This week of training saw the weather fluctuate between any of the four seasons within the space of 5 minutes, however the end of the week and weekend brought with it some welcome sunshine for Harriers to enjoy a few scenic races and Parkruns!
Scrabo Hill Race – Thursday 15th August
The Scrabo Hill Race, hosted by Ballydrain Harriers and part of the NIMRA Championship, took place on Thursday evening. It is described as a route which is not for the faint-hearted, with over 1000ft of elevation over a 2-lapped course through Killynether Wood and Scrabo Quarry, before making the final climb to Scrabo Tower.
Ahead of his birthday weekend, Jason Reid represented the club in this challenge and completed the race in 53:49. Well done, Jason!
Photos courtesy of Richard Cowan & Jason Reid
Ramelton 5k – Friday 16th August
Ita and Brendan McCambridge took part in a 5k in Ramelton, Donegal on Friday night over a hilly course. Brendan finished 2nd in a time of 17:14 whilst Ita won her age group in a time of 24:28. Great running!
Storming the Castle – Sunday 18th August
Fifteen Harriers were met with warm and windy conditions as they ventured to Carrickfergus for this sold-out event. Both podiums benefitted from a splash of yellow thanks to John Black who placed 2nd overall, and Elisoa Crawford who stormed the women’s field, taking 1st place. Superb runs from all involved!
Photos courtesy of Declan Curran, Catherine Carleton, Jason Reid & Matthew Carleton
Position
Name
Time
2
John Black
33:06
16
Michael Lamont
37:37
19
Elisoa Crawford
38:31
45
Paul Hutchinson
40:16
48
Frank Hughes
40:36
49
Laurence Johnston
40:41
82
Kev Crossley
42:51
127
Ray Cameron
44:28
222
Brian Stewart
47:58
296
Sabrina Nulty
50:38
347
Mark Brooks
52:51
462
Derek Goodfellow
56:10
524
Clare Curran
58:43
555
Brendan McConnell
59:22
642
Martin McLarnon
1:02:50
811
Robbie Speers
1:14:35
World Masters Championship 10k Road Race – Sunday 18th August
Running for Ireland in the M65 category, Joe Gallagher represented the club at the 10k road race in the World Masters Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden. The two lap course, described by the organisers as ‘moderately challenging’, incorporated a series of steep inclines and downhills, exploring the tarmac paths and roads around Slottsskogen City Park, adjacent to the athletes’ village and one of the Championship’s track and field venues. Joe had a great run, finishing in a time of 46:46, 31st out of 62 starters in his age category, and 396th overall.
Photo courtesy of Joe Gallagher
Parkrun
Near, far, wherever you are there is likely to be a Parkrun nearby, and this week 86 Harriers journeyed to their chosen destination to take on the 5km challenge, with some milestones and PBs being achieved along the way.
Special mentions: Gillian Roden – 50th Volunteering Role Holly Collins – 1st female at Sixmilewater Parkrun Martsje Hell – 1st female at Montalto Estate Parkrun Colin McDowell – 3rd male at Belfast Victoria Parkrun Thomas Coy – 1st male at Knocknacarra Parkrun PBs – Mason Mercer, Elisabeth French, David French, Niall Armstrong, Thomas McKinstry, Holly Collins
