There was a strong showing at the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon with over 30 athletes representing the club while congratulations go to our call-ups for the forthcoming Masters International event in November.
2017 SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon
On Sunday all roads led to Dublin for the 2017 SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon, the fifth largest event of its kind in Europe with around 20,000 participants pounding the streets of the Fair City.
As always, Ballymena Runners were very well represented with over 30 club members taking to the start line on Fitzwilliam Street Upper before covering the 26.2 miles to the finish in Merrion Square North.
Leading the club charge was John Robinson who set a new personal best with a superb time of 2hrs 55mins 42secs, while Rodney Agnew (2:58:31) and John Hasson (2:59:36) both dipped below the three hour mark.
Indeed, John was amongst a number who set new PB over the iconic distance. Congratulations also to Glenn McGall (3:49:29), Moyra McKinley (3:57:33), Pamela Kane (4:08:16) and Mairead Agnew (5:32:18).
In addition, the following runners made the journey south to represent the club:- Jim Moore (3:00:28), Ryan Logan (3:15:25), Peter Fleming (3:35:08), Judith Brown (3:46:28), Vicki Dunn (3:56:37), Alastair Hill (3:58:29), Pamela Davis (4:23:43), Wendy Graham (4:24:57), Andrew Hutchinson (4:32:57), Geraldine McClintock (4:32:57), Chris Young (4:55:17), Paul McKinley (4:55:17), Sharon Speers (4:58:59), Nikki Hassan Bijourouge (4:58:59), Brigid Quinn (5:01:48), Patrick Millar (5:03:15), Michael Steele (5:08:20), Emma Stewart (5:24:32) and Ellie Forrest Reid (5:36:08).
Well done to everyone!
Cross Country Masters International call-ups
The club were honoured recently with no less than five call-ups to the Northern Ireland squad for the forthcoming British & Irish Masters International XC event next month in Londonderry.
In a testing course around the playing fields of Queen's University Paula Worthington (F35), Geraldine Quigley (F40), Brigid Quinn (F70), Noel Connor (M55) and James Turtle (M50) were all selected for the event on November 18th.
Northern Ireland Cross Country League
The second round of the Northern Ireland Cross Country League took place on Saturday afternoon in lovely conditions at Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor.
With firm underfoot conditions a fast race took place. In the men's 8k event four club members toed the line with fast improving David Law first Ballymena Runner home in 27th place, closely followed by the club marathon man Ben Morrow in 32nd and Masters International Noel Connor 48th. Well done guys and great to see Nigel Davidson completing the four to score team event in 118th spot.
The ladies and men aged 60 plus was run over three miles. Ray Curran managed a podium finish in the men's event taking third spot in 20:40 with Rosemary Morrow 110th gaining a well earned participation point. Well done Ray and Rosemary.
Next Saturday the McConnell Shield XC event takes place in Six Mile River park, Ballyclare. Being a handy local race it is hoped club members will support this fixture organised by East Antrim Harriers.
Ballymoney Autumn Duathlon
Congratulations to Jason Wilson on securing third place overall in Sunday's Ballymoney Autumn Duathlon.
Comprising of a two-mile run, 10 miles cycling before finishing with another two-mile run Jason recorded a time of 50:56, just behind leading duo Andrew Kirk and Kieran O'Neill.
Elsewhere, Kelly Courtney finished 47th overall (1:06:36) and Scott Fleming 52nd (1:07:38).
Local parkrun round-up
Rodney Livingstone was amongst a number of Ballymena Runners producing strong performances at Antrim parkrun on Saturday. Rodney claimed a new PB (19:49) to finish in fifth spot overall while Geraldine Quigley (20:02) and Linda Petticrew (21:53) claimed the top two places in the ladies race. Linda also won her age category.
At the Belfast Victoria event James Hamilton finished fifth (16:11), Simon O'Boyle 19th (19:26) and Kelly Courtney 62nd (23:10).
And at the local run at the Ecos Centre, James Turtle (17:38) claimed top spot just ahead of Connor Reid, while Nigel Bonar (21:44), Sandy McDermott 22:53), Naomi Hutchinson (22:56) and Tanya Agnew (25:36) all claimed new personal bests.
East Antrim Marathon Series
Congratulations to Claire Martin who averaged 9:24 per mile to claim second lady at the latest race in the East Antrim Marathon Series on Saturday.
Following a coastal route from Carrickfergus Castle to Jordanstown, Claire recorded an overall time of 4hrs 12mins.
A little team bonding before Sunday's Dublin Marathon ...
... and afterwards with those well earned medals
Claire Martin - second lady at the East Antrim Marathon Series on Saturday
Jason Wilson #56 finished third in the Ballymoney Autumn Duathlon
Kelly Courtney and Scott Fleming at the Ballymoney Autumn Duathlon