Northern Ireland Running

Annadale Striders celebrate double victory as Pearson seals impressive win:

On Wednesday 19th June 2013, over 2,500 runners turned out for the Lisburn Half Marathon, 10k and Fun Run events.  A sun soaked Lisburn LeisurePlex was the race HQ and the popular Leisure Centre was bustling hours before the planned race start times, creating an excellent atmosphere, which was further heightened by the upbeat music from radio broadcasters U105.

The Half Marathon entrants were the first to toe the line in the warm, humid conditions.  Immediately, the three obvious front runners, Paul Pollock (Annadale Striders), Brian McMahon (Clonliffe Harriers) and Brendan Teer (East Down AC) came to the fore; Don Travers (Newry City Runners), James Brown (Unattached), Michael Fitzpatrick (North Belfast Harriers), Richard Coey (Unattached), Nigel Greer (Dromore AC), Darren McAllister (East Antrim Harriers) and Gareth Grew (North Belfast Harriers) were amongst the chasing pack.

The Ladies race was always going to be close between Julie Balmer (North Down AC) and Donna Evans (Monaghan Phoenix AC), and there was no splitting the pair in the early stages.  Roisin Hughes (North Belfast Harriers), Gillian Douglas (Unattached), Ruth Hill (Unattached) and Geraldine Quigley (Larne AC) also looked good and appeared to be dealing with the heat well.  As the race progressed towards the half-way point, man of the moment, Paul Pollock was showing his class and had forged a two minute gap between himself and the pursuing pair, Brian McMahon and Brendan Teer.  Don Travers had dropped off the leading men but was still running strongly.  In the ladies race, Donna Evans had the upper hand on Julie Balmer as they went through 6.2 miles, with the southern based lady having a forty second lead.  Behind, Roisin Hughes had firmly stamped her authority on third place.

As the crowds gathered at the impressive finishing area, it was Moscow (World Championships) bound Paul Pollock who entered the winding final section first; the AAI National Half Marathon champion cruised towards the line, breaking the tape in 1:07:58 to win.  Irish International mountain runner Brian McMahon followed in 1:12:56 (2nd place), with current NI & Ulster Senior XC champion Brendan Teer taking 3rd place in 1:13:34.  The closely fought ladies race came to a head in the final meters; Julie Balmer had produced an excellent second half to demolish the forty second advantage of Donna Evans, but it was Donna who just pipped Julie to the finish line.  Donna’s final surge took her across the line in 1:24:51, with Julie just three seconds behind in 1:24:54.  Roisin Hughes, a very consistent performer, claimed 3rd place in 1:31:31.

The 10k field was just as full of talent, with the likes of Patrick Hamilton (Annadale Striders), Keith Shiels (Foyle Valley AC), Andrew Considine (North Belfast Harriers), Eamon White (North Belfast Harriers), Conor Curran (North Belfast Harriers), Anne Paul (City of Derry AC), Ciara Coffey (Club Pulse AC), Judith Lonnen (City of Lisburn AC), Catriona McCorkell (Lagan Valley AC), Julie Murphy (Lagan Valley AC) and Denise Logue (Ballydrain Harriers) on the start list.

At the front, it was Patrick Hamilton and Keith Shiels, two men in amazing form at the moment, who appeared most hungry for the win.  The talented duo gradually isolated themselves from the chasing pack, which included Eamon White, Andrew Considine, Conor Curran and Fionnbharr Toolan (Club Unknown). In the ladies race, Rachel Pearson (Unattached) was creating somewhat of a surprise.  The relatively unknown lady was leading the field, ahead of more experienced athletes Ciara Coffey, Anne Paul and Judith Lonnen.

In the end it was Patrick Hamilton, winner of the recent Banbridge 10k and Craigavon Lakes 10k who claimed a well-deserved victory in 31:03.  Keith was forced to settle for his second runner up spot in a week, after crossing the line in a new personal best of 31:49 (2nd place).  Eamon White secured the final podium place in 33:11.  Rachel Pearson proved her worth, holding on to her lead and sealing an excellent victory in 38:30, before Ciara Coffey (39:27) edged out recent Sperrin Harriers ‘Stunnerz in Runnerz’ winner Anne Paul for 2nd place.  Anne (39:35) finished eight seconds behind in 3rd place.

Half Marathon:

Top 3 Men:  1st Paul Pollock (Annadale Striders) – 1:07:58, 2nd Brian McMahon (Clonliffe Harriers) – 1:12:56, 3rd Brendan Teer (East Down AC) – 1:13:34

Top 3 Ladies:  1st Donna Evans (Monaghan Phoenix AC) – 1:24:51, 2nd Julie Balmer (North Down AC) – 1:24:54, 3rd Roisin Hughes (North Belfast Harriers) – 1:31:31

Round-up of some recent performances by NI runners outside the province:

Last weekend, a large number of Northern Ireland runners were in competition outside the province, with events taking place in Lifford (Ireland), Wicklow (Ireland), Horwich (England) and Winchester/Eastbourne (England).

