North Belfast Harriers Race Report 2nd – 8th December 2024

North Belfast Harriers Race Report 2^nd – 8^th December 2024 

Following a weekend when Storm Darragh battered Ireland and Britain, and almost all races locally were cancelled, including every Parkrun in Northern Ireland, there are very few results to reflect upon.  

Spar European Cross Country Championships, Sunday 8^th December 

Matthew Lavery continued to show a great run of form and was selected to represent Ireland in the under 23 team, in the European Cross Country Championships. Now in its 30^th year, the event was staged in Antalya, in southern Turkey, on the shores of the Mediterranean, The competitors avoided the gales and heavy rain experienced in the British Isles, but had to compete against the very best in Europe, over a cross country course of grass, sand, undulating hills and minor obstacles. Matthew ran well and finished in 49^th place, 5^th in the Irish team that were placed just outside the medals in 4^th. Well done Matthew and all the runners. 

Jingle Bells 5k, Dublin, Saturday 7^th December 

Two Harriers braved the storm and made their way to Pheonix Park in Dublin for this 5k race organised by PopUp Races. Sarah and Matthew McNutt ran well, despite the blustery conditions, that impacted negatively in the first 3km, particularly  in Chesterfield Avenue. Matthew finished in 17min: 17sec, in 124^th place overall. Sarah finished in 18min: 07sec, 207^th overall. Well done to both, on what no doubt, was a challenging event. 

Parkruns 

Only two Harriers managed to participate in a 5k Parkrun on Saturday morning, in England and in Germany. Congratulations to Conor O’Rawe, who was a first finisher in his run, and well done to both in being able to take part in a run that no other member of the club was able to achieve. 

Finsbury Parkrun 

Position	Name	Age Grade	Time	Remarks
1	Conor O’Rawe	74.07%	17:25	First Finisher

Kräherwald Parkrun 

Position	Name	Age Grade	Time	Remarks
27	Glenn Beattie	29.71%	43:25

North Belfast Harriers Christmas Dinner, Saturday 7th December

North Belfast Harriers Christmas Dinner 

Whilst Storm Darragh devastated the races and Parkruns over the weekend, it had no impact upon the festive celebrations at the Harriers Christmas Dinner on Saturday night. Over one hundred Harriers packed into Fortwilliam Golf Club for a superb three course festive dinner followed by presentation of participation medals for championship running, drawing of London Marathon places, and spot prizes for some categories, that might best not be examined in too much detail! What was missed on the races, parks and roads was more than made up for on the dance floor! A great night was had by all.