James Hamilton smashed the long standing club 10k record when he ran a superb 31:24 in the ever popular Seeley Cup at Belfast's Ormeau Park on Saturday.
Ideal running conditions greeted the 800-plus athletes for the prestigious event, now in its 38th year, with Hamilton cruising through the halfway point in 15:36 at five minute mile pace.
Running in a group near the front of the field Hamilton held his form to record a personal best by 48 seconds, smashing the club record set by Neil Douglas as far back as 2004 and the 32-minute barrier.
In a race which featured a plethora of running talent from around Northern Ireland James took 14th place, but it wasn't the only Ballymena Runners success on a memorable morning for the club.
A number of club athletes set personal records, amongst them Kieran Scullion (34:13), Chris Davies (42:58), Mark McCaul (41:26), Conor Crilly (37:14) and Jim Stewart (45:44).
In addition John Nicholson, John Hasson, John McClelland and Rodney Livingstone all dipped below the 40-minute mark. There were also age category wins for Iris McDowell and Brigid Quinn.
Also representing the club were Ryan Bankhead, Patrick Millar, Aine Hasson, Conor Daly, Helen Metrusty, Hal Booth, Mary Duffin, Catherine White and William White.
Away from Seeley, Tim Hawksworth headed south at the weekend to take in the Clontarf Half Marathon, crossing the line in 1:51:37.
Meanwhile, official club training continued 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).