On Friday 14th June 2013, Northern Ireland clubs were well represented at the Lifford 5k in County Donegal, Ireland.  Kenyan supremo Freddie Sittuk, a podium finisher at the Belfast City Marathon and winner of several other events, including the Strawberry Half Marathon and the Larne Half Marathon, won the race in 15:17.79.  Foyle Valley AC’s Keith Shiels continued his impressive run of form, crossing the line just three seconds later to take 2nd place in 15:20.64.  The next NI based runner home was City of Derry AC’s Gary Slevin, who clocked 15:48.39 (4th place); Gary was followed by his club mates Colin Roberts (15:58.39) and James Brown (16:07.24), who finished in 6th place and 9th place respectively.  

Chris McGuiness (Foyle Valley AC) completed the top ten finishers in 16:08.18, while Sperrin Harriers’ Pierce McCullagh took 12th place in 16:51.85.  Conor Doherty (City of Derry AC) and Michael Murphy (City of Derry AC) also ran well, with Conor finishing in 16:56.28 (14th place) and Michael in 17:35.30 (22nd place).  Foyle Valley AC’s Paul Slavin nipped under the eighteen minute mark, recording 17:56.81 (29th place) before his team mate Darren Wallace (40th place – 18:29.56) led a string of NI runners across the line, these included City of Derry AC trio Declan McCarthy (41st place – 18:31.81), Dermot Connolly (43rd place – 18:36.38) and Peter Lilburn (51st place – 18:53.13).  

Martin Dunleavy (Foyle Valley AC) clocked 19:30.89, before Jackie McGinley (City of Derry AC) led the NI based ladies home in 19:37.25.  This was enough to secure 2nd place in the ladies race for Jackie, after talented Lifford AC athlete Natasha Adams had won in 17:38.04.  Michael Gallagher added to the Foyle Valley AC finishers when he crossed the line in 20:08.16, while City of Derry AC ladies Ciara Fraser (21:14.37), Paula McGilloway (21:25.21) and Janeen Leese (21:29.38) took 10th place, 12th place and 14th place in the ladies final standings.  The Spartan ladies were closely followed by Omagh Harriers’ Ita Kelly who ran 21:31.25 (15th place lady) and City of Derry AC’s Camilla McGranaghan – 22:18.99 (19th place lady).  Another trio of City of Derry AC ladies, Catherine Hribar (24th place lady – 23:11.70), Brigeen Canavan (27th place lady – 23:21.74) and Grainne Kearns (29th place lady – 23:24.09) completed the Northern Ireland participants.

On Saturday 15th June 2013, several Northern Ireland runners travelled to the infamous Wicklow Mountains in County Wicklow (Ireland) for the IMRA (Irish Mountain Running Association) European Championships trial race.  Andrew Annett (Mourne Runners) returned to competition in impressive fashion, finishing in 5th place in the senior men’s 7.3km race (which included 643m of ascending); Andrew covered the distance in 38:56, while race winner Ian Conroy (Raheny Shamrock AC) clocked 35:34.  In the ladies 6.5km race (which included 643m of ascending), Gladys Ganiel O’Neill (39:39) followed on from her brilliant win at the Mourne Way Half Marathon a week earlier with a 2nd place finish behind Raheny Shamrock AC’s Kate Cronin who crossed the line in 37:39.

Also on Saturday 15th June 2013, North Belfast Harriers’ Martin Rea took on the incredibly difficult SDW100 Ultra in England.  The 100 mile course (with a total ascent of 12,700ft) covers the scenic South Downs Way National Trail, between Winchester and Eastbourne.  Ireland International, Martin started the race brilliantly, with some extremely good splits up until the 60 mile mark.  However, after beginning to struggle in the latter stages Martin decided to withdraw at 91 miles.  

On Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th June 2013, Northern Ireland runners Christine McMahon (Ballymena & Antrim AC) and Aislinn Crossey (Newry AC) were in competition at the U-20/U-23 British Championships (and European trials) in Bedford, England.  Christine, who recently set a new 400m hurdles personal best of 59.52secs (Namur - May 2013) bettered that by 0.06secs when she took 3rd place in 59.46secs.  The race was won by Abigail Fitzpatrick (Sale Harriers) in 58.93secs.  Up and coming star Aislinn raced in the 800m, where she recorded 2:09.87 for the distance.  This was enough to secure 4th place in the heat won by Katie Snowden (Herne Hill AC) in 2:09.73.

On Sunday 16th June 2013, North Belfast Harriers’ Paul Jenkins and Jim Newberry took part in the British Masters Athletics Federation 5k (Road) Championships in Horwich, England.   Jim lead the duo home in 18:48 (68th place), with Paul just behind in 18:54 (70th place).   

*Note* At present, we have no further information on the BMAF or IMRA events, but any other Northern Ireland runners will be added as soon as we receive the official results.

Article courtesy of Athletics NI:

Two London 2012 Olympic Relay medallists will be competing next Tuesday (25th June 2013) in the Mary Peters Track International Opening Meeting organised by Belfast City Council and Athletics NI.

World class Ukranian sprinters Mariya Ryemyen and Olesya Povh were members of their national team who took bronze in the sprint relay in the Olympic Stadium last August when they set a National record of 42.04secs.  They were in illustrious company as the winning USA team broke a 27 year old world record to set new figures of 41.37secs.  The Jamaican team which took silver also set a new national best.  Both women are currently in top form and will test top Irish sprinter Amy Foster (City of Lisburn AC). 

