Ballymena Runners out in force at NI 10k Championship
The Podium 4 Sport Seeley Cup 10K was held at the weekend at the Ozone, Ormeau Park. Belfast. Always popular the Seeley Cup 10k brought over 800 athletes to Belfast, with the entry list reading like a who’s who of NI’s top runners, making for an excellent race! The Willowfield Harriers hosted event, attracted a huge range of talent from the local athletics community, and there were plenty of PBs and records broken.
It was an excellent turnout for the club, with 28 members completing the course.
Our ladies led by Paula Worthington (40.33), despite a nasty fall took 8th team place in the NI Championship, with our men’s led in by James Hamilton (32.19) a creditable 11th team place.
Geraldine, Naomi, Brigid, Paula and Sinead
James Hamilton
James Hamilton (32:19), Ben Morrow (34:44), Kieran Scullion (34:52), John Nicholson (35:57), James Turtle (36:28), Noel Connor (37:16), John Hasson (38:31), Matthew Robinson (39:23), John McClelland (39:32), James McCann (39:35), Conor Crilly (39:52), Sean Hassan (40:08), Paula Worthington (40:33), Mark McCaul (41:10), Paul Connolly (42:03), Geraldine Quigley (42:25), Daniel McClelland (42:27), Naomi Hutchinson (42:31), Peter Fleming (42:53), Robert Clyde (43:18), Nigel Bonar (43:53) Pawel Lapinski (38:45), Timothy Bamber (46:06), Sinead Scullion (46:50), Patrick Millar (50:16), Roy White (57:10), Aine Hasson (57:31) and Brigid Quinn (1:00:19).
Brothers Daniel and John McClelland
Brigid Quinn
Matthew Robinson
Paddy and Thomas Millar
Naomi Hutchinson
Ballymena Runners getting ready for ‘Race Over The Glens’
The ‘Race Over The Glens’ trail race returns on New Year’s Day with a new course around the scenic forest park at Glenariff. For race day (New Years Day) a stunning and challenging course has been designed by Race Director Matthew Allen, and Course Director Adrian Dodds. Here’s a link to a video preview of the course.
Sunday morning saw a fantastic start to the club’s three week training programme over the new course. Thanks to Emma Donnelly, Susanna Allen, Ruth Aiken and Mark Alexander for leading the groups safely around the course. Here’s a link to a video of the club’s Sunday morning training run on the course.
Further training sessions for club members will be held on the 12 & 19 December 2021.
We have a new invigorating Figure 8 route, starting as usual but ascending the steps, and without the popular 2021 ‘Meadow’. It will include the iconic waterfalls and will offer a better opportunity for runners and spectators to enjoy the finish outside the café.
Special Covid measures will be in place and race entrants will receive instruction with their entry, including a self-certification form which will be collected from runners as the timing chips are distributed. We will endeavour to distribute all the prizes as winners cross the line, making an exciting finale for both Runners, Spectators and Organisers!
Unfortunately, we cannot arrange the pre COVID get together afterwards, however Laragh Lodge will be open and we aim to provide refreshment for runners served outside and will have some indoor seating capacity for those that need it in the Café.
If you are interested in entering the race contact us by email at ballymenarunners@hotmail.com