Annadale Striders evening of 3000s!
Friday 22nd July was another night to celebrate in local athletics when Belfast club Annadale Striders hosted the evening of 3000s at the Mary Peters track.
The race meet had six races which attracted the very best athletes from North and South.
Ballymena Runners top two lady athletes Eimear Nicholl and Kerry Bamber were back on the start line. This was their second 3000m of the season after competing at the Mary Peters Belfast International EAP Meet on the 28th May alongside Ballymena Runner club mate Geraldine Quigley.
Zara, Eimear and Kerry
The ladies race was fast from the off with Olympian Kerry O'Flaherty taking control, and winning in 9 mins 41 seconds.
Ballymena Runners Kerry Bamber and Eimear Nicholl ran a strong, evenly paced race making the right decisions at the right time. Both girls put absolutely everything into the last 800m and finished strongly. Kerry Bamber came 6th (10 mins 17 secs ) and Eimear Nicholl came 12th (10 mins 48 sec).
Kerry in action
Last night’s race along with the North Belfast Harriers Afternoon of Miles (9th July) has really caught the imagination of local athletes, coaches and clubs. The idea is to create the environment that gives local athletes the very best opportunity to improve and it certainly has achieved that, so great credit must go to the host clubs Annadale Striders, North Belfast Harriers and Athletics NI for promoting these race meets.
If you would like to find out more about the club or to join please contact ballymenarunners@hotmail.com
Hillsborough Castle Race
Ballymena Runners were also out in force at the weekend with the return of the Hillsborough Castle and Gardens Running Festival. The 5k, 10k, and half marathon races started and finished within the grounds of the beautiful Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.
Club runners at Hillsborough