matthew Wilson of Willowfield. Jarlath took to the front of the field in the early stages with club mate Gareth Hill in second spot and Wilson lying third. It looked like a Ballymena and Antrim one two until Hill was caught in the closing mile by Wilson and had to settle for third overall. Jarlath completed the course just twelve seconds outside his course record from last year finishing in 32 mins 35 secs with Wilson second in 34 mins 9 secs and Hill third 34 mins 16 secs.
In the ladies section Ann Paul who had won the race four times previously was in similar mood as she too had a comfortable win finishing almost three minutes ahead of nearest rival Karen Alexander of Sperrin Harriers. Ann finished in 38 mins 34 secs.
Despite being heavily committed to the race organisation the host club were able to field eleven runners on the day. The first to show for Ballymena Runners was Jonny Steede. Jonny finished eighth overall in 36 mins 48 secs. Close behind Jonny was Mark Alexander just one place down in ninth in 37 mins 8 secs. Next home was Noel Connor, 38th, 40 mins 17 secs, Rodney Livingstone, 48th, 41 mins 29 secs, Colin Hoey, 51st, 41 mins 45 secs, Richard weir, 81st, 44 mins 46 secs, Peter Fleming, 102nd, 46 mins 33 secs, Sandy McDermott, 117th, 47 mins 40 secs, Jim Moore, 138th, 49 mins 17 secs, Sarah Hewson, 162nd, 51 mins 17 secs and Brigid Quinn 177th, 53 mins 48 secs.
In the team placing Ballymena and Antrim took tip honours with Larne in second spot and the host club in third.
The club would like to thank the race sponsors; Mobile Choice Retail, Ballymena, Michelin Tyre Company PLC, Powerade and Northern bank Business Centre, Ballymena for their support. They would also like to thank Raynet, Ambutran Paramedics, The Piper, Mark Osmer, and Gordon Lennox for compiling the Computerised results and Glenariff Team rooms for providing the facility for post race refreshments.
Full computerised results of the race can be found on the race website at www.raceovertheglens.co.uk where there are also links to the club’s other two races the Glenariff Mountain race and the Ballymena ECOS 5 mile road race later in the year. Race day pictures can also be accessed from the race site.
The annual Turkey Trot race is hosted by Belfast Association of Rock Climbers and Fell Runners (BARF) and held in the Mournes area. The route starts from Trassey Car park in the Mournes and follows a route talking in Slieve Bernagh and Meelmore. Continuing on to descend down the Happy Valley to the Ulster Way. Then returns via the Ulster way to the Trassey Track, and to the finish. The route is approximately five and a half miles long and includes a total of 1500 feet of climbing.
Mark and Jonny were amongst the 78 runners on show on the day where conditions were dull and windy which brought in considerable windchill despite the mild temperatures. The pair performed well to claim a top ten finish when they came home in 5th and 6th spot respectively with only one second separating the pair finishing in 50 mins 21 secs.
The winner was Matt Williamson from Scottish club, Bellahouston RR in a time of 47:46 and the first lady was Fiona Maxwell of Mourne Runners in 53:08.
Next up for the Ballymena Pair only three days later was the Castlewellan Christmas Cracker. The event which was hosted by Newcastle AC attracted a large crowd with around 180 runners on the day.
The event which runs from Castlewellan Forest Park takes in a variety of terrain and competitors pair up to run as a team over an eleven mile course. The Ballymena pair once again took a top ten finish when they came home in seventh overall. They finished in 68 mins 14 secs with the winners Brendan Teer and Deon McNeilly finishing in 62 mins 29 secs.
The Joe Seeley Cup race hosted by Willowfield Harriers and the Northern Ireland Athletics Federation took in a three-lap course in and around Ormeau Park and embankment. The runners not only faced driving rain and gale-force winds but also had to contend with areas of flooding along the course so it was inevitable there would be no record breaking times on the day.
