As the seasons change, we begin to see a progression into racing scenes of a slightly muddier nature, complimented with some brilliant results on the roads of Belfast and Dublin. A weekend of sunshine allowed Harriers to shine themselves, with some impressive top 10 race finishes and Parkrun achievements!
Mourne Mountain Marathon – 21st September
The Mourne Mountain Marathon is Ireland’s only two-day endurance and navigation event held every third weekend in September in the beautiful mountains of Mourne. For the 7th consecutive year Martsje Hell participated in this epic event. She completed the run in a time of 6:25:37.
Home Nations LOS Championship/Cowshed Backyard Ultra – 21st September
The Home Nations LOS Championship took place Wheelbirks Farm in Northumberland. Greg McClure was captain of Team Ireland who took on teams from England, Scotland and Wales in the now familiar format where each runner has one hour to complete a 4.1 mile loop, continuing until only one runner remains. Team Ireland, with a total of 117 loops from their 10 runners, finished in 3rd place behind winners Scotland with England in 2nd and Wales 4th. Greg completed 12 loops and finished his 13th loop outside the 1 hour time limit.
Photos courtesy of Greg McClure
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Belfast City Half Marathon – 22nd September
On a warm and dry Sunday morning, having secured the hottest ticket in town, 35 club members took part in the sold-out Belfast City Half Marathon alongside a record 6,600 participants. Starting at Ormeau Embankment, the runners took in scenes around the city including the Lagan Towpath, Victoria Park and City Hall, with the route concluding where it all started as supporters cheered them through the finishing arch.
Finn McNally was the first Harrier home, earning a podium place in 2nd position, over a minute ahead of his chasing rivals. Colin McDowell and David Clarke picked up age category wins, along with Gladys Ganiel and Sarah McNutt who finished 5th and 7th females respectively. An incredible morning of racing and fun!
Photos courtesy of Pacemaker Press, Kelvin Boyes/PressEye and Matthew Carleton
Position
Name
Chip Time
2
Finn McNally
1:07:04
15
Chris Hutchinson
1:14:01
36
Peter McGarry
1:17:18
37
Colin McDowell
1:17:44
42
Gladys Ganiel
1:18:11
47
Matthew McNutt
1:18:36
64
Niall Armstrong
1:19:34
67
Neil Mercer
1:19:40
83
Sarah McNutt
1:20:46
84
David Clarke
1:20:58
121
David Curran
1:22:49
153
Arran Rutledge
1:24:21
171
Michael Lamont
1:24:52
312
Louise Smith
1:29:12
364
Roma Doherty
1:30:41
386
Colin Willetts
1:31:26
413
Christopher Murray
1:32:08
745
April Clarke
1:38:19
811
Fiona Magill
1:39:17
1182
Diane Taylor
1:43:45
1250
Nicky Hagan
1:44:42
1365
Vincent Bradley
1:46:01
1407
Martin Rafferty
1:46:38
1803
Emma Taylor
1:51:40
2359
Zak Wilson
1:57:08
2502
Lorraine Hibburt
1:58:15
2520
Thomas Taylor
1:58:23
2793
Alina Biskupska
2:01:15
3652
Derek Goodfellow
2:11:40
3667
Brendan McConnell
2:11:47
3990
Philip McIlwrath
2:16:01
3998
Catherine Seawright
2:16:09
3999
Frances Stroud
2:16:09
4778
Colm Smyth
2:30:34
5348
Martin McLarnon
3:03:34
Dublin Half Marathon – 22nd September
Karen McClean was the sole representative for the club at the Dublin Half Marathon taking place in and around Phoenix Park. She finished in a time of 1:53:27. Well done, Karen!
TJ McElmeel Cup – 22nd September
The Cross Country 2024 season kicked off on Sunday afternoon at the gloriously scenic setting of Palace Demesne, Armagh. The conditions proved favourable for those who enjoy fair-weather running, with only a few mucky areas on the course. The route however did prove challenging with its inclusion of slaloming hilly sections and twisty woodland paths.
Harriers featured in both male and female races, producing great results to start their campaigns following their successful team wins in the league last year!
Photos courtesy of Catherine Carleton and Seamus McCann
Senior Male Open & Masters (7500m)
Place
Name
Time
5
John Black
25:58
13
Hugo Reilly-Stewart
27:18
23
Eamon White
27:48
24
Mark Cornett
28:21
27
Matthew Mccombe
28:26
34
Ian Keys
28:46
37
Conor Doris
28:57
59
Neil Carty
30:48
71
Simon Reeve
32:36
100
Kevin Crossley
37:16
107
Gerry Anderson
41:51
Masters Men V60+ (5000m)
Place
Name
Time
5
Joe Gallagher
24:02
10
Brian Stewart
25:15
Senior Women (5000m)
Place
Name
Time
17
Sarah Jane Mcfadden
22:12
24
Moira Leheny
22:46
27
Natasha Henderson
22:57
37
Fionnuala O’Hare
23:43
41
Una Mcconnell
24:04
84
Stephanie Coy
30:54
90
Gillian Roden
32:06
Parkrun
80 club runners took part in Parkruns this weekend, with some PBs, high place finishes and unofficial milestones along the way!