Mariya Ryemyen ran a personal best time of 11.06secs in Yalta 2 weeks ago which ranks her 11th in the World. Last week Mariya who is the current European 200m champion finished 3rd in the Oslo Games in 11.07secs.  Team mate Olesya Povh finished 4th in Oslo and has a season's best time of 11.15secs, both women are also bronze relay medallists from the 2011 World Championships in South Korea.  Newly crowned Northern Ireland champion Amy Foster will have a busy four days ahead, competing at this weekend's European Athletics Team Championships in Dublin, where she races over both 100m and 200m.

The male and female 800m races will have strong Australian representation.  In the Women's event Kelly Hetherington set a classy personal best of 2:01.22 recently when taking the Australian title.  She faces New South Wales opponent Selma Kajan who also set a personal best a month ago of 2:03.64.  These two women should provide perfect opposition for 17 year old up and coming Newry AC star Aislinn Crossey who broke 2 minutes 8 seconds this month when taking silver in the Irish Schools Championships.  Also racing is Scottish international Clare Gibson.

In the Men's 800m event, current Australian 1500m champion James Kaan steps down to the shorter distance where he starts as favourite with a best time of 1:46.74.  Scotland's Jack Walker should also feature along with new NI title holder Michael Dyer and North Down AC team mate Mark Patterson. 

Ireland European Athletics team member Ben Reynolds (North Down AC) races again over the high hurdles, while fellow hurdler Jason Harvey (Crusaders AC) competes over the flat 400m.  Jason, who has already met the qualifying standard for next year's Commonwealth Games recently ran a personal best of 47.15secs. He will need to be at his best to get the better of Scotland's Kris Robertson and England's Rory Evans who have both dipped under 47secs recently. Newly crowned NI champion Adam McComb (North Down AC) is also in the line-up.  The Men's 1500m race is shaping up to be a top quality race which now includes four times UK title holder Nick McCormick. 

Harty joins Foster, Harvey, Smyth, Reynolds and Adams in Ireland squad:

Last night (Monday 17th June 2013), Athletics Ireland announced that top Northern Ireland runner Kerry Harty (Newcastle AC) has been added to the Ireland squad for this weekend’s European Athletics Team Championships, which take place in Santry, Dublin (Ireland) on Saturday 22nd June and Sunday 23rd June 2013.

Kerry was a surprise omission from the original squad listings, which included Northern Ireland runners Amy Foster (City of Lisburn AC), Jason Harvey (Crusaders AC), Jason Smyth (City of Derry AC), Ben Reynolds (North Down AC) and Dean Adams (Ballymena & Antrim AC), but will now replace Double European Cross Country Champion Fionnuala Britton in the 5,000m race after the Kilcoole AC star was forced to withdraw due to a chest infection.

Current Northern Ireland 5,000m (15:58.67) and 3,000m (9:09.50) record holder, Kerry has been in top form this year.  Just last weekend the Newcastle AC lady won the NI & Ulster 1500m title at the Mary Peters Track in Belfast.  Kerry has also topped the podium at Loughborough, Birmingham, Glaslough and Athlone in 2013.

Athletics NI host NI & Ulster Track and Field Championships:

On Saturday 15th June and Sunday 16th June 2013, Athletics NI hosted the annual Northern Ireland & Ulster Track and Field Championships at the Mary Peters Track in Belfast.  Even Saturday’s weather conditions didn’t dampen the spirit of spectators who had the opportunity to see some of the provinces top athletes.

The ‘top athletes’ did not disappoint, with pre-tournament favorites Amy Foster (City of Lisburn AC), Jason Harvey (Crusaders AC) and Kerry Harty (Newcastle AC) collecting gold medals in their respective 100m (11.88secs), 200m (21.57secs) and 1500m (4:22.50) races.  AAI Games gold medallist Megan Marrs (City of Lisburn AC) also produced a notable performance in the 100m where she was second to Amy Foster in 12.13secs.

In one of the most eagerly anticipated races of the day, the senior men’s 5,000m, Paul Pollock (Annadale Striders) proved once again why he is Northern Ireland’s top distance runner.  The current AAI National Half Marathon and Marathon Champion crossed the line in 14:48.00 to add the NI & Ulster Championship to his already bulging trophy cabinet.  Scott Rankin (Foyle Valley AC) and Declan Reed (City of Derry AC), who both hold Athletics NI 5k (Road) Championship medals (with Declan being the title holder), took 2nd place and 3rd place after recording 14:53.95 and 14:55.69 respectively.   Banbridge AC’s Emma Mitchell (18:55.54) won the senior ladies 5,000m race.

North Down AC duo Michael Dyer and Mark Patterson put the photo-finish system to the test in their 800m race, with Michael (1:52.63) beating Mark (1:52.66secs) by a mere 0.03.  City of Derry AC hero Connor Bradley (1:53:63) took 3rd place.  Conor also lifted a medal in the 1500m race, where he crossed the line in 3:48.17 to take 2nd place.  The race was won by the impressive Danny Mooney (Letterkenny AC) in 3:47.51.  Youngsters Lauren Hutchinson (Newry AC) and Aoife Laverty (City of Derry AC) both put in good performances to finish in 2nd place and 3rd place in the senior ladies 800m race, which was won by the in-form Anne Marie McGlynn (Lifford AC) in 2:13.92.  Lauren ran 2:15.52 (2nd place), while Aoife covered the distance in 2:21.15 (3rd place).