Ballymena had seven out on the day, the bad weather reflecting the low club turn out. The club success of the day went to the ever-present Brigid Quinn. Brigid finished in 49 mins 58 secs in 304th and took the gold medal in her age category.
In the men’s stakes Neil Douglas was the first Ballymena man home finishing in 32 mins 58 secs seeing him placed 19th overall and fourth in the MV35 category. Next in was Ray Curran in 37 mins 50 secs in 77th overall. Ray had to settle for silver in his age category with Foyle Valley’s Sammy McAnaney taking first in his age group. Rodney Livingstone was next in 39 mins 48 secs in 119th. Rodney was followed by Noel Connor, 127th 40 mins 22 secs, Peter Fleming, 228th, 45 mins 13 secs and David McDonald, 267th, 47 mins 56 secs.
Overall winner was Gareth Turnbull of St Malachy’s in 31 mins 12 secs. The ladies title went to Kerry Harty of Newcastle, who finished in 35 mins 33 secs.
Ballymena Runners pair Neil Douglas and Ray Curran continued their recent good form when they came away with a double win at the recent Malcolm Cup cross-country races. Neil winning the veterans outright and Ray winning his age category.
Annadale Striders hosted the Malcolm Cup event at Sixmilewater Park in Ballyclare, which was the second time in the season the venue, has been used for a cross-country event. It remained dry but cold on the day with heavy going areas along the river section of the course.
With no open runners on show for the club, all the Ballymena contingent were taking part in the veterans race over a three-mile, three lap course. Fresh after his appearance at the International Masters race the previous weekend, Neil Douglas showed fine form to come away as the overall winner of the vet’s race finishing in 16 mins 39 secs. Ray Curran was the next Ballymena man home finishing in 11th overall in the veteran stakes in 17 mins 58 secs, a time good enough to see him take a deserved first spot in his age category. Also in action in his first cross country race of the season was Rodney Livingstone. Rodney finished in 31st overall in 19 mins 41 secs.
Overall winner of the open race was Brian Campbell of Willowfield over a four-mile course in 21 mins 25 secs.
Runners man William Richmond is showing no sign of letting up on his hectic racing schedule after completing his one hundredth race in two years last month. Willie was in action again at the Preston 10 mile road race. The race was a two-lap affair over a mainly flat rural course. Willie finished in 1 hour 7 mins 40 secs in 89the overall. There were almost 400 runners competing.
Long distance man Roy white was also competing over the road in the last few weeks taking in two races in Scotland.
First up for Roy was the Jedburgh Half Marathon in the Scottish Borders area. The race attracted a large entry of 550 runners on the day and Roy finished in 371st spot in 1 hour 55 mins 30 secs.
Next up at the other end of the country in the Scottish Highlands was the Fraserburgh half marathon. There Roy finished in 1 hour 56 mins where a smaller entry of 120 runners took part. This was Roy’s 15th Half marathon of the year and his 97th in total. Roy has called an end to his racing for the year but will resume again in the new year when he will attempt to reach the milestone of one hundred half marathons which should be achieved at the Stranraer Half Marathon event in March. Roy has already completed 113 full distance marathons and is attempting to even the balance out by equalling this tally with his half marathon tally.
Ballymena Runners Neil Douglas was delighted with his first appearance in an International vest when he helped one of the Northern Ireland teams win silver at last weekends Cross Country International at Stormont, Belfast.
Neil was among the three Ballymena Runners members selected to represent Northern Ireland at the British and Irish Masters Cross Country International with Ray Curran and Brigid Quinn also in action.
The races include teams from England, Scotland, N Ireland Wales and the Republic of Ireland. The actual race was over an eight kilometre course in the grounds of Stormont and conditions on the day turned out to be horrendous with low temperatures and driving rain for the duration.
Brigid Quinn was first in action over a shorter six kilometre course which also included the male vet 65 class. Brigid finished in 32 mins 19 secs. Unfortunately with no other athletes from Brigid’s age category available from N Ireland they were not able to feature in the overall team standings.
