Ballymena Runners on the coast, in the mountains and on the islands!
It was a busy weekend for local club, Ballymena Runners AC, with athletes competing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Antrim Coast Half Marathon
The 2021 race took place on Sunday 29th August starting with the elite men’s and women’s race, followed by the main ‘open’ race.
Some of UK & Ireland’s and World’s best runners were competing in a truly international field for 2021 that saw Ethiopian Yalemzerf Yehualaw smashing the women's half marathon world record in a time of 63 minutes and 43 seconds which cut 19 seconds off the previous mark set by Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich earlier this year. The Ethiopian was under world record pace all the way.
The P&O Antrim Coast Half Marathon is the fastest half-marathon in Ireland and one of the fastest courses in Europe. The race started at Chaine Memorial Tower before sweeping into Larne harbour and through Larne town before moving onto the world famous Antrim Coast Road. Turning homeward at Ballygally Castle the course offers one of the fastest finishes to any road race in World Athletics.
Ballymena Runners had an impressive turnout at the race and first home for the club was Ben Morrow (1 hour 16 minutes), closely followed by Jason Wilson (I hour 17 minutes).
In form club training leader Naomi Hutchinson finished with a personal best of 1 hour 33 minutes.
Ben Morrow
Naomi Hutchinson
Barbara Patterson and Paddy Millar
Portrush 5 Mile
On Friday night the club were delighted to be able to support a local running event and, at the same time, help raise much needed funds for Prostate Cancer Charity.
The course took runners from the West Promenade, up Blackrock Hill, along the footpath towards Portstewart, before turning and finishing back at the West Promenade.
John McClelland
Slieve Donard Mountain Race!
Well done to Mark Alexander and Willie Fleck who competed in the annual Slieve Donard classic mountain race. This race is one of the oldest and most prestigious mountain races in Ireland promoted by Newcastle Athletics Club. The route is a simple concept; starting in Donard Park, Newcastle, to the summit of Northern Ireland's highest mountain and back again! The athletes covered 10 km and 850 metres.
Mark Alexander and William Fleck
Rathlin Island Run!
The Rathlin Run is Northern Ireland's most unique, and arguably, most challenging road race. It was originally introduced by Raleigh International, before Belfast Activity Centre took the reins several years ago. Since 1989, BAC has been creating amazing outdoor adventures that are challenging, stimulating and motivating for all ages and abilities, helping everyone identify and realise their full potential – so a great race for a great cause.
The Rathlin Run 10 mile race covers an extremely scenic course. It starts in the hub of the island, ‘Church Bay’ before heading inland, where competitors will complete a ‘loop’ which takes them in the direction of the East Light House. Runners then follow this undulating road to the furthermost Western Point of the island, passing Kinramer Wood, before entering Kebble Nature Reserve. After completing a short off road road/trail section, runners head back towards the Church Bay.
First to finish for Ballymena Runners was Claire Martin (1:30:17), closely followed by Francis McGuigan (1:30:39)