Jenny O’Brien (City of Derry AC) ran a new outdoor personal best in the senior ladies 400m; the up and coming star finished in 59.80secs (2nd place), in a race won by Leeds City AC’s Marie Dobson in 58.70secs.  Also in the 400m, North Down AC duo Andrew McCombe (48.44secs) and Andrew Mellon (50:01) won their senior men’s and U-19 titles, while City of Derry AC’s Martin McGeady won the U17 race in 50.86secs.  Lagan Valley AC celebrated as Ryan Sharkey (9:24.30) and Harry Speers (10:25.68) won their 3,000m and 3,000m steeplechase events, while Ben Reynolds (WSEH) won the men’s 110m hurdles in 13.96secs.  Pre-race favorite Mandy Gault (Lagan Valley AC) won the ladies 400m in 59.74secs.

Alongside the senior competition, there were also age-group races; this brought some exceptional racing, with some of Northern Ireland’s future stars showing off their skills.  Ballymena & Antrim AC duo Emma Hutchinson and Rachel Brown battled it out for the U-14 1500m title, with Emma (5:00.09) just pipping Rachel (5:01.90) to the post.  City of Lisburn AC’s Rebekah Douglas (4:59.62) won the U-15 1500m before Unattached athlete Amy Hamil 4:56.12) and City of Lisburn AC’s Zoe Carruthers (4:56.60) won the U-16 and U-17 1500m titles.  Megan Marrs (City of Lisburn AC) continued her winning ways with victory in the U-17 100m hurdles, after clocking 14.32secs.  In the girls 200m races, North Down AC’s Olivia Cumming (27.30secs) and City of Lisburn AC’s Roseanna McGuckian (24.67secs) picked up gold medals in their U-16 and U-17 races.

City of Lisburn AC enjoyed further success in the boy’s age group races, with Ciaran Barnes (U-16 200m – 24.44secs), Matthew Dalton (U-16 100m – 14.43secs) and Jonny Whan (U-17 1500m – 4:20.05) all winning in impressive fashion.  Oisin O’Callaghan (Newry AC) followed on from his podium finish at the recent All Ireland Schools competition with a brilliant win, taking the U-16 1500 gold medal in 4:23.79.  Craig Newell (Ballymena & Antrim AC) won the U-17 200m race in a new personal best of 23.62secs.

Provisional Results:  NI & Ulster Senior Track & Field Championships 2013 Results – NI & Ulster Age Group Championships 2013 Results

Impressive performances at Flagstaff to Carlingford Mountain Race:

On Saturday 15th June 2013, almost 50 mountain runners from across the province made their way to Carlingford for the popular Flagstaff to Carlingford Mountain Race.  After registration, the competitors were bussed to the Flagstaff start line, where they began their 11 mile journey (with 3,000ft of ascending) back to Carlingford.

Stephen Cunningham (Mourne Runners) was out to defend his title after winning last years race, and started off the race looking as determined as ever to do just that.  Stephen, a familiar face at the Newcastle AC organised Hill & Dale races, was faced with competition from the other Hill & Dale regulars.  These included Deon McNeilly (Newcastle AC), Neil Carty (North Belfast Harriers), Seamus Lynch (Newcastle AC), Clive Bailey (Mourne Runners), Jonathan McCloy (Ballymena Runners), and Emmet McAlister (Ballymena Runners).

As athletes progressed along the 11 mile course, Stephen Cunningham was challenged by Deon McNeilly, who led during the early stages to the 'Windy Gap' and was still leading by a small margin as they crested the ridge and disappeared into the Slieve Foy wilderness.   

The turning point came at Slieve Foy, where Stephen had an excellent downhill dash which ensured he was crowned winner once again in 1:35:10.  Deon McNeilly wasn’t too far behind Stephen, and claimed second place in 1:37:06.  The final podium place was battled for between Neil Carty and Seamus Lynch throughout the race, however Neil just made it to the line a mere fourteen seconds ahead of Seamus, sealing third place in 1:41:56.

As expected, the ladies race would involve an exciting battle between International athletes, Diane Wilson (Dromore AC) and Shileen O’Kane (Lagan Valley AC).  The two ladies were chased by Anne Sandford (Lagan Valley AC), Denise Mathers (Newry City Runners), and Hazel McLaughlin (Lagan Valley AC).

At the finish line it was Diane Wilson who was the first lady into view.  Diane had raced strongly over the course and completed the 11 miles in an impressive 1:57:53, taking almost five minutes off her time in last year’s race, and making her fourteenth place overall.  Diane was shortly followed by Shileen O’Kane who showed no signs of tiredness after winning Thursday’s (13th June) Hill & Dale Rocky race, claiming second place in 2:03:98.  Shileen’s Lagan Valley club mate and consistent performer, Anne Sandford completed the top three ladies in 2:16:18. 