Next up was Ray Curran; Ray was competing in the M50-64 race which was held over the full eight kilometre distance. Ray had a good run finishing as third man in the Northern Ireland team. Ray finished in 31 mins 57 secs. Ray’s efforts however were not enough to lift the much favoured team to a medal position as they finished with the wooden spoon in their category.
The last race of the day included the M35-M45 categories again over an eight kilometre course. This was the race that Neil Douglas featured in having been selected for the MV35 category. Neil pulled out all the stops to put in a great performance which saw him finish as third man home for the Northern Ireland team. Neil finished in 29 mins 13 secs behind fellow team members Paul Carroll 28:46 and David Morwood 28:05 who was also fourth overall. With four to count for the team positions with Mark Wright 29:36, the fourth man home the team had done enough to secure silver behind Ireland.
Ballymena based runners Gregory Walsh (North Belfast Harriers) and Ballymena and Antrim’s Ian Barrett also picked up medals as the fifth and sixth men home respectively.
Club Chairman, Stephen Armstrong got the proceedings underway when he thanked all present for attending on the night. Stephen commented on the success of the club’s three race promotions, commending the efforts of all members who assisted on race days. He also congratulated Neil Douglas and Jonny Steede on earning their first International vests. Stephen also thanked club secretary, Robert McGaughey for his service to the club over the past fourteen years and commended him on the dedication which he gave to his post. In closing the chairman wished all members good health and a successful year in the forthcoming season.
Secretary Robert McGaughey addressed the group next and once again commented on the success of the club races and all the help received from club members. He welcomed all the new members into the club and wished then all well in the forthcoming season. Robert then went on to announce that e would be standing down entirely from the secretary’s post this year. Robert expressed his gratitude in dealing with club members over the years and stated that he had more than enjoyed his time in office. Club Treasurer Brendan O’Boyle then presented the club accounts to the meeting before proceedings moved on to the official elections.
The first post of Club Chairman was straight forward with Stephen Armstrong continuing in office for a fourth term after re-election. The position of Club Secretary had been pre empted and Tom Mills volunteered to take the secretary’s post. Brendan O’Boyle was re-elected as treasurer and the Committee was named as all the office bearers plus Brigid Quinn, Neil Ramsey, Ray Curran, Mark Alexander and Rodney Livingstone.
Race Directors remained the same with Robert McGaughey and Stephen Armstrong presiding over the Race over the Glens and Ballymena Five and Mark Alexander and Brendan O’Boyle looking after the Glenariff fell race. Stephen Armstrong also remained as webmaster, press officer and club kit man.
Towards the end of the meeting the annual club prizes were presented. James Turtle won the Athlete of the Year award, with Sandy McDermott winning the Club person of the Year prize. The Age Grading was also won by Ray Curran with Neil Douglas second and Brigid Quinn third.
The honour of the night however was left to Robert McGaughey, who, for his commitment to the club over the years was presented with a life membership certificate from Chairman Stephen Armstrong. The presentation of the award was warmly appreciated by all club members who wholeheartedly agreed that it could not have gone to a more deserving recipient.
The meeting was closed with the club encouraged by the excellent turn out and hoped the forthcoming season would be a successful one.
The races were Sixmilewater Park in the town over a five mile five lap course. Conditions, although relatively mild were a little heavier going that the previous three weeks with some heavy muddy section alongside the river section of the course.
Ballymena Runners had five members out on the day with Brigid Quinn, Martin Emans, Noel Connor, Stephen Armstrong and Robin Alexander all in action.
Brigid was the first to run in the earlier ladies race over a three mile course where 25 ladies of all ages were competing. Brigid completed the course in 24 mins 38 secs and once again took first spot in her age category.
Next up the men were in action in the main event which was the McConnell Shield. The race attracted a large crowd with over one hundred runners taking part. First home for the club in his second race in two week was Martin Emans. Martin finished in 33rd overall in 30 mins 39 secs, over a course which was slightly over the five mile mark. Next home was Noel Connor, putting in a good performance in his second cross country race to finish in 32 mins 5 secs in 47th overall. Noel was followed by Stephen Armstrong in his fourth race in four weeks, disappointed with his 33 mins 16 secs finishing time over the five miles in 57th. Robin Alexander was the final man from the Ballymena group to finish in 84th spot in 37 mins exactly.
