Ben Chonzie Hill Race
On Saturday, 19th April, Jack McKenna, representing his Edinburgh based club (Carnethy) and Mark Alexander (Ballymena Runners) took on the Strathearn Harriers’ superbly organised ‘long’ hill race.
The race drew over 200 mountain runners to tackle a challenging 13-mile (21 km) course with 3,800 feet (1,100 m) of climbing over the Perthshire munro, Ben Chonzie.
Both athletes performed strongly, with McKenna finishing an impressive 14th overall.
Great effort from both men well done!
Jack and Mark
Tollymore ‘Hill n Dale’ – Thursday 17th April
On Thursday evening, Nigel McClintock and William Fleck made the trip to the Mournes to take part in Newcastle AC’s ever-popular ‘Hill n Dale’ series.
This week’s race brought the competitors to the scenic trails and challenging climbs of Tollymore Forest Park, where over 400 athletes tackled a tough 4-mile course featuring 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
Both Nigel and William delivered strong performances on the night. Fleck, in particular, seems to be enjoying a real purple patch, securing yet another impressive category result. While the exact source of his current form remains a mystery, one might suspect his coaching team deserve a nod of recognition!
A big thank you to Newcastle Athletic Club for hosting yet another brilliantly organised event.
Well done lads!
Nigel and William
Larne AC Coast Road 10 Miler –
Conditions were near perfect as almost 700 runners assembled on the Glenarm Road for the popular Coast Road 10 Miler, organised by Larne AC on 12 April.
This scenic route follows the famous Coast Road, taking in the Black Arch, Drains Bay, Ballygally, and turning at the Half Way House. A cooling breeze on the way back may have slowed times somewhat.
After passing the starting line again, runners had a short, sharp descent onto the promenade and the welcome sight of the finish opposite Larne Leisure Centre.
Well done to all 36 Ballymena Runners who took part!
First male home for the club was Jack McKenna, followed by Neil Douglas, Dale Kirkwood, Josh Blair, and Ian McCracken.
Next, and first female from the club, was Kathleen Law – also making the podium just four days after winning the Belles 5 Miler!
Club Results (Position – Name – Chip Time)
6 – Jack McKenna – 00:57:02
25 – Neil Douglas – 00:59:59
39 – Dale Kirkwood – 01:02:21
49 – Josh Blair – 01:03:31
50 – Ian McCracken – 01:03:33
63 – Kathleen Law – 01:05:08
64 – Conor Lyness – 01:05:08
68 – James Turtle – 01:05:43
98 – James McCann – 01:08:09
111 – John Robinson – 01:08:29
118 – Jim Moore – 01:09:00
128 – Derrick Rea – 01:10:30
131 – Gordon Rea – 01:10:40
132 – Jimmy Graham – 01:10:50
136 – Robert Clyde – 01:11:22
144 – Judith Worthington – 01:12:27
163 – Neil Ramsey – 01:13:32
176 – Donnelly Robb – 01:13:33
182 – Paul Connolly – 01:14:08
201 – Lynsey Robb – 01:15:45
213 – Alison Foster – 01:16:46
230 – George Buckley – 01:17:36
271 – Derek Dougan – 01:20:51
308 – Moyra McKinley – 01:22:55
348 – Peter Drennan – 01:25:01
391 – Teresa Mark – 01:27:54
392 – Nigel Bonar – 01:27:56
493 – Patrick Millar – 01:34:04
535 – Gemma Clyde – 01:38:02
551 – Eamon McKillop – 01:38:53
606 – Naomi Small – 01:47:23
638 – Paula Casey – 01:54:24
640 – Kealey Wright – 01:55:46
653 – Brigid Quinn – 01:59:37
664 – Mairead Agnew – 02:13:51
Alison and Lynsey at Larne