Top 3 Men:  1st Stephen Cunningham (Mourne Runners) – 1:35:10; 2nd Deon McNeilly (Newcastle AC) – 1:37:06; 3rd Neil Carty (North Belfast Harriers) – 1:41:56

Top 3 Ladies:  1st Diane Wilson (Dromore AC) – 1:57:53; 2nd Shileen O’Kane (Lagan Valley AC) – 2:03:18; 3rd Anne Sandford (Lagan Valley AC) – 2:16:18

Full Results:  Flagstaff to Carlingford Mountain Race 2013 Results

Ladies take to Magherafelt for Sperrin Harriers' Stunnerz in Runnerz event:

On Saturday 15th June 2013, female running enthusiasts from all over Northern Ireland descended on the Meadowbank Sports Arena in Magherafelt for the second annual running of the increasingly popular Sperrin Harriers Stunnerz in Runnerz 5 mile road race.

Almost 200 walkers, joggers, novice runners and experienced athletes alike all braved the harsh conditions and took to the start line.  As the race commenced, the leading group of ladies began to take shape, with experienced athlete Anne Paul (City of Derry AC) heading the field. Anne kept this position throughout the 5 mile course and took first place in a well-deserved 31:27.  

Karen McLaughlin (Springwell Running Club) was leading the chasing pack, and as the race progressed, she created a gap of approximately one minute from her nearest rival.  Karen produced a good performance at the Fairhill 5 mile race earlier in the month, which obviously put her in good stead for this race, as she was second to cross the line in a time of 33:19.  

Orangegrove AC’s leading lady and winner of all the East Antrim Harriers’ trail races this season, Louise Lemon kept Karen in sight throughout the 5 mile course and claimed third place in 34:18.

Top 5 Ladies:  1st - Anne Paul (City of Derry) – 31:27; 2nd Karen McLaughlin (Springwell Running Club) – 33:19; 3rd Louise Lemon (Orangegrove AC) – 34:18; 4th Laura Hassan (Springwell Running Club) - 34:37; 5th Linda Gillen (Springwell Running Club) - 34:44

Full Results:  Sperrin Harriers Stunnerz in Runnerz 5 mile 2013 results

Antrim Stadium hosts Active Antrim 5 mile race:

On Friday 14th June 2013, almost 100 runners took part in the annual Active Antrim 5 mile road race.  The race started and finished at the Antrim Stadium Athletics Track and covered a relatively fast and flat course, with a 2 mile off road section.  The event also included a fun run for children.

In blustery conditions Richard Johnston (City of Derry AC) made his intentions clear from the start.  The Athletics NI 5k (Road) Championships bronze medal winner was the early leader on the course, keeping his distance from City of Derry AC team mate Allan Bogle.  Allan headed the chasing pack which included Ballymena Runners’ duo Jack Neeson and Michael Bennett, and Dromore AC’s Michael Stewart.  Michael was closely followed by Greg Lavery (Unattached), Mark McKinstry (North Belfast Harriers), Oliver Cooke (Ballymena & Antrim AC), and Ian Barrett (Ballymena & Antrim AC).

The ladies race started off slightly differently from the men’s, with the top three runners all close together during the first half of the race.  Kelly Neely (City of Lisburn AC), Gemma Turley (Springwell RC) and Gillian Burns (Dromore AC) led the ladies, keeping a distance of almost two minutes infront of their nearest female rivals.  

Richard Johnston powered on throughout the race and crossed the finish line in an impressive 25:53, claiming the top prize.  Allan Bogle was the next competitor into view, and took second place in 27:20.  The final podium place was hotly contested for over the 5 mile course, however Jack Neeson kept up the pace and was the third man to cross the line in 27:30.

In the ladies race, Kelly Neely bettered her debut half marathon position in Larne last week and claimed first place in 30:50.  Top performer Gemma Turley, an athlete who is no stranger to the podium, followed in 31:10 (2nd place).  Gillian Burns completed the top trio and crossed the line in 31:41.

Top 3 Men:  1st Richard Johnston (City of Derry AC) – 25:53; 2nd Allan Bogle (City of Derry AC) – 27:20; 3rd Jack Neeson (Ballymena Runners AC) – 27:30

Top 3 Ladies:  1st Kelly Neely (City of Lisburn AC) – 30:50; Gemma Turley (Springwell Running Club) – 31:10; 3rd Gillian Burns (Dromore AC) – 31:41.

Full Results:  Active Antrim 5 (mile) Road Race 2013 Results

Hill & Dale Series continues with Race 9 - 'Rocky':

On Thursday 13th June 2013, Newcastle AC hosted the ninth race of their popular Hill & Dale Series.  This week, nearly 150 competitors took on the 4.25 mile ‘Rocky’ course, which included 1,600ft of ascending.

Ian Bailey (Newcastle AC) replicated his Millstone performance (Race 6) and was first to cross the line in 32:17.   Newcastle AC team mate and regular podium finisher, Seamus Lynch claimed second place in 32:48.  Neil Carty (North Belfast Harriers) was the next participant into view, claiming third place for the third consecutive week, in a time of 33:12.

