Ballymena Runners were out in numbers this week at various locations up and down country, recording the usual plethora of successes and age category victories!
LacPatrick Milk Run
On Friday night a strong contingent from the club made the short trip up the road to Ballymoney for the annual LacPatrick Milk Run, a five-mile jaunt around the 'Toon.
Ben Morrow led the Ballymena crew home in fourth spot overall (27:33), just missing out on a podium place.
Two other runners claimed a top ten finish, namely Jason Wilson (28:48) and John Robinson (29:58).
As usual there was the usual plethora of age category victories to report, too, with Judith Brown, Elle Forrest Reid, Linda Petticrew and Brigid Quinn all claiming top spot in their respective disciplines. Congratulations to all!
Divis 10k
The Divis 10k is a steep, tough challenge presenting a terrain which mixes gravel paths, rocky patches and boardwalk. The route summits both Divis and Black Mountains, and offers exhilarating views over Belfast and beyond.
Half-a-dozen Ballymena Runners athletes made the journey to the capital on a wet Sunday morning.
Nigel McClintock came home in a very impressive sixth spot overall with a time of 43:11, followed a short-time later by Seamus Kelly (12th) in 44:19 and Joseph McDermott (25th; 48:05). Also representing the club were Mairead Agnew (1:22:38), Emma Donnelly (1:11:09) and Chris Young (1:11:09).
Giants Trail Race
A trio of runners from the club took on the challenge of the Giants Trail Race on Friday, a six-mile course leaving the Dub Playing Fields in Belfast before taking in the Lagan Towpath, Giants Ring, and Shaws Bridge before finishing back at The Dub.
Jonny Graham led the charge for Ballymena Runners, finishing 46th out of 300 entrants with a time on 44:07. Next up was Geoffrey McClean (58:10), just ahead of Lynsey Gordon (1:00:34).
Cookstown Half Marathon
The latest instalment in the Pure Running Half Marathon series - Cookstown - took place on Sunday morning.
A group of five runners sizzled their way to Mid-Ulster for the event. Vicki Dunn was first to cover the difficult 13.1 miles in a time of 1:55:27, just ahead of overall series F35 leader Pamela Kane (1:56:34).
Paul Cupples, 10th in the series M45 category, did well to record a time of 2:05:59, followed by Sharon Speers (2:09:23) and Aidy Dodds (2:26:46).
North Belfast Harriers Afternoon of 5K PBs
It was a successful weekend for Daniel McClelland who not only won his race in the North Belfast Harriers Afternoon of 5k PBs at the Belfast Boys Model track on Saturday but set a new personal best over the distance of 18:48. Well done Daniel.
Broughshane Cosy Sofa
Many congratulations to all who graduated during the week from the Broughshane Cosy Sofa to 5k programme.
Starting back in May, the streets of the 'Garden Village of Ulster' witnessed those who were tentative and unsure on that opening evening progress over the weeks to confidently run non-stop for half-an-hour.
The club hopes everyone is proud of their achievements and, equally importantly, we hope you enjoyed yourself and that you will continue on your running journey.
Aidy Dodds, Vicki Dunn, Pamela Kane, Sharon Speers and Paul Cupples proudly display their medals after the Cookstown Half
A strong showing of Ballymena Runners at the LacPatrick Milk Run
Emma Donnelly, Nigel McClintock, Chris Young and Mairead Agnew ahead of the Divis 10k
One group of graduates from the Broughshane Cosy Sofa to 5k