North Belfast Harriers Race Report 21st -27th April 2025

by

North Belfast Harriers Race Report 21st – 27th April 2025 

As Easter week progressed and locally, April showers gave way to increased spring sunshine, the opportunities for racing on the roads, tracks and parks for the members of North Belfast Harriers increased, with Sunday being the chosen date for a number of spring marathons. As ever, whether competing on a track, Parkrun or city marathon, there were some great performances and podium places. 

Harriers lift the team trophy at Whitehead. Photo courtesy of Fionnuala O’Hare (Strava).

North Belfast Harriers Win the Team Trophy, with Individual Podiums at the Whitehead 5 Mile Race, Monday 21st April 

Easter Monday saw the 101st staging of the annual Whitehead 5 Mile Road Race, around the hilly streets of the Co Antrim town, overlooking the mouth of Belfast Lough. A damp morning gave way to improved weather, as the 12.30 start approached for the 5 mile race. As ever, there were some great individual performances to note, with veteran athlete, David Clarke romping home, first for the Harriers, in 11th place overall, 1st in the M60 category and over 3 minutes ahead of his nearest category rival, whilst Natasha Henderson was next to finish, in 20th place overall, and also 1st female home, closely followed by April Clarke, who was the 2nd female. A great overall performance by all the club members resulted in North Belfast Harriers lifting the cup for the team award. Well done to all involved on a great team performance. 

Photos courtesy of Whitehead Road Race Facebook.

Whitehead 5 Mile Race 

Place Category Place Category Bib Name Time 
11 1 M60 46 David Clarke 30:35 
20 1 FO 102 Natasha Henderson 32:59 
25 2 FO 45 April Clarke 33:46 
26 14 MO 36 Matthew Carleton 33:55 
31 4 FO 176 Fionnuala O’Hare 34:59 
34 7 M40 33 Ray Cameron 35:08 
71 8 FO 200 Emma Reynolds 38:40 
94 10 M60 228 Brian Stewart 40:39 

Photo: J Gallagher.

Podium Wins and Fast Finishes at the Bay Road 5k, Wednesday 23rd April 

Wednesday evening saw the return of the Bay Road 5k, on the north west banks of the River Foyle. Once an annual fixture in the road ricing calendar, this event, hosted by City of Derry Spartans, had not been staged since before the Covid pandemic. A warm, sunny spring evening, with slight winds, made for good racing conditions, on a relatively flat and fast course. The race also was the last event in the Northern Ireland Masters series of races in the Winter League and attracted some fast veteran runners, keen to pick up final points for positions on the league table. A youthfull Eoin McCann, in the open category, was the first of the Harriers home in 16 min: 39 secs, whilst Paul Horan, Laurence Johnston and Brian Stewart recorded category wins for M50, M65 and M70 respectively. Well done to all participants. 

Photo courtesy of City of Derry Spartans (Facebook).

Bay Road 5k Race 

Place Category Place Category Bib Name Chip Time Gun Time 
16 7 MO 127 Eoin McCann 16:39 16:39 
19 1 M50 88 Paul Horan 16:41 16:41 
64 1 M65 100 Laurence Johnston 18:46 18:47 
119 4 M65 70 Joe Gallagher 20:48 20:51 
126 1 M70 216 Brian Stewart 21:13 21:16 

Lagan Valley Fab 5 Meet, Mary Peters Track, Thursday 24th April 

Mary Peters Track was the venue for the second of five athletics events hosted by Lagan Valley AC. Conor Curran placed 6th overall in the 800m in 2 min: 04.11 sec. Niall Armstrong finished in 2 min: 12.26 sec, also in the 800m, in 23rd place overall. 

London Marathon, Sunday 25th April 

On Sunday morning 10 members of North Belfast Harriers lined up with over 56,600 runners at the start of the iconic London Marathon, which set a world record for the number of finishers in a marathon. There were some great performances from seasoned marathon runners, as well as those, for whom it was their first 26.2 mile race.

However, worth a special mention, for a standout performance is Elisoa Crawford, who was first in the F50 category in a superb time of 2 hours: 50 min: 14 sec. Elisoa set a personal best, also moving to fourth on the all-time lists, after a six-minute victory over Joanne Stanfield, being ahead of her for most of the race.

Well done also to Martin Muldoon and Matthew McCombe, who finished in 2 hours: 45 min: 54 sec and 2 hours: 46 min: 44 sec, respectively. Well done to all the runners, whose months of preparation paid off on Sunday. 

Elisoa Crawford at the finish of the London Marathon. Photos courtesy of Elisoa (Strava).

Photos courtesy of Paddy (Strava) and Alison (WhatsApp).

