George runs 100 miles!
Huge well done to George Buckley who completed the ’Norn Iron’ 100-mile race at the weekend organised by 'We Run Wild' Ultra Marathon runners.
This was a ‘point to point’ 100 mile Ultra, with George starting in Ballycastle and running along the iconic Causeway Coast and the Giants Causeway. He then followed the waymarked Ulster Way, traveling through Portrush, Portstewart, Ballycastle, Castlerock and across the Sperrin's, the Glenshane Pass and on to the finishing line in Gortin, County Tyrone.
George after completing 100 miles
This spectacular route across the North Coast (including a run along the famous Giants Causeway) and then inland towards the Sperrins.
This was an extremely challenging run involving a mix of terrain - bogland, trail, forestry, road, and beach. You will even run this epic journey.
Well done George!
Mourne Mountains ‘Hill & Dale’ series.
Ballymena runners were competing in the 6th race in the series at the ‘Milestone’ covering a distance of 8km and climbing over 500m. Well done to William Fleck (43:41), Nigel McClintock (47:09), John Hasson (47:25), Duncan Millar (49:51) and Emma Donnelly (1:05:01).
The next race in the series in Loughshannagh covering 8km but with over 800m of climbing!
Our runners at Hill and Dale
‘Fun Run Over the Glens’ for Cancer Focus
The ‘FROG’ returned this weekend and Ballymena Runners joined hundreds of cyclists, spinners, and runners in this fantastic annual event – Fun Run of the Glens 2022!
Participants had the option of cycling one of three scenic routes (25mile, 50mile or 65mile) or run either the 10K or 10mile route. There was also a Static Cycle in Con Magee’s GAC.
Gemma Ruth Sinead and Elaine at the FROG
The popular event was to raise funds for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.
The charity provides care and support services for cancer patients and their families; offer a range of cancer prevention programmes to help people lessen their risk of getting cancer; fund scientific research into the causes and treatment of the disease and campaign for better health policy to protect our community and its future. A very worth cause and a well-managed event.
BRAC at the FROG
Colour Run at Harryville Primary School
As part of Ballymena Runners community engagement activities, the club were delighted to work in partnership with the folks at Harryville Primary School this week for a Colour Run. We know the kids loved it, and we think the staff might have enjoyed it too!
Thanks to Stephen Brown for all the hard work in organising the event.
Teachers at Harryville PS
Ecos Parkrun
Saturday saw another great morning at Ecos Nature Park for our 433rd parkrun!
First to finish was John Nicholson from Ballymena Runners in a time of 17:24!
First female was Springwell Runners' Majella McAteer with a 'pb' time of 22:37, the first of 14 pb's!
John Nicholson
We had the usual big turnout of our local park runners - as well as 14 registered first timers.
As well as a strong turnout from out host club Ballymena Runners, we welcomed runners from Springwell, Glenlough Running Club, Banbridge District, AC, Lagan Valley Orienteer Club, and a return visit from Val & Tom from the Run for God Running Club
Thanks to this week's volunteers:
Alastair Donaghy, Angus Gregg, Annabel Mitchel, Denise Doherty, Dylan Cole, Elle Forrest, Francis McGuigan, Gail Devine, Gerry Meehan, Harry Armstrong, Jo Tams Gregg, John McGerty, Neil Walsh, Oliver Gregg, Raymond Ruck, Sharon Murray, and Susanna Allen.
Washing Bay Green Run for Women’s Aid
After several postponements, the popular Coalisland event held their 6th annual event. With over 2000 competitors taking part in the first four years across three distances, the Green Run continues to grow year on year.
Tony Scullion came 6th in the 10k race in a time of 38:12.
Jim Moore and John Robinson paced each other around the Half Marathon course finishing together in 1:28:52.
Tony Scullion