Race Reports w/e 8th July 2018

Great Rossa Run
A number of Ballymena Runners travelled to Ardboe on Sunday for the fifth edition of the Great Rossa Run.

In the half marathon event Harry Armstrong got round in 2:16:06 while, in the associated 10k, Peter Faith was first from the club to finish in 46:51 followed by Chris Magill (50:18), Jim Moore and Debbie Watters (both 51:57).

Also running in club colours were Terry Foley (1:02:05) and Brigid Quinn (1:02:04).

Hill and Dale Series
Hill and Dale, a series of ten mountain/trail races in the Mournes organised by Newcastle AC, is over for another year.

Ballymena Runners were well represented throughout the series, claiming podium positions in a number of categories.

Gillian Wasson claimed 1st spot in the F40 category and also finished fourth lady overall across the ten events.

Mark Alexander finished 3rd in the M45 category while there were top ten places for Tim Lowry (6th M40) and Mairead Agnew (9th F45).

Other runners from the club who were regulars at the different races included Adrian Dodds, Alastair Donaghy, Emma Donnelly, Joseph McCloy and Joseph McDermott.

Bath Two Tunnels Half Marathon
Martin Harris continued his challenge to complete 18 half marathons in 2018 with a trip over to Bath to run the Two Tunnels Half Marathon, an event which marked the halfway point in his challenge.

The route incudes a 1672m long portion through Combe Down Tunnel, which makes it the race with the longest underground section in the UK.

Martin completed the course in 2:50:19, but reported that the heat of the day was difficult to cope with.

"It was a flat course, apart from a very steep climb at the end. It was unusual running through in the dark, unused railway tunnels.

"Thankfully they were air conditioned but exiting them was like running straight into a sauna in temperatures that reached as high as 29 degrees."
 

Brigid Quinn and Terry Foley enjoying themselves during the Great Rossa Run 10k

Debbie Watters (403) and Jim Moore (536) at the Great Rossa Run

Peter Faith looking determined during the Great Rossa Run 10k

Race Reports w/e 24th June 2018

Lisburn Half Marathon/10k
Ballymena Runners were very well represented at the Lisburn Half Marathon and 10k on Wednesday night, an event which has become one of the biggest and most popular in Northern Ireland. 
As well as the honour of having a number of runners named in the pacing team, amongst them John McGerty, Claire Martin and Rodney Agnew, club members produced strong performances across both events in what was an almost perfect night for running. 
Leading the club charge was James Turtle who claimed a top ten finish in 1:19:10, followed by Eamon Loughran (1:24:15) and Matthew Morrow (1:25:39). 
It was a race James enjoyed, "I had a great run. The first half was tough, with a strong headwind. The second half was fine. It was a super race with a great atmosphere." 
Also enjoying her run was Alison Foster who powered her way to a personal best 1:47:17, describing it as "a good course in good conditions." 
Other club competitors over the 13.1 miles included Heather Birrell, Judith Brown Worthington, Kathryn Grant, Martin Harris, Lynsey McKeown, Debbie McPherson, John Neeson and Linda Petticrew. 
In the 10k Billy Bamber, Conor Daly, Pamela Hudson, Nigel McClintock, Helen McKay, Robert Meban, Brigid Quinn, Sharon Stephens and Laura Whitten were amongst those representing the club. 

Randalstown 10k
On Thursday evening a number of Ballymena Runners made the short trip to Randalstown for the annual 10k race around the grounds of Shane's Castle. 
First home for the club, and finishing 17th overall, was John Donnelly in 42:01, followed by Donal Martin (29th; 46:31) and Chris Magill (33rd; 47:43). 
Also competing were Paul Cupples, James  Galbraith, David Nicholson, Paschal O'Sullivan and Scott Fleming who clocked a time of 48:57 to see a new personal best for the distance. Well done Scott!