In the ladies race, Shileen O’Kane (Lagan Valley AC) led the way from the off.    After a strong climb and fast finish, Shileen claimed first place in 41:34.  Patricia McKibben (Unattached), a previous winner of Millstone (Race 6) took second place in 45:01.  Newry City Runners athlete Denise Mathers completed the top trio of ladies crossing the line in 46:24.

Top 3 Men:  1st Ian Bailey (Newcastle AC) – 32:17; 2nd Seamus Lynch (Newcastle AC) – 32:48; 3rd Neil Carty (North Belfast Harriers) – 33:12

Top 3 Ladies:  1st Shileen O’Kane (Lagan Valley AC) – 41:34; 2nd Patricia McKibben (Unattached) – 45:01; 3rd Denise Mathers (Newry City Runners) – 46:24

Full Results:  Hill & Dales Series (Race 9) ‘Rocky’ 2013 Results

Another busy weekend ahead for Northern Ireland runners:

As another weekend approaches, runners in Northern Ireland are once again blessed with an array of events to choose from; with mountain, road and track races all on offer.   This includes the much anticipated Northern Ireland & Ulster Senior Track and Field Championships at the Mary Peters Track, Belfast on Saturday and Sunday.  The Championships will see many of the provinces best athletes race in the newly refurbished stadium for the first time.

The action begins on Friday (14th June 2013) in Antrim, where hundreds are expected to turn out for the Active Antrim 5 mile road race.  The event will start and finish at the home of the NiRunning Mile, Antrim Stadium at Antrim Forum, and will cover a fast and flat course.  

Patrick Hamilton (Annadale Striders), Jarlath Falls (Ballymena & Antrim AC), Richard Johnston (City of Derry AC) and Ben Morrow (Ballymena Runners) are likely contenders.  Patrick has really shown his class during 10k wins in Banbridge and Craigavon in the last four weeks, while Jarlath and Richard (along with Foyle Valley AC’s Keith Shiels) headed the pack at the last weeks Fairhill 5 mile road race in Ballymena.  This week, Jarlath won the lower key Greenlough 10k, but despite racing there just two days ago, it is still anticipated that the local man will toe the line here.  Richard is in top form at the moment, having picked up a bronze medal at the Athletics NI 5k (Road) Championships and also a podium place at the Les Jones Memorial 10k last month; he also beat Jarlath to the line at the aforementioned Fairhill 5.  Ben Morrow has enjoyed an incredible year, with new personal bests over 26.2 miles (2:39:25), 13.1 miles (1:15:53) and 5 miles (26:46); he will be in or around the top three here, should he decide to compete.

Other top men are likely to include Vilius Pakalnaskies (Unattached), winner of the Maghera 10k and Randalstown 10k races; Jack Neeson (Ballymena Runners), who finished in second place at the EAH trail race in Tardree on Tuesday (11th June 2013); Paul O’Callaghan (Sperrin Harriers), a top ten finisher at the Fairhill 5; Mark McKinstry (North Belfast Harriers), a consistent performer and regular podium finisher at the ongoing EAH trail series, and Matthew McCooke (Ballymena Runners), who clocked 27:17 to finish fourth in the Fairhil 5.  Matt Wray (Ballymena & Antrim AC), Craig Hutchinson (Larne AC), James Turtle (Ballymena Runners) and Noel Connor (Ballymena Runners) will all finish well up the field should they attend.

Gemma Turley (Springwell Running Club) will prove extremely difficult to beat in the ladies race.  The talented athlete has been on fire over the past few months, winning nearly every race she has taken part in.  This has included victories in the Maghera 10k, Decathlon 10k, Jengana 10k, Sperrin Harriers 5m Classic and the Fairhill 5; Gemma also picked up a silver medal at the Athletics NI 5k (Road) Championships in April 2013.

Paula McAllister (Ballymena Runners) will be another top lady if she races; Paula has returned to competition recently and enjoyed an excellent outing at the Runher Coastal Challenge (10k) last month, where she finished in a very credible fourth place, running 40:05 on a tough course.  Claire Connor (North Belfast Harriers) could be another lady chasing honours, after starting the year in fine fashion, Claire seemed to reduce the number of races she was doing, but returned last week with a brilliant 39:06 to take the runners up prize at the Craigavon Lakes 10k.  Geraldine Quigley (Larne AC) will hope to reproduce the kind of performance that led her to victory in the Greenlough 10k earlier this week, should she manage that; Geraldine will once again find herself in the prizes.  Mary Mackin (Dromore AC) and Shelley Tomlins (Ballymena Runners) will also be amongst the leading ladies.

Also on Friday 14th June 2013, Keith Shiels (Foyle Valley AC) will lead a group of Northern Ireland athletes as they aim for success at the Lifford 5k road race in Lifford, County Donegal (Ireland).  Based on Keith’s current form, it is hard to expect anything less than a victory from the man who won three races last week (Fairhill 5, Tattyreagh 5 and Buncranna 10k).

On Saturday 15th June 2013, the first Northern Ireland runner to lace his racers will be North Belfast Harriers’ well-respected ultra-runner Martin Rea.  Martin will take on the SDW100 Ultra in England.  After a podium finish at the SDW50 in April 2013, the Irish International will return to the scenic South Downs Way National Trail, this time completing the entire 100 mile route (with a total ascent of 12,700ft) between the Saxon capital of Winchester and Eastbourne. 