London Marathon  

Place Category Place Category Bib Name Time 
1085 34 M50 51280 Martin Muldoon 2:45:54 
1159 804 MO 48435 Matthew McCombe 2:46:44 
1541 1 F50 2172 Elisoa Crawford 2:50:14 
4295 550 M45 49203 Paddy McAuley 3:09:11 
4539 87 F40 37510 Sarah-Jane McFadden 3:10:32 
6611 108 F45 5611 Moira Leheny 3:21:20 
33393 543 F55 61831 Karen Margaret McClean 4:50:41 
34759 1354 M55 73755 Thomas McKinstry 4:55:01 
48412 1904 F50 24125 Catherine Seawright 5:54:34 
53322 2216 F50 17158 Alison Dickson 6:38:24 

Manchester Marathon, Sunday 25th April 

On Sunday morning, in Manchester, in excess of 30,000 athletes lined up for the start of the Manchester Marathon. A total of 4 Harriers were amongst the throng of starters, for what the organisers promote as, the second largest UK marathon and the fourth largest European marathon. Steven Walker was first home for the Harriers in 2 hours: 50 min: 55 sec. Also, congratulations to Katie-Lousie and Derek Goodfellow on completing another iconic race. Well done to all the finishers, for completing another challenging event. 

Photos courtesy of Steven (Strava) and Derek (WhatsApp).

Manchester Marathon  

Place Category Place Category Bib Name Time 
294 152 MSen 1605 Steven Walker 2:50:55 
11882 774 M45 2532 Thomas McLaughlin 4:23:37 
16631 2457 FSen 25852 Katie-Louise Goodfellow 4:53:34 
16633 1004 M45 25851 Derek Goodfellow 4:53:34 

Photo courtesy of Maurice.

Kaunas Marathon, Sunday 25th April 

Maurice Palmer was the sole Harrier to line up on Sunday morning, for the start of the Kaunas Marathon in Lithuania.  

The Kaunas Marathon offered participants a scenic and culturally-rich course through Lithuania’s second largest city. Runners were taken along cobble-stoned streets of the Old Town, past medieval monuments and along the serene banks of the River Neris. Beautiful weather added to the enjoyment of this event for Maurice Palmer, who represented the Harriers. Maurice finished the course in 4:36:39. 

Well done Maurice, on yet another European marathon, in a great location. Thanks to Maurice for the information and photo.

 

Photo courtesy of Arran (Strava).

Annecy Marathon, Sunday 25th April 

Arran Rutledge travelled to the French, Auvergne Rhône lakeside city of Annecy, for the Annecy Marathon. Run on a course between Alps and the lake shore, this event is promoted as one of the most picturesque in France. Arran finished the race in 2 hours: 58 min: 47 sec. Well done Arran on achieving a great finish in such a wonderful location. 

Photo courtesy of Pater McClelland (Strava).

Ironman Valencia, Sunday 27th April 

Peter McClelland made the journey to the shores of the Mediterranean and the Spanish city of Valencia, for the latest Iron Man competition, on Sunday 27th April. Completing swimming and cycling, followed by a half marathon at midday, through the centre of Valencia, Peter finished 142nd in his division, 1174th overall. Peter finished his final discipline, the half marathon run in 1 hour: 43 min: 27 sec. Congratulations Peter on a great performance. 

Parkruns 

As locally, the improving weather of Easter Week continued into the following Saturday, despite some sporadic dampness, many a runner took to the parks and open spaces locally and further afield, to partake in the camaraderie, craic and convivial collective engagement, that are at the core of every 5k Parkrun. As ever, members of North Belfast Harriers were ubiquitous in the throngs of runners at many venues. 

Worth a special mention this week are Cormac Leheny, who was a first finisher with a new PB, Matt Shields, who was a second finisher, with a new PB, Colin McDowell, David Clarke and James Trainor, who were third finishers, April Clarke, who was a first female and Alina Biskupska, who was a second female. Congratulations also to Dara Cassidy, Nola Rafferty, Philip McIlwrath and Natasha Henderson, who all recorded new PBs. 

Well done to all those who participated, the runners and especially the volunteers, without whom the events could not be staged. 

