We really do run everywhere … from a big turnout in Kells to representation in Glasgow, Bangor, Monaghan, Cavehill and Monaghan!
Kells & Connor Charity Half Marathon, Walk, 5 Miler and 5K Fun Run
The big event locally this weekend was the Kells & Connor Charity Half Marathon, Walk, 5 Miler and 5K Fun Run which attracted a plethora of runners from the club to the challenging course almost on their doorsteps.
A charity event for the Cancer Fund For Children, the Half Marathon was won by David Simpson (1:14:46) with club member Iain Taggart finishing runner-up in 1:15:28 almost seven minutes ahead of the third placed athlete. Meanwhile, James Turtle claimed the honours in the 5-Mile event, coming home in 29:39 just ahead of John Robinson (30:32).
Amongst the personal bests achieved on the day were Tanya Agnew (Half Marathon) and Scott Fleming (5 Mile).
Great Scottish Run
A number of Ballymena Runners athletes were in Glasgow on Sunday for the 10th anniversary of the Great Scottish Run Half Marathon and 10k events.
Three competed in the Half Marathon, namely Geoff McClean (2:02:06), Pamela Davis (2:14:35) and Martin Harris (2:48:51) while, in the 10k, Garry Steele was first to finish in 48:04, followed by Roy White (53:23) and Catherine Stewart (57:22).
Also running were Maria McKeown, Rosemary McIlroy, Amanda Scott and Elizabeth Brown.
Bangor 10k
Close to 1000 competitors descended upon Bangor for the 10k Road Race which, this year, doubled up as the NI & Ulster Championships.
Ballymena Runners were represented by a number of athletes with Ben Morrow (34:48) first to cross the line from the club, followed by Richard Agnew (35:56) and, clocking a personal best, Kieran Scullion (36:02).
Also running for the club were Billy Bamber, Noel Connor, Ryan Curran, Michael Johnston, Ian McCracken (PB), Gemma Moore, Rosemary Morrow, Elaine Scullion and Sinead Scullion.
Cavehill 5-Mile Trail
Peter Faith, Terry Foley and Mary Duffin took to the hills above Belfast for the Cavehill 5-Mile Trail Race on Sunday.
Peter was first to finish in 59:11, followed by Terry and Mary both with a time of 1:05:50 in what was a tough but scenic route.
Donegal Three-Quarters Marathon
Hall Booth and Iverene Carleton were in action in Ballybofey on Sunday morning for the Donegal Three-Quarters Marathon, a 32km event which many athletes use to enhance their training for the Dublin marathon later this month.
Both runners produced fantastic performances around the undulating course which, at times, involved running into a strong headwind.
Hall crossed the line in 2:35:25 while Iverene, in what was her longest run to date, came home in 3:58:42.
Monaghan Phoenix Marathon Festival
A number of runners from Ballymena travelled to Monaghan for the Phoenix Marathon Festival, a celebration of running taking place over three days.
Amongst those in action were Ryan Armstrong who competed in the full marathon on Saturday and claimed third spot overall in 3:24:30.
Meanwhile, the Half Marathon on Sunday was also the concluding race in the Pure Running Half Marathon Series, run in perfect conditions over a challenging course.
Rodney Agnew was first from the club to finish (1:25:39), ahead of Linda Petticrew (1:44:40) and Kathryn Grant (2:03:02).
Furthermore, the race confirmed Linda's place as winner of the overall series in her age category. Well done Linda!
Stephanie Johnston, Maurice McGarry, Sharon McClung and Heather McKelvey enjoying the Kells Half Marathon
Andrea Wylie and Geraldine McClintock in action at Kells on Saturday
Kieran Scullion, Elaine Scullion, Sinead Scullion and Gemma Moore at the Bangor 10k
Kathryn Grant, Linda Petticrew and Rodney Agnew display their medals from the Monaghan Half Marathon
James Turtle on his way to winning the Kells 5-mile race.jpg