Cold, wet and very muddy conditions greeted the club members when they arrived to tackle the Bobby Rea Cross Country Races at the Billy Neill MBE Country Park outside Dundonald.
This season as well as being a club league race an international element was added with teams from England, Ireland and Wales competing against a Northern Ireland/Ulster Selection.
After eight earlier age group races for younger athletes the Ladies 5k got underway. A 1k lap, which was flooded in places, was followed by two 2k hilly and very soft underfoot laps. Well done to Teresa Mark, Tanya Agnew (breaking in her new spikes), Stephanie Johnston, Aine Hasson and Helen Metrustry on battling the miserable conditions to complete the race.
The mud fest continued with the men taking on four laps of the hilly and muddy route. Nevertheless upfront saw top British internationals gliding their way over the course, a real test of strength, speed and endurance.
Birthday boy James Hamilton led the Ballymena Runners home in his first xc race this season with Kieran Scullion following having another strong run over the country.
Marathon men Ben Morrow and Ian McCracken had solid runs too. Paul Connolly, John Hasson, Chris Davies, Nigel Davidson and Jonathan Johnston all ran well to secure club points in the league.
Next week, five Ballymena Runners members will represent Northern Ireland in the annual 5 Nations Cross Country International. This year’s fixture, organised by England Masters, takes place at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool!
The first race of the day will include Brigid Quinn and Ray Curran. This will be the 19th time Ray has competed in this event! Next up will be Linda Petticrew and Geraldine Quigley. The final race of the afternoon will include Kieran Scullion making his debut for Northern Ireland Masters. Good luck to all.
Meanwhile, the 2019/20 Sperrin Harriers Winter League series kicked off on Saturday at Davagh Forest. Results are still be confirmed at the time of writing but amongst those competing for the club were Linda Petticrew who was first Ballymena Runners lady home, finishing 6th overall and claiming second spot in her age category.
