Bobby Rea XC
The Bobby Rea XC which is the second in the series of league XCraces took place in the scenic Billy Neil Country park. Both races included full Northern Ireland squads aswell as several world class athletes from Ethiopia, Spain, Poland and GB.
Despite the storm the previous day, conditions were soft underfoot with muddy sections and puddles but firm on the uphill and a true test of fitness. In the ladies and men aged 60 years plus Kathleen Law took a top 20 spot and ably backed up by Sharon Leetch, Katie Agnew and Nena Corsican our ladies took an excellent 6th place in the Northern Ireland team competition. Well run also to Geraldine Quigley, Claire Ramsey, Sinead Scullion, Susanna Allen, Nikki Hasson, Catherine Stewart and Brigid Quinn with full 10 participating points gained for the club.
Ray Curran led the men aged 60 plus closely followed by Paddy Millar (having another super run), Sam Jackson and Billy Bamber.. well run guys.
The men’s race over 4 tough laps was won by world class Ethiopian Asman from Spains Fifa (returning from a 4 year ban) and local top young athlete and sub four minute miler Nick Griggs. Led home by Darren Walker and returning to competition Ryan Logan full participation points were achieved thanks to Jim Moore, Mark McClure, Timothy Bamber, James McLernon, Robert Clyde, Duncan Millar, Colin Hoey and William White..an excellent turnout guys.
BRAC at Billy Neill XC
John McGerty goes wild all night long...Run the Wild Midnight Marathon!
By John McGerty
So midnight running and navigating off road was a challenge and an adventure. I only missed one turn on loop 1 which cost me an extra 2 miles
Storm Babet did its best to dampen our spirits but probably left it’s biggest challenge on the terrain. A mixed of road, trail and mountainous paths up river beds and wading through deep puddles and shallow streams.
A total of 28 miles (Carrick / Ballyboley) in just over 6 hours saw a very happy chap pick up his medal and much needed coffee.
I met some absolutely insane but awesome athletes on Friday night / Saturday morning.
We run through Storms and through the night!
John at the Midnight Marathon