Overall winner was Brain Campbell of Willowfield in 26 mins 46 secs, repeating his victory from the previous weekend at Pegasus’ Cross Country promotion.
The promotion ran over the whole day with junior races in the morning and early afternoon before the main adult races mid afternoon. For the third successive week conditions were excellent for cross country with mild temperatures and the going underfoot relatively firm. The course itself was a mixture of playing fields and woodland sections with a short sharp climb on each lap.
Ballymena Runners had seven members out on the day with two members; Noel Connor and Robin Alexander making their debuts in cross country racing.
First in action in the ladies race was Brigid Quinn. Brigid, who has been selected for the forthcoming cross country International, was using the race in her build up to the event in two weeks time. The ladies race was over a 5.5km course and Brigid finished in
Next up was the main event of the day which was the Marcus McMains Memorial race which was over an 8000m course and included both the male open and vet categories. Neil Douglas led the Ballymena Challenge and finished well up the field in sixth overall in 26 mins 27 secs. Next home was Martin Emans who finished in 9th spot in 29 mins 18 secs with Vet Ray Curran close behind in 14th in 29 mins 20 secs. Ray also won his age group prize. Stephen Armstrong followed in 29 mins 52 secs in 26th spot. Next in and running in his first cross country race was Noel Connor. Noel finished in 30 mins 27 secs in 32nd spot. The final member of the Ballymena group, also competing in his first cross race, was Robin Alexander who finished in 54th in 34 mins 51 secs.
The vet’s team of Ray Curran, Stephen Armstrong and Noel Connor finished well enough up the field to take home first spot in the team honours.
Overall winner was Brian Campbell of Willowfield.
The long distance race is a popular fixture for runners from the North and this year saw Ballymena Runners take their largest group in recent years to compete in the 26.2 -mile event.
First home for the Ballymena club was James Turtle as he recorded a personal best for the distance. James finished in below the bench mark three hour barrier completed the 26.2-miles in 2 hours 58 mins 12 secs (chip time 2:57:36) in 197th overall. James was followed by Tom Mills in 3 hours 7 mins 17 secs (CT 3:07:02), 338th. Colin Hoey had some sibling rivalry to contend with when his brother Stephen, beat him to the line by just 42 secs, Colin crossing the line in 3 hours 13 mins 53 secs (CT 3:13:32) finishing in 491st overall. Next home was Rodney Livingstone finishing in 620th overall in 3 hours 17mins 42 secs (CT 3:17:42). Stephen Brown was next in 3 hours 44 mins 38 secs (CT 3:44:25) in 1867th followed by Jim Moore 3836th, in 4 hours 12 mins 8 secs (CT 4:09:55). Jimmy Galbraith, who had been feeling unwell before the event made a determined effort to get round and finished in over six hours.
It was a Russian double win again this year as last years winners Aleskey Sokolv and Alina Ivanova took the men’s and ladies titles in 2 hours 9 mins 7 secs and 2 hours 29 mins 20 secs respectively
Please note that the times quoted above are the official race times, however as the electronic chip timing system was used ‘line to line’ times of each runner may be slightly less.
With a large group of runners travelling south to compete in the Adidas Dublin Marathon, Ballymena Runners chairman, Stephen Armstrong was the only member of the club in action on home soil last weekend.
Stephen took part in the inaugural Bobby Rea Memorial Cross Country Races at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown hosted by Abbey AC. The events, which included men’s and women’s senior races and the Northern Ireland & Ulster Even Age Group Cross Country Championships, commemorated Rea’s contribution to athletics in Northern Ireland. Fifty per cent of the entry fees from the races were donated to Macmillan Cancer Support.
