The first major local championship of the New Year took place at Templemore Sports Complex in Derry/Londonderry on Saturday 18th January, with five Ballymena Runners making the trip to the northwest to take part at the Northern Ireland and Ulster Masters Cross-Country Championships.
The race consisted of four 2km laps on a fast, flat course, with representation from clubs as far afield as Cavan among the 94 entered.
Individual honours went to Eoin Mullan of Omagh Harriers, with the runner-up spot going to John Joe Doherty of Finn Valley and bronze ending up with Conán McCaughey of North Belfast Harriers.
First Ballymena Runner was Kieran Scullion, slicing through the field in the last two laps to finish a great 10th overall and 2nd Vet 45. Brendan Kerr was enjoying the speedy conditions over a some what flat but bumpy course running a strong race all the way through the line to finish in 32nd position.
Jason Wilson, more at home on hillier courses and feeling not so fresh having put training on hold after finishing top 10 at our race over the glens event, turned out for the team and ran a steady race in 38th overall.
Ian McCracken, continuing his excellent cross-country form, having put all his training into the cross country basket this season finished strong in 43rd.
Tony Scullion, ever happy to show up for the team when it matters and race across any terrain put in another solid run in the highly competitive team competition.
North Belfast Harriers took home the honours from Foyle Valley and City of Derry Spartans.
The Ballymena team ended up a very respectable 6th out of 13 teams; only 9 points off the 4th place team and two places higher than at last year’s championship.
Many thanks to Athletics NI and City of Derry Spartans for putting on a very well organised event.
BRAC Mens XC squad