What a fantastic week for Ballymena Runners! Ben wins on the Antrim Coast, James picks up a Masters gold and Claire smashes the club 24-hour record!
Ben Morrow wins the Antrim Coast Road Marathon
There was a major success for the club on Saturday when Ben Morrow won the Antrim Coast Road Marathon in 2:43:55, almost seven minutes ahead of his nearest challenger.
The marathon was revived by host club, Larne AC, to mark their 30th anniversary after being originally held back in the 1980s. The course took runners from Cushendall to Larne along the world renowned County Antrim coastline.
Ballymena Runners were very well represented at the event, with Rodney Agnew (3:06:20) and (3:06:34) also claiming top ten positions alongside Ben.
In addition, a whole raft of runners represented the club in the challenging conditions, amongst them Robin Alexander, Pamela Davis, Alastair Donaghy, John Donnelly, Rachel Galbraith John Hasson, Rodney Livingstone, Wendy McAuley, Gerry McClintock, Helen McCormack, Ian McCracken (new personal best), John McGerty, Claire Martin, Jim Moore, Matthew Morrow, John Robinson and Judith Worthington (new personal best).
Spelga Skyline Mountain Race
Ballymena Runners duo Tim Lowry and Gillian Wasson took on the Spelga Skyline Mountain Race on Sunday, one of the longer events in the NIMRA Championship which covers some 13 miles and features over 5000 feet of climbing.
With temperatures in the mid-20s, and no shade at all on the course, Gillian and Tim both performed admirably with Gillian coming home to claim third spot in the ladies race. Well done Gillian!
Round The Bridges
On Thursday evening a large number of Ballymena Runners descended upon Limavady for the 38th edition of the popular Jude Gallagher 'Round The Bridges' 10-mile road run.
And it proved to be another successful outing for the club with Paula Worthington claiming a podium spot in the ladies race, finishing third in 1:08:56.
Eamonn Loughran was first from the travelling club contingent to finish, securing 17th spot overall in 1:04:20, with Paula second and Linda Petticrew third (1:19:21).
In addition, both Eamonn and Linda won their respective age categories, as did Iris McDowell (1:47:22) and Brigid Quinn (1:53:22). Congratulations all, and also to the 30+ other club competitors who took part in the 26 degrees heat!
James claims gold at the NI Master Athletics Track & Field Championships
James Turtle took to the Mary Peters Track on Saturday to compete in the 5000m at the NI Masters Athletics Track & Field Championships.
In very hot temperatures approaching the mid-20s, James performed well to finish eighth overall and collect the gold medal in the M50 category.
Claire smashes club 24-hour record!
Well done to everyone from the club who completed the recent Energia 24 event at Victoria Park in Belfast.
Claire Martin grabbed the headlines as she covered 111.4 miles in 24-hours to establish a new club record, while Johnny McCloy completed 103.65 miles.
Meanwhile, previous record holder, Ryan Armstrong, also completed his 75th marathon at the event. An amazing performance from all involved.
Ben Morrow powers his way to victory in the Antrim Coast Road Marathon
Team spirit on display Round The Bridges on Thursday evening
Claire Martin completed 111 miles at the recent Energia 24 hour event to set a new club record
Linda Petticrew and Paula Worthington, first two Ballymena Runners ladies at the Round The Bridges 10-miler
Ian McCracken celebrates his personal best at the Antrim Coast Road Marathon
Gillian Kernohan (#93) and Iris McDowell (#139) having fun Round The Bridges on Thursday night