Sperrin Harriers will welcome in excess of two hundred ladies to the second running of their annual Stunnerz in Runnerz event, which starts at the Meadowbank Sports Arena in Magherafelt.  Alongside the 5 mile race, which attracts walkers, joggers, ladies new to running and athletes right through to International standard, there will be a host of stalls with tempting treats and an excellent goody bag for every competitor.  The first two hundred and fifty entrants will also receive a commemorative t-shirt.

Cathy McCourt (North Belfast Harriers) will hope to continue her successful return to racing, just last week the North Belfast Harriers lady recorded 31:20 for 5 miles (in Ballymena), proving that she (Cathy) is getting pack to her best.  Cathy will be joined on the start line by a number of ladies who will be looking to be amongst the prizes; Karen McLaughlin (Springwell Running Club), a top ten finisher in the ladies category at the Fairhill 5, will be in the chasing pack; as will Louise Lemon (Orangegrove AC), who this week completed a trio of race wins in the East Antrim Harriers forest trail series.  Louise’s club mate, Elizabeth Leitch (Orangegrove AC), who had a good runs at the One World Run (Belfast) and Edinbrugh Marathon (Scotland), should also be in the thick of the action. Rosemary Hargan (Sperrin Harriers), Paula Taggart (Springwell Running Club), Julie McKimm (Orangegrove AC), Carol McIlvor (Springwell Running Club), Linda Gillen (Springwell Running Club), Niamh Devlin (Unattached) and Catherine Pinkerton-Moore (Springwell Running Club) will all be aiming for high placings.

Northern Ireland mountain runners will also be in action on Saturday 15th June 2013, when they take on the popular Flagstaff to Carlingford Mountain Race, an event organised by Armagh AC.  The 11 mile course (which includes 3,000ft of ascending) follows the ridge of the Cooley Mountains to Slieve Foye and onwards to Carlingford and attracts some of Ireland’s top mountain running specialists.

Last years champion Stephen Cunningham (Mourne Runners) will return to defend his title, and based on his most recent showings in the Hill & Dale Series, where he has won the last two races at Meelberg/Meelbeg and Loughshannagh, Stephen is in the shape to do just that.  However, the Mourne Runners’ star may have to fend off a stiff challenge from Ian Bailey (Newcastle AC) and Allan Bogle (City of Derry AC).  Ian has been one of the most impressive performers on the mountains this year, with several Hill & Dale victories under his belt as well as a notable display at the Slieve Donard ‘Classic’ last month. Allan has also turned a few heads this term, achieving wins at the Glenariff Mountain Race and Castlewellan Hill & Dale race.  Neil Carty (North Belfast Harriers), Deon McNeilly (Newcastle AC), David McNeilly (Newcastle AC), Dale Mathers (Newry City Runners), David Steele (Newcastle AC), Simon Reeve (North Belfast Harriers) and Seamus Lynch (Newcastle AC) will all feature prominently in the race.

Diane Wilson (Dromore AC) and Shileen O’Kane (Lagan Valley AC) will battle it out for the top spot in the ladies final standings.  The International women have pretty much swept the board this year, with Diane winning one week and Shileen the next; this has led to some epic encounters, which will no doubt be reproduced here.  However, having got the better of Shileen in the most recent races, Diane may go into this one as slight favourite.  Hazel McLaughlin (Lagan Valley AC), Gillian Wasson (Springwell Running Club), Denise Mathers (Newry City Runners) and Anne Sandford (Lagan Valley AC) will also be there or there abouts.  Hazel won the Chain Reaction Cycles Belfast Hills race in May 2013 and is always amongst the leaders, while Gillian’s consistent performances led to an International appearance at the Skiddaw Mountain Race last month.  Like Gillian, Denise and Anne are consistent athletes and will always finish well up the pack, it will just be a case of who performs better on the day.

Saturday (15th June) and Sunday (16th June 2013) will also bring the weekend’s biggest event, the Northern Ireland & Ulster Track and Field Championships, which will be held at the Mary Peters Track in Belfast.  A plethora of talent will take to the new ‘mondo’ surface, with just too many potentially amazing races to mention.  

Arguably the ‘main event’ on the two day timetable will be the men’s 5,000m race; this will see the in-form Stephen Scullion (Unattached), winner of the AAI National 10k Championships, take on Paul Pollock (Annadale Striders), the current AAI National Half Marathon and Marathon Champion, who has also just had confirmation that he will represent Ireland at the IAAF World Championships in Moscow (Russia) this summer.  Not only will Stephen and Paul grace the track, but the duo will be joined by an exceptional line-up, which will include Scott Rankin (Foyle Valley AC), Declan Reed (City of Derry AC), Andrew Agnew (Annadale Striders), Shane Kerr (Armagh AC), Brendan Teer (East Down AC), Eoghan Totten (Newcastle AC), JP Williamson (City of Derry AC), Conor Curran (North Belfast Harriers), Ryan McDermott (Annadale Striders), Ciaran Doherty (Letterkenny AC), Andrew Hicks (Dromore AC), Gary Slevin  (City of Derry AC), Francis Marsh (North Down AC), Pius McIntyre (Foyle Valley AC) and Emmett McGinty (City of Derry AC).