Waterworks Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
1 Cormac Leheny 82.27% 16:38 New PB 
6 Eoin McCann 67.84% 19:01 First Timer 
7 Dara Cassidy 71.98% 19:02 New PB 
8 Paul Horan 77.02% 19:09  
9 Leo McAuley 72.36% 19:36  
13 Adam McCleave 63.60% 20:17  
18 Frank Hughes 73.88% 20:48  
20 Holly Collins 72.39% 20:53  
28 Joe Gallagher 78.24% 21:50  
34 Seamus Leheny 66.61% 22:28  
40 Lucas Mooney 63.18% 22:57  
44 Nola Rafferty 71.75% 23:11 New PB 
47 Greg McClure 73.04% 23:37  
51 Michelle McLaughlin 65.52% 23:50  
57 John Gerard Murphy 64.14% 24:10  
63 Naimh McMillan 63.48% 24:25  
72 Zak Wilson 51.74% 24:56  
78 Séadna O’Hare Lynch 68.02% 25:05  
80 Sean McShane Jr 51.43% 25:05  
81 Conal McCambridge 51.43% 25:05  
82 Piaras McShane 51.39% 25:06  
104 Gerry Anderson 58.70% 26:38  
105 Owen Smyth 48.53% 26:41  
114 Sean McShane 55.09% 27:12  
115 Martin Rafferty 52.88% 27:14  
119 Frances Stroud 56.89% 27:27  
120 Stephanie Coy 58.37% 27:28  
121 Nola Jamieson 56.40% 27:29  
124 Ruby Mae McLaughlin 65.68% 27:35  
128 Jim Clinton 59.92% 27:44  
132 Angela Robinson 64.64% 28:00  
145 Colm Smyth 50.03% 28:47  
146 Erin O’Regan 56.47% 28:50  
163 Jason Reid 45.29% 29:42  
171 Stella Harrison 67.78% 30:22  
172 Patrick Hammill 52.71% 30:25  
205 Paul McCusker 47.96% 33:26  
206 Gillian Roden 46.99% 33:29  
207 Lyle Carleton 48.73% 33:29  
215 Tony Reid 47.90% 33:47  
216 Matthew Purvis 39.33% 33:54  
257 Kathleen Montgomery 53.38% 39:09  
262 Fionnuala Black 38.23% 40:51  
270 Eadaoin Kelly 35.04% 42:57  
272 Ellen-Rose McLarnon 37.48% 45:32 First Timer 
273 Martin McLarnon 32.38% 45:33  
279 Roy Rainey 32.52% 48:04  
280 Paul Williams 32.22% 50:14  
281 Thomas McLaughlin 28.66% 50:15  

Belfast Victoria Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
21 Barry Rooney 73.78% 19:50  
81 Vincent Bradley 65.98% 25:11  
120 Matthew Carleton 46.91% 27:30  

Valley Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
45 David Johnston 53.17% 29:24  

Paisley Park Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
12 Thomas Peter Norton 54.96% 26:12  
15 Philip McIlwrath 55.44% 26:49 New PB 
28 Rosy Ryan 30.56% 54:52  

Ormeau Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
48 John Davidson 60.59% 25:35  
287 Malachy McKenna 44.55% 29:02  

Falls Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
17 Kevin McCann 57.34% 26:48  

Sixmilewater Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
3 Emily McRitchie 74.90% 19:59  
25 Ita McCambridge 82.85% 24:06 First Timer 
31 Paddy McCambridge 65.31% 24:59 First Timer 
46 Catriona McCambridge 55.78% 26:59 First Timer 

Carrickfergus Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
2 Brandon McMinn 70.68% 18:15  

Ecos Ballymena Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
5 Natasha Henderson 77.34% 19:16 New PB 

Portrush Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
155 Joanne Boal 61.43% 28:21 First Timer 

Citypark Craigavon Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
3 Colin McDowell 86.33% 17:48 Third Finisher 

Antrim Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
90 Brian Stewart 68.73% 26:42  
335 Elizabeth French 38.79% 44:18 First Timer 
358 David French 27.44% 54:36  

Larne Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
3 David Clarke 87.78% 19:06 Third Finisher 
5 April Clarke 70.63% 21:03 First Female 
60 Greg Lavery 27.36% 54:20  

Orangefield Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
72 Fergus Jamison 48.75% 32:37  

Dungannon Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
5 Ray Cameron 68.17% 21:28  

Crawfordsburn Country Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
36 John Casey 65.70% 26:32  

Knockbracken Reservoir Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
122 Neve Johnston 54.51% 28:04 First Timer 

Inis Meáin Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
2 Matt Shields 83.64% 21:05 Second Finisher & New PB 
14 Sandy Carr 63.61% 24:44 First Timer 
39 Margaret Stephens 50.68% 40:37 First Timer 

Dungloe Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
21 Cathy Scullion 46.17 35:27 First Timer 

Bundoran Promenade Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
27 Chris Callaghan 58.41% 27:56 First Timer 

Nairn Links Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
3 James Trainor 72.07% 18:48 First Timer & Third Finisher 

Westpark Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
16 Glenn Beattie 63.44% 20:20  

Queenstown Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
193 Bernadette Duffy 59.79% 35:29 First Timer 
210 Philomena Donaldson 41.71% 50:52 First Timer 

Parkrun Park Jana Pawla II, Rymanów-Zdrój  

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
8 Alina Biskupska 64.53% 24:12 First Timer & Second Female 

Bushy Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
1325 Thomas McKinstry 46.88% 33:38 First Timer 

Hamstead Heath Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
131 Fionnuala O’Hare 59.20% 25:00 First Timer 

Granavan Sands Parkrun 

Position Name Age Grade Time Remarks 
9 Dermot Coy 57.94% 24:39