As September draws to a close the juniors have all settled back into school and are undertaking a fresh season of training to prepare for the year ahead.
TJ McElmeel Cup, Sunday 24th September, Armagh
No better way to clear the cobwebs and start the year than with the first cross country meet of the season, the TJ McElmeel cup on a cloudy but warm day in Armagh.
The North Belfast Harriers had a strong showing with a large number of junior athletes braving the elements to compete in the TJ McElmeel cup. The fields were tough across all age categories, and everyone ran their hearts out to complete what was a very hilly and muddy course. Tremendous running and earnest efforts all round.
Thanks to all parents, coaches, supporters, not least the runners for making this a momentous event. The camaraderie was in full flow from our juniors who had fun and gained experience for the next race of the season. A shout out also to those who made their first cross country debut James, Luko and Georgia O’Shaunessy, well done on a great effort!
We are waiting on full results from the race but would like to call out some fantastic podium spots.
Cormac Leheny ran a great race with a sprint finish to get a fantastic 3rd place in the U13 boys, well done Cormac.
Cassie Curran ran a fabulous race and finished in 3rd to get a podium spot in the U13 girls, closely followed by Leila Jones with a strong finish in 6th place to pick up a trophy. Well done girls.
Our juniors showed great determination and effort all round today.
Waterworks Junior Park Run
A noticeably quiet week at the waterworks junior park run with only 4 juniors participating as most prepared for the first cross country meet of the season. Well done to those who took part and a special mention to Nola Rafferty for her new PB of 09:51, well done Nola.
| 12 | Nola RAFFERTY | Female | JW10 | North Belfast Harriers | 09:51 |
| 19 | Eva MCLOUGHLIN | Female | JW10 | North Belfast Harriers | 11:16 |
| 27 | Ronan O’NEILL | Male | JM10 | North Belfast Harriers | 12:49 |
| 35 | Dara MCLAUGHLIN | Male | JM11-14 | North Belfast Harriers | 14:47 |
Waterworks 5k
| 211 | Matthew PURVIS | Male | JM15-17 | North Belfast Harriers | 38:55:00 |
Future Events
As the season begins a few races below to keep in mind:
- Belfast Primary School Relay Event 2023 – Victoria Park, Tuesday 10th October, deadline for registration 3rd October. P6 & P7 girls and boys’ teams. Contact: KennedyS@belfastcity.gov.uk for registration and information. Onus is on parents to check with schools for entry on this one.
- NI and Ulster Even Age Group Championships and Bobby Rea international cross country, Billy Neill MBE Country Park, Saturday 21st October. This is a very important race for NBH and we hope to have a big turnout to represent the club at this race.
Club reminders
With the dark nights fast approaching the club may need help with putting up and taking down spotlights at Tuesday and Thursday training sessions.