For the second week in succession conditions were excellent for cross country with the ground relatively firm and temperatures mild. Stephen was in action in the senior men’s race which included the under 20, open and veteran’s races. The race course took in five laps of the University playing fields over a five mile race. The race attracted the largest entry of the day with around eighty runners taking part. Stephen finished the five mile course in 30 mins 50 secs 44th overall and eight in his respective age category.
Overall winner was Paul Pollock, fittingly of Abbey AC, Rea’s club in 25 mins 31 secs.
Brigid Quinn was also in action on the roads when she was the only Ballymena Runners member at the Armagh Ten Mile Road race recently. Brigid clocked 1 hour 26 mins 22 secs in 260th spot only one week after her Berlin Marathon appearance!
Robin Alexander notched up another half marathon appearance when he took part in the Cardiff Half Marathon recently. Robin was amongst the six thousand runners who took part in the event in the Welsh Capital where he notched up a personal best for the distance to finish in 1 hour 36 mins 56 mins.
Three Ballymena Runners members earned themselves International vests last weekend when they all achieved automatic selections places at the Comber Cup Cross Country Races. Neil Douglas, Ray Curran and Brigid Quinn all made successful appearances at the event which marked the start of the Northern Ireland Cross Country season.
The Ballydrain Harriers promotion was held on an excellent course at the Billy Neill Soccer Playing fields between Dundonald and Comber. Conditions for the race were excellent on the day, with the rain staying away for the duration and the going underfoot relatively firm. The promotion is a major date on the veteran’s Calendar as it encompasses the Northern Ireland Veteran’s trials for the annual British and Irish Masters Cross Country International in November.
Ballymena Runners had five members in total out on the day with four in the veteran’s races and one in the supporting open race. First in action for the club was Brigid Quinn who was in action in the women’s 5k event also included the male junior and male veteran’s over 65 races. The race itself took in a three lap course around the playing fields. Brigid finished the course in 24 mins 49 secs to claim first in her age group and earn herself automatic International selection.
Next up was the main Comber Cup race which comprised all the male veteran age categories from 35 up to the male vet 60 category. This was the largest race of the day with around seventy five athletes taking part. The event was the longest of the day, being staged over a five mile course, which took in one short lap and four longer laps.
First to show for the Ballymena Club was Neil Douglas. With the inclusion of the new male vet 35 category to the races Neil was hoping to earn his first International vest by gaining selection on the day. With automatic team selection going to the first four in each age category Neil knew he would have a hard task on his hands depending on who toed the start line on the day, not least from ex club mate Gregory Walsh now representing North Belfast Harriers.
It was déjà vu for the Ballymena pair as for almost the entire duration of the race they ran shoulder to shoulder amongst the top ten runners with neither showing any signs of faltering. However as they approached the last two hundred meters Gregory made a decisive break to edge clear of Neil as they approached the finish line with only two seconds and one place splitting the pair at the finish. Gregory finished seventh in 27 mins 33 secs and Neil eight in 27 mins 35 secs. As a result the pair finished third and fourth in their age category and as such both should make the International team.
Slightly further down the field was Ray Curran. Ray was aiming for selection once again having represented Northern Ireland many times at the International event. Ray proved to be in great form and finished third in his age category completing the course in 30 mins 4 secs and 23rd overall. Another International appearance secured for Ray. Stephen Armstrong was next home finishing in 31 mins 53 secs in 41st spot. Stephen was tenth in his age category.
The overall winner was Steven Cairns of Annadale who finished in 25 mins 52 secs.
The last race of the day which was the Open race was held over a 6. 5 mile distance and Martin Emans was the only Ballymena in action. A relatively small field was on show with only 21 runners competing. Martin finished in 23 mins 37 secs in 15th overall. The winner was Brain Campbell of Willowfield in 20 mins 39 secs.
Although the race is competitive there is an element of fun involved with the event as can be seen from its alternative title. One of the rules of the race is that all entrants must wear black and white clothing, black and white body paint and cow suits (yes, COW suits!) of any colour are also acceptable! Many of the entry were seen in cow suits and sporting udders!
