Roy being presented with the Potteries Marathon Finishers Plate by England World Cup winning 'keeper Gordon Banks
My running journey with Ballymena Runners started at the latter end of 1992.
I had been running since 1983 and prior to joining the club had run 45 marathons. My first Marathon in a Ballymena vest was the St. Albans on December 6th1992.
My last Marathon in Berlin was my 68th in a Ballymena vest and my 113th in total. The highlight was my 100th in Dublin in 2001, the club organised a celebration night in Tullyglass Hotel. I was presented with a glass bowl by the Chairman Dr. P.J. Fox. It was one of the many good nights organised by the club over the years.
The social side of the club has been very important over the years. The Christmas dinners and club trips to places like Newcastle and Glasgow have forged many friendships and memories. I would recommend to any new members to go on club trips you’ll have a great time.
This year 2017 will be my 35th year of running and I am calling it a day on long distance running. I have continued doing half marathons since I stopped running marathons and am on 133 at present. I would like to hopefully do 7 this year making the club trip to Glasgow in October my last half.
I will always run if my body allows even if it’s only for fitness. Luckily parkrun came to Ecos in 2012 and I am really enjoying doing the 5ks. Thanks to all from Ballymena Runners for organising and bringing parkrun to Ballymena.
I have been proud to wear the Ballymena vest in places like New York, Paris and Berlin and across Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales and the Isle of Man.
Thank you to all the members for their help and encouragement over the years, from PJ and Robert in the early years to Robin and Stephen at present. Ballymena Runners will always have a special place in my heart even when my running days are over.
Keep on Running,
Roy White