Coleraine Campus 5k Elite and Open Category Races
Taking place within the grounds of Ulster University, Coleraine Campus- a new 5k race, Coleraine Campus 5k sponsored by Roadside Garages, has entered the calendar, on Friday 4th March.
A fast, lapped course running around the road circuit in the university grounds, the race attracted several big local names including Conor Bradley, Gavin Corey, Steven McAlary, and Ciara Toner.
The ‘university loop’ was an ideal place for a fast 5k race with Race Director Ryan Galway stating: ‘Having runners ranging from sub 14 minutes right up to 45 minutes is a great advertisement for local running.’
There were two races on the night - an elite field race and an open race. Both races supported the Downs Syndrome Association through a donation from registrations as well as 10% of race profits going to the charity.
First from Ballymena in the elite race was James Hamilton in 13th place with a time of 0:15:34. James was followed by Kieran Scullion 0:16:17, Jason Wilson 0:16:52, James Turtle 0:17:33, and James Rowan 0:20:51. Jonny Whan from Clonliffe Harriers won the event with a time of 0:14:46.
Ballymena Runners women performed well with Kerry Bamber finishing 3rd in a time of 0:17:38. Kerry was closely followed by Sharon Leetch 0:18:56, and Eimear Nicholl in 0:18:56
Coleraine Campus 5k Main Race
In the Open race Ballymena Runners’ Tony Scullion was outright winner in a time of 0:17:06.
Some excellent performances were also posted by the club:
Leon Dorrity 0:18:57, Timothy Bamber 0:19:50, Louis Fleming 0:19:52, Mark McCaul 0:20:07, Colin Wright 0:20:32, and Billy Bamber 0:24:09.
The club women were not to be outdone in the open event with two great performances from Naomi Hutchinson 0:20:42, and Noeleen McKillop 0:23:22.
Shanes Castle Atlas Half Marathon
On Saturday club runners headed to the grounds of Shane’s Castle for a challenging course. Great club performances from Tanya Agnew (1:47:46), George Buckley (1:56:48) and Denise Doherty (1:56:49)
Fun Run in the Sun along the North Coast for Glens Runners
Ballymena Runners were also out in force to support neighbouring club, Glens Runners, at their annual charity event.
The event raised over £3000, so far with money still coming in, for Women's Aid.
It was a great event, and we thank Glens Runners for all the hard work. The marshals, the folk helping with refreshments, the pre and post route safety work, were all greatly appreciated.
What a day we had; the sun shone on the beautiful Glens for us.