Gillian claims world bronze in Slovenia while the Walled City Marathon takes centre stage in a busy week for Ballymena Runners.
Walled City Marathon
The action this week was dominated by the 6th edition of the Walled City Marathon and, as usual, Ballymena Runners were not found wanting at the increasingly popular event.
Starting at the Everglades Hotel on the Prehen Road and finishing in Guildhall Square the club provided no fewer than five pacers to assist those competing to achieve their dreams and personal bests, namely Rodney Agnew, John Robinson, Jim Moore, Peter Fleming and John McGerty.
In addition, a further 11 runners from the club pounded the streets of the Maiden City with Claire Martin first finisher in a sub-4 hour time of 3:58:04, ahead of Peter Coulter (4:19:22) and Susanna Allen (4:22:10).
Amongst those also donning club colours to tackle the iconic 26.2 miles were Helen Beattie, Adrian Dodds, Alastair Donaghy, Wendy McAuley, Neil McCartney, Serena McCartney, Gerry McClintock and Lynsey McKeown.
Gillian Wasson
Congratulations to Gillian Wasson who picked up an individual honour whilst competing in the Masters World Mountain Running Championships in Slovenia on Saturday.
A member of the Ireland team, Gillian performed to an exceptionally high standard to finish the 7.2km course with an ascent of 869 metres in 56:46 to claim the bronze medal in the V40 category.
Bobby Farren Memorial 5k
A couple of club runners were in action on Friday evening in the Bobby Farren Memorial 5k, a fast route around Eglinton village.
Congratulations to Michael Bennet on finishing third overall, and second in the M40 age category, in a time of 16:38.14 while Noel Connor (17:53.36) came home 12th to claim the honours in the M55 category.
Belfast Marathon prize winners
During the week the Belfast Marathon held their annual prize giving event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Shaws Bridge.
Amongst those honoured on the evening were Ballymena Runners trio Noel Connor (M55), Ben Morrow (M35) and James Turtle (M50), who picked up their respective age category prizes from the May Day Bank Holiday event early last month.
Hill & Dale Series
The Hill & Dale Series, hosted by Newcastle AC, continued on Thursday evening when athletes descended upon Slieve Donard Park for the seventh event - Millstone - a four-mile mountain race taking in a total ascent of around 1500 feet.
Ballymena Runners sent their usual strong representation with Jack McKenna first to complete in 44:27, narrowly ahead of Jonathan McCloy (44:56) and Mark Alexander (46:20). Also running for the club were Mairead Agnew, Emma Donnelly, William Fleck and Joseph McDermott.
Lough Neagh Rescue
A small number of athletes from the club made the short journey to Antrim on Saturday to compete in the 2nd annual Lough Neagh 5 Mile Race, a fundraiser for the worthy Lough Neagh Rescue.
In the headline 5-mile event Connor Crilly produced a strong performance to claim a top ten spot, completing the multi-terrain course in 32:56.
Meanwhile Harry Armstrong (58:02) and Billy Bamber (1:01:16) competed in the associated 10k event.
Gillian Wasson claims world bronze in Slovenia
Lynsey McKeown and Adrian Dodds proudly display their Walled City Marathon medals
Serena McCartney approaches the finish of the Walled City Marathon
Noel Connor, Ben Morrow and James Turtle with their age category prizes from the recent Belfast City Marathon
Pacing the Walled City Marathon - (l-r) John McGerty, Peter Fleming, Jim Moore and John Robinson