Sperrin Harriers Winter League - An Creagan 5 Mile
Saturday 13th January 2024 saw the third race of the Sperrin Harriers Winter Trail Series in the scenic An Creggan Forest & River Trail. A bright, clear day made for almost perfect running conditions
Jason Wilson, Nena Corsican, Mandy Gregg & Pablo McClurkin started the race with a fast downhill start followed by undulating route with a steady climb to complete the first of two laps, a 1km push for the finish line saw Jason take third place overall for the club in a time of 28.25
Jason Wilson 28.25
Nena Cormican 33.37
Mandy Gregg 39.15
Pablo McClurkin 39.57
Mandy Gregg
Mullusk XC
Well done to all 23 club members who turned out at the club target cross country race on a bitterly cold afternoon in Mallusk.
First up was the ladies and men over 60 years old (6k). The ladies were led home by Paula Worthington (16th) and second in her age category. Geraldine Quigley and Claire Ramsey were next Ballymena Runners.
Five men (over 60) followed, led by Ray Curran (2nd in his age category), Thomas Bradley, Paddy Millar, Sam Jackson and David Rainey...well run guys.
Gemma Clyde, Aine Hasson, Susanna Allen (2nd in her age category), Nikki Hassan, Brigid Quinn (1st in her age category) and Catherine Stewart all gained valuable league points.
The younger men completed 4 laps led home by Brendan Kerr (52nd) in this quality field closely followed by Sean Hasson, Tony Scullion and John Nicholson. Well done too to James McLarnon, Darren Walker, Robert Clyde, John Donnelly and Alan O’Neill…more club points for the team.
Runners at Mallusk XC
Amarilla Coastrun - Saturday 13th January 2024
Peter Fleming was representing the club at Amarilla Coastrun whilst enjoying a week of warm weather training in Tenerife. This Canary island is a popular destination with club members Timmy & Billy Balmer racing on the island in the popular Santa Cruz event before Christmas. This 'Coastrun' (close to the Golf del Sur resort) is a free 5k event for runners, joggers & walkers. Set up in October by Belfast & Tenerife resident Conor Magee. It has a nice low key vibe without the barcodes/scanners etc. Peter finished in 2nd place (23 mins 23 secs) and is happy to take that behind World Masters Half Marathon champ Cathy McCourt who finished in first place.
Peter Fleming (Left)
Ulster Schools XC
Gemma Clyde, Hannah Leech and Daniel Hannah from Ballymena Runners AC competed today in Ulster Schools Districts XC in Donegal, all 3 qualified for the finals at Mallusk Playing Fields on 7th February.
Hannah and Gemma at the Ulster Schools XC
Daniel at the Ulster Schools XC
NI and Ulster Masters XC Championships
Nine club members took part in the prestigious Northern Ireland and Ulster Masters Cross Country Championships.
Held in the Billy Neil Country Park outside Dundonald over a testing course, the gale force wind along with steep hill climbs and muddy sections made for a tough race.
First up was the Masters Men over 8k (4 laps). Kieran Scullion progressed smoothly up the field to lead home his team mates and also to retain the Curran Cup (awarded to first Ballymena Runner male aged 40 plus).
After a relaxed start, Brendan Kerr also made strong progress and was chased all the way to the line by Jason Wilson. Just behind John Nicholson and Tony Sullion battled their way to the finish. Well done guys.
The ladies masters was 4k (2 laps) but also included the younger intermediate age group. Paula Worthington had an outstanding run and picked up places all the way to the finish line. Nina Corcoran also produced a strong run too and was ably backed up by Geraldine Quigley and the much improved Claire Ramsey. Well run ladies. (at time of writing no team results available).
BRAC at NI and Ulster Masters XC Championships