Five Ballymena Runners represented Northern Ireland Masters in the British and Irish Cross Country International. This year the event took place at the famous Aintree Racecourse.
This event sees many of the top athletes from all over the British Isles represent their country in various age group competitions.
Pride of place goes to club legend Brigid Quinn (F75) who took individual gold in her age category. Over a three lap course conditions were described as firm underfoot with a short section of softer ground Brigid held off the challenge of two English athletes to cross the finish line first in 33:50. Well done Brigid!
Also competing in the same race Ray Curran had a solid run to finish as third Northern Ireland team member in his age category (M65) completing the 3 laps in 26:46. This was Ray's 19th time competing in this prestigious event after a four year gap.
The second race of the day was for ladies aged 35-64 years over the same three-lap route. Competition was very strong across all the age groups. Both Geraldine Quigley (26:04) and Linda Petticrew (27:49) ran solid races.
The younger mens race took on four laps and Kieran Scullion on his debut for Northern Ireland Masters moved steadily throughout to finish 25th in his M40 age category (M40). Well done to all five club members.
Congratulations, also, to club runner Rodney Livingstone who celebrated his 51st birthday by coming home first at Limavady parkrun on Saturday morning.
Meanwhile, official club training began on Sunday morning for the Race Over The Glens on New Years Day at Glenariff Forest.
The club offers four leader led groups to ensure all paces and abilities are accommodated. All clubs and unattached runners are also welcome.
Please dress appropriately (bring or wear full body cover) as the forest park in winter can be quite exposed and we have had everything from sun to snow in previous years! Whilst trails are relatively 'clean' trail shoes are advisable.
Dogs are welcome but restricted to the front of group 1 or the rear of group 4 to ensure everyone's safety and must be under control. Finally, please bring a flask and stay for a cup a tea afterwards if your time allows.
Training will be held every Sunday until Christmas with a car share service in operation leaving race sponsors Connolly's Spar Doury Road at 8:30am (training begins at 9am).
