Mayfair 5/10k!
A squad of Ballymena Runners took to the streets of Ballyclare on Saturday to compete in the May Fair 5k and 10k Races. In a superbly organised and marshalled race hosted by our friends in County Antrim Harriers, runners were brought through the town and into the neighbouring countryside along a scenic if not undulating course. The race marks the end of the May Fair Week in Ballyclare, a long-established event in the town.
James Hamilton was the first Ballymena Runner home, claiming 2nd place overall in a field of 227 athletes. Stephen Gage and David Jones followed closely behind, claiming times of sub-40 minutes.
The 5k Race boasted equally large numbers with an entry list of 249 runners. Timothy Bamber led the Ballymena contingent home, followed by Peter Fleming and Debbie Watters.
Thanks to everyone at County Antrim Harriers for a great morning of running and such wonderful hospitality!
BRAC at the Mayfair races
Pat Dunbar Memorial Mountain Race - NIIMRA Championship
On Saturday Emma Donnelly, Ruth Aiken and Mark Alexander travelled to the Mournes to compete in the next race of the Northern Ireland Mountain Running (NIMRA) Championships.
This new race, superbly promoted by Newry AC, saw athletes compete over 13 km with 682 metres of climbing.
The race started at Leitrim Lodge, headed south along the Mourne Way before turning and heading east and then north into the open mountains.
The fast and runnable course, aided by warm and dry conditions, took in Tievedockaragh, Pierce's Castle and Rocky before a sharp descent back to Leitrim Lodge.
All three BRAC athletes equipped themselves well over this testing championship course.
A special mention for Ruth who secured another NIMRA Championship age category win.
Thank you to Newry AC for a great race and to all the course marshals and supporters.
Emma, Mark and Ruth
Oh we do like to run beside the seaside
Sunday saw a packed Ballycastle seafront for the annual Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival. Lots of craft stalls, food trucks and entertainment. Lots of big kites weere being flown on the beach. And down at the tennis courts preparations were underway for the Marconi 5 Mile race.
The race was hosted by Ballycastle Runners. It’s an out and back course mainly following the coast road to the site of the old Marconi’s cottage. Very scenic but the return included the dreaded Corrymeela Climb. Still what goes up and all that…
Undaunted over 20 club members turned up for the run and there were some excellent performances. Among the ladies Paula Worthington just missed a podium place finishing fourth. Kieran Scullion had a great run and took second place overall. Finishes by Sean Hassan, John Hassan and Darren Walker meant Ballymena Runners took 4 of the top 10 placings.
Our success continued with category wins for Paula Worthington, Charlotte Gregg, Clare Ramsey, John Hasson and Darren Walker.
But the biggest winner of the day was Ballycastle Runners who had put on an excellent race and followed it up with great hospitality - they too know how to put on a big feed.
And with the sun shining, sea shanties being sung and loads to eat and drink it was a fine day out at the seaside.
BRAC at the Marconi 5 Mile
Cairncastle Mountain Race - NIIMRA Championship!
On Sataurday Mark Alexander, Duncan Millar, James McLornon and Ruth Aiken travelled to Larne to compete in the next race of the Northern Ireland Mountain Running (NIMRA) Championships.
This race, superbly promoted by East Coast Athletic Club, saw athletes compete over 10 m with 2,200 feet of climbing.
The race started at Ballgally before climbing to the hamlet of Cairncastle. After this the race climbed steeply to take in the stunning Salach Braes, Knock Dhu and Scawt before returning to Ballygally via the coast road.
All 4 BRAC athletes equipped themselves well over this testing championship course.
A special mention for Mark and Ruth who secured their NIMRA Championship age category wins today!
Thank you to East Coast AC for a great race and to all the course marshals and supporters.
Ruth, James, Duncan and Mark