Race Reports w/e 5th August 2018

With the holiday period coming to a close Ballymena Runners were in action everywhere from Cookstown to Newtownards.

'Run The Trails' Mount Stewart Half Marathon
Rodney Agnew and Linda Petticrew were in action on Saturday evening in the beautiful surroundings of Mount Stewart just outside Newtownards on the shores of Strangford Lough.

The race was the latest in the season long Pure Running Half Marathon series and both Rodney and Linda excelled themselves on what was an undulating course.

Rodney powered his way to second spot overall (1:29:08), and 1st in his age category, while Linda also claimed top spot in her age category (1:53:32). Both athletes also maintained the overall leads in their respective series categories.

Stanley Reid Memorial 5-Mile Classic
A number of Ballymena Runners attended the 17th annual Stanley Reid Memorial 5 mile road race in Cookstown on Friday.

Competitors covered a the scenic rural course around the Co. Tyrone town with John Robinson leading the club charge, finishing 16th overall in 30:39 ahead of Peter Fleming (36:10) and David Rainey (37:17). Alastair Donaghy and Robert Meban also donned club colours at the event.

Quarry 5k
On Friday night just under 100 athletes lined up for the first running of the Quarry 5k race in Carnlough.

The well organised event, hosted by Glenlough Running Club, saw competitors cover a tough but incredibly scenic course, starting and finishing in the heart of the village.

Ballymena Runners were well represented at the event with Nigel McClintock finishing seventh overall (20:23) while Helen McCormack (26:43) powered her way to second spot in the ladies standings.

Broughshane 5k/10k
Almost 120 members of the club made the short journey to Broughshane on Monday night for the annual 10k & 5k races through the village in aid of the North West Mountain Rescue team.

It was a great night all round for the club with podium places and personal bests being achieved throughout the field.

In the 5k, David Law was first home in 17:40, ahead of David Conliffe from PACE (17:52) and another BRAC runner, James Turtle (18:14). Furthermore, our very own Geraldine Quigley won the ladies race (20:39) ahead of Sandra McKeown (Acorns AC; 21:55) and Katie Allen (Larne AC; 24:00).

The 10k crown was claimed by North Belfast Harriers' Mark McKinstry (34:11) with Ballymena's Iain Taggart coming second (35:09) and Matthew Hewitt from East Antrim Harriers in third (35:56).

Meanwhile, in the ladies race, Judith Worthington finished third (44:53) while Paul Cupples was amongst those claiming a new PB (51:56).

Rodney Agnew and Linda Petticrew about to tackle the Mount Stewart Half Marathon

Stanley Reid Memorial 5-mile Classic [L-R] David Rainey, Peter Fleming, John Robinson, Alastair Donaghy, missing from pic (Robert Meban)

Ballymena Runners turned out in huge numbers at Broughshane on Monday night