Ballymena Runners Cross Country Team excel at North South International Challenge
With no British and Irish Masters XC International this year, due to covid restrictions, a North South Challenge was held at Queens playing fields on Saturday 13th November 2021.
The Northern Ireland Teams were selected at the NI Masters XC Championships on the 16th October. Ballymena Runners had 8 runners selected including Naomi Hutchinson and Sinead Scullion who were representing Northern Ireland Masters for the first time.
Noel, Ben, Paula, Brigid, Ray, Naomi, Geraldine and Sinead
Seasoned internationals and multiple championship medal winners Paula Worthington, Geraldine Quigley, Brigid Quinn , Ben Morrow, Noel Connor and Ray Curran also add to their already impressive number of International selections.
The Women’s and over 65s men’s race was over a gruelling 6k course, and local running legend Brigid Quinn won her age category yet again
Bridgid
Ballymena Runners posted some outstanding performances with Paula Worthington in the 40-44years category finishing in a time of 24mins 21sec, and finishing 7th place overall and 4th Northern Ireland runner to finish.
Paula
Geraldine Quigley represented Northern Ireland in the 45-49years category finishing in a time of 25mins 18sec, finishing 7th overall and 2nd for Northern Ireland.
Geraldine
Sinead Scullion was also competing in her first international vest in the 45-49years, finishing in a time of 27mins 03sec, finishing 9th overall, and 6th place for Northern Ireland.
Sinead
First time international, Naomi Hutchinson, competed in the 35-39years category, posted a time of 26mins 19sec, finishing with an impressive 8th overall, and 4th Northern Ireland.
Naomi, Paula, Geraldine and Sinead
Local legend Brigid Quinn came home in first place in the 75-79years category in a time of 35mins 37sec. Ballymena Runners veteran Ray Curran finished in 8th place (and 4th Northern Ireland runner in the Men’s 65-69years category, finishing in a time of 27mins 07secs.
Ray
The Men’s race was over the same course but this time the distance was 8k. Ben Morrow finished in a time of 28mins 30sec, closely followed by Noel Connor who finished in 30mins 26secs, finishing 7th overall, and 3rd for Northern Ireland.
The club’s next Cross Country target race is the ‘Comber Cup’ on 21 November.
If you are interesting in finding out more about Ballymena Runners, or joining the club, contact Alastair Donaghy on 07918741046 or by email at ballymenarunners@hotmail.com