Thanks to storm Eowyn the majority of the Park Runs were cancelled this last weekend, with conditions not suitable or courses blocked from trees or other debris. Hopefully they will all resume this coming weekend.
However, two of our committed youngsters did find their way to Jordanstown on Sunday morning for one of the few junior Park Runs that did go ahead. With conditions still blustery our very own Isaac Mooney put in a great run to finish second overall in a time of 7mins 54secs, whilst his sister Eva Mooney also battled the elements and recorded a time of 13 mins 5 secs. Well done to both of you and also to Mum and Dad for finding a run going ahead !
Earlier in the week and obviously thanks to his Park Run dedication Isaac also had a podium finish at the Flahavans Primary School meet, with a second place in the County Antrim Final, 3rd round. Well done Isaac !
Hopefully with no more storms coming our way we can focus on upcoming events, and this week sees the highly anticipated School District XC races being held. District B that covers Belfast will be held at Ormeau Park on Tuesday, and many of our youngsters will be representing their schools and hoping to qualify for the Ulster Schools XC championship to be held on 19th February in Mallusk. As per previous years I am sure some of our coaches and parents will manage an early/long lunch break and will be cheering all the runners on, but good luck in advance to all who are competing.
To note, those running on Tuesday for their schools should not attend training on Tuesday evening.
There are also other up coming events that our coaches strongly recommend our youngsters sign up for. For post primary the Stormont Cross Country meet on 8th February is a great event – sign up at https://athleticsni.org/fixtures/Stormont-Cross-Country-2025.
For our primary school runners the East Coast Athletic Club Junior XC Series is a well organised event in a friendly environment and provides a further introduction to XC competition. 3 races are held around Larne, with the first on 9th February, then the 2nd and 23rd March. Runners do not have to compete in all 3 but competing in at least 2 gives the opportunity to win trophies. Sign up at https://www.eastcoastathletic-club.co.uk/club-events
In the meantime training continues as normal this week and then back to the Park Runs this weekend !