It was Seeley Cup weekend and, as ever, Ballymena Runners were very well represented at this prestigious event ... as well as spreading some early festive cheer in the town centre!
Seeley Cup 10k
No fewer than 67 athletes from Ballymena Runners competed in the annual Seeley Cup 10k around Belfast's Ormeau Park on Saturday.
The race doubled up as the Northern Ireland 10k Championships and, as such, attracted a strong field. Therefore, special mention must go to the ladies for finishing fourth in the team event while the men came in a very credible eighth.
Well done Brigid Quinn (55:57), winner in her age category, and to Richard Agnew and James Turtle (35:49) in placing third in their respective sections.
First home for Ballymena Runners was James Hamilton (32:12) in 14th spot overall, ahead of Ben Morrow (35:22) and Richard Agnew (35:39). Kerry Bamber (38:13) was first club lady to cross the line, followed by Paula Worthington (39:41) and Geraldine Quigley (41:14).
Congratulations, also, to all those who set new a personal best at the event, amongst them Parveen Akhtar (1:21:44), Jonathon Johnston (49:20), Stephanie Johnston (53:49), Glenn McGall (44:04) and John Robinson (36:51).
Jason Wilson wins in Castlewellan
The weekend weather caused the cancellation of many parkrun events across the country with both Ecos and Antrim falling foul of the conditions.
However, Castlewellan was one of the few runs to beat the weather with Ballymena Runners' very own Jason Wilson leading the field home in 17:44, the sixth fastest time in the history of the event, his second best parkrun time to date and the tenth occasion he has claimed top spot in the weekly free timed 5k run following previous successes at Ecos and Portrush.
Jingle All The Way
Ballymena Runners played an important part in the recent charity initiative 'Jingle All The Way' in aid of the NI Hospice.
The club would like to thank all who supported us, namely the Michelin Men, Moorfields Primary School, Ballymena Chamber Orchestra, Ballymena United Allstars Ladies Football team, The Inter-Ethnic Forum, The Usual Suspects and, of course, Lifestyle Fitness ... and not forgetting everyone who turned up to run on the treadmill in the Tower Centre on Saturday!
Thanks, also, to the support team of John Hasson, Michael Wray, Ali Donaghy and Maurice McGarry. Well done all.
Naomi Hutchinson enjoying her Seeley Cup run
James Hamilton lead the Ballymena Runners charge at the Seeley Cup.jpg
Stephanie Johnston on her way to a 10k PB in the Seeley Cup
Ray Curran in Seeley Cup action on Saturday afternoon
Look who turned up to support Ballymena Runners in the Tower Centre