Strong performances at Mathieson Cup in Mallusk
After an extended hiatus of cross-country racing thanks to the combined efforts of Bert and Darragh, and the untimely appearance of snow and ice, all roads led to Mallusk last weekend for the Mathieson Cup.
20 Ballymena Runners eagerly toed the line, happy for the chance not only to race but to simply run again after the recent cold spell. The burning question of the day... would conditions underfoot be as favourable as the previous two races?
As far as cross-country races go, Mallusk is probably one of the most straightforward; 3 laps of the City of Belfast Football pitches (4 for men!) with a couple of minor hills thrown in to keep things interesting.
Up first, the Ladies put on a strong show over their 6km course, with Judith Worthington leading the team home, followed by Geraldine Quigley and Claire Ramsey. Nena Cormican, Gemma Clyde, Skye Walker, Catherine Stewart, Nikki Hassan and Brigid Quinn made up the remainder of the 9-strong team.
The Men also put on strong performances over their 8km course, with James Hamilton leading the team home, followed by Tony Scullion and John Nicholson. Mark McCaul, Robert Clyde, Darren Walker, Denver Robb, Raymond Ruck, John Donnelly, James McLoran and Paddy Millar completed the team.
Special mention to Skye Walker and Denver Robb on their inaugural XC race... hopefully now to be permanent fixtures on the team!
Its also well worth a mention that the squad featured 3 Dad And Daughter combinations with Team Stewart, Team Clyde and Team Walker all in attendance. Surely the only club to boast such a family affair!
Storms and snow dependent, our next outing is the rescheduled Irwin Spiers Memorial in Cookstown on Saturday 25th January. Come and join us! https://athleticsni.org/Fixtures/Irwin-Speirs-Memorial-XC
Will our luck with decent conditions underfoot continue? Hmm... we'll see...
BRAC at Mallusk
Cosy Sofa kicks off in style
There was a fantastic atmosphere at Lifestyle Fitness as the Cosy Sofa got underway on Tuesday evening. Over 100 people who had signed up for the Cosy Sofa joined over 30 volunteers from Ballymena Runners on our first night.
Cosy Sofa organiser Naomi said:
We were delighted that so many of you were there on Tuesday evening to start the Cosy Sofa with us.
It was wonderful to see so many new faces and people returning to running after a break. All of you are very welcome and well done on completing your first night.
Fellow organiser Laura added:
A massive thanks to everyone from Ballymena Runners who turned up to help us. The Cosy Sofa would not be possible without all our leaders and helpers to support and encourage the new runners.
Our thanks to Lifestyle Fitness for their sponsorship and venue and Genesis Bakery for providing the Cosy Sofa Team bibs.
The cosy Sofa will continue for the next 9 weeks at Lifestyle Fitness on Tuesdays and at Parkruns on Saturdays.
Cosy Sofa participants