Despite the dismal wet conditions on the day the event proved popular when 250 runners tackled the 13.1-mile event in what was only it’s second year. The Letterkenny race started in Kimacrenan Town just outside Letterkenny itself and finished in Downings by the seaside.
First home for the club was Chris Magill, continuing his usual rivalry with Sandy McDermott. Chris came out on tops this time finishing in 1 hour 37 mins 2 secs in 47th overall. Sandy was only one place down in 1 hour 37 mins 17 secs. Next home was Jimmy Galbraith finishing 81st in 1 hour 54 mins 30 secs, followed by Roy White, 82nd in 1 hour 54 mins 45 secs and Dave McDonald 116th in 2 hours 45 secs.
The overall winner was Pauric McKinney of Letterkenny AC in 75 mins 21 secs.
The race attracted well over 40,000 runners and was held in optimal weather conditions. The race route was lined with thousands of spectators, which saw the runners run through the streets of Berlin passing famous landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate.
Mabel and Brigid completed the course alongside each other and crossed the line at the same time of 4 hours 31 mins 32 secs, finishing in 3764th spot overall. Paddy finished in 5 hours 7 mins 28 secs.
The race saw Ethiopian runner Hailie Gebrselassie break the World Marathon record finishing in an amazing time of 2 hours 4 mins 26 secs for the 26.2-mile distance.
Three members were in action at the UK’s largest road race recently when they competed in the 2007 BUPA Great North Run. The race, which is even larger than the London Marathon attracts the interest of elite, club and fun runners alike with thousands of pounds being raised for charity. The event’s popularity is highlighted by the large entry of over 50,000 athletes on the day with many others disappointed being unable to gain entry through the race ballot system.
Neil Douglas travelled across to the event in Newcastle where he was joined by fellow club members, Nicholas Rooke, currently studying at Durham University and Willie Richmond, who is working in the North West. Conditions for competitors were excellent for the 13.1-mile event, which started in Newcastle and finished at South Shields.
With the massive entry the start line can be heavily congested with some runners taking ten to fifteen minutes to cross the start line after the starters gun. Nicholas was lucky enough to get a championship entry and be placed in the Elite pen at the start, giving him the opportunity to get into his stride almost immediately. Nicholas led the group of three until the closing stages when Neil Douglas had made up ground on the student and passed him in the final twenty metres before the finish line. Neil finished in 76 mins 12 secs to finish well up the overall standing in 121st spot. Nicholas crossed the line another twelve seconds adrift in 76 mins 24 secs in 125th spot. Willie Richmond finished in 96 mins 8 secs in 1528th place.
North Down Borough Council in conjunction with North Down AC promoted the 10k road event in the seaside town, which started at Bangor Town hall, Castle Park Grounds and was held in near perfect conditions. With some top cash prizes on offer over 300 runners entered the popular event.
At the head of the Ballymena group was Martin Emans who finished 34th overall in 35 mins 37 secs. Next home and proving he is in great form for his Dublin marathon appearance next month was James Turtle. James put in a personal best time of 36 mins 21 secs to finish 44th overall. This was the first time James had dipped below the 37-minute mark. Next home was Ray Curran who finished in37 mins 12 secs in 54th spot. Another Dublin Marathon entrant Rodney Livingstone was next and he also recorded a personal best finishing in 37 mins 59 secs in 63rd overall. Also competing after his Dublin Half marathon appearance last week was Rodney Agnew. Rodney also recorded a personal best finishing in 41 mins 36 secs in 114th overall.
The overall winner was Joe McAllister in 30 mins 58 secs with Kevin Seamore second in 31mins 6 secs and Paul Rowan third in 31 mins 11 secs. Pauline Curley of Tullamore Harriers won the ladies race in 34 mins 54 secs.
The men’s race was won by Stevie Cunningham of Mourne Runners in 34 minutes and 52 seconds with Ann Paul of City of Derry winning the women’s race in 42 minutes and 48 seconds.