Stephen Scullion and Andrew Agnew will also line up in the 1500m race, which will feature recent Highgate Harriers 10,000m winner Eddie McGinley (Annadale Striders) and one of the provinces’ hottest prospects, Conor Bradley (City of Derry AC) as well as Paralympic double gold medallist Michael McKillop (St Malachy’s AC), James O’Hare (Annadale Striders) and Gareth Hill (Ballymena & Antrim AC).  The ladies 1500m will match up Kerry Harty (Newcastle AC), who will be eager to race after her surprising omission from the Irish Euro Team Championships squad, and young Springwell Running Club starlet Alexandra Kirk.  Anne-Marie McGlynn (Lifford AC) is another notable lady in this race, the Lifford AC athlete has been in outstanding form recently.

Conor Bradley will also race in the 800m, alongside Mark Patterson (North Down AC), Pajo Hamilton (City of Derry AC), Neil McCartan (East Down AC) and Michael Dyer (North Down AC).  Up and coming NI stars Conall Kirk (Lagan Valley AC), Conor Breslin (City of Derry AC), Jack McKibbin (Dromore AC), Conor Christie (Springwell Running Club) and Andrew Wright (Willowfield Harriers) will race over 800m as well.  The 400m will be an interesting spectacle, with Mark Patterson (North Down AC), Ben Maze (Lagan Valley AC), Adam McComb (North Down AC) and John Houston (Ballymena & Antrim AC). Conall Kirk (Lagan Valley AC) will again go in one of the age category races, as will City of Derry AC’s Jack McCloskey.

Amy Foster (City of Lisburn AC), who was this week named in the Ireland squad for the upcoming European Team Athletics Championships, will double up in the 100m and 200m.  The Northern Ireland 100m and 200m record holder (100m record is joint with Anna Boyle), will face AAI Games 110m hurdles gold medallist Megan Marrs (City of Lisburn AC), Chloe Boomer (Lagan Valley AC) and Sally Brown (Springwell Running Club) in the 100m, and Chloe (Boomer) again in the 200m.  Paralympic hero Jason Smyth (City of Derry AC) will be up against Dean Adams (Ballymena & Antrim AC) and Jonathon Browning (Ballymena & Antrim AC) in the 100m, while Dean and Jonathon will take on Curtis Woods (Lagan Valley AC) and Jason Harvey (Crusaders AC) in the 200m.  Jason will be on a high, having recently achieved a Commonwealth Games qualifying standard and a new personal best (50.27secs) over 400m hurdles.

Ben Reynolds (Windsor, Slough, Eton & Hounslow AC) will compete in the 110m hurdles, an event in which he is the current Northern Ireland record holder. Meanwhile, in the ladies 400m hurdles, Lagan Valley AC’s Mandy Gault will hope to claim victory.

Northern Ireland’s ten parkrun events will also take place as normal, for more information on these, or to locate your nearest event, please visit our dedicated ‘parkrun’ section within our fixtures page. 

Club runners and fun runners enjoy local race:

On Wednesday 12th June 2013, Greenlough GAC hosted their annual Greenlough 10k road race in Clady, County Londonderry.  The event also included a less competitive fun run and attracted approximately one hundred competitors in total, with a good mixture of running enthusiasts and club runners.

In breezy conditions, Jarlath Falls (Ballymena & Antrim AC) continued his fine form.  Having finished in third place at the Fairhill 5 mile road race exactly seven days earlier, Jarlath bettered that position on this occasion; the talented local clocked 33:26 to win.  Kevin O’Boyle (Ballymena Runners) continued his impressive return from injury, taking 2nd place in 35:45, while Niall Higgins (Magherafelt Harriers) sealed 3rd place in 37:10.

In the ladies race, Larne AC’s Geraldine Quigley claimed top spot in 41:04, beating her daughter Catriona Quigley (Ballymena Runners) to the line.  Catriona (46:46) took 2nd place ahead of Karen McElroy (Unattached), who completed the podium places in 49:19.

Top 3 Men:  1st Jarlath Falls (Ballymena & Antrim AC) – 33:26, 2nd Kevin O’Boyle (Ballymena Runners) – 35:45, 3rd Niall Higgins (Magherafelt Harriers) – 37:10

Top 3 Ladies:  1st Geraldine Quigley (Larne AC) – 41:04, 2nd Catriona Quigley (Ballymena Runners) – 46:46, 3rd Karen McElroy (Unattached) – 49:19

Full Results:  Greenlough 10k Road Race 2013 Results.  Picture used above was taken from the Ballymena Runners facebook page.

European Athletics Team Championships:

On Wednesday 12th June 2013, several Northern Ireland runners were named in a fifty strong Athletics Ireland team for the upcoming European Athletics Team Championships, which are set to take place in Santry, Dublin (Ireland) on Saturday 22nd June and Sunday 23rd June 2013.  The local athletes will be up against teams from Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Sweden and Switzerland.

Amy Foster (City of Lisburn AC) will take on both the 100m and 200m races and will be Northern Ireland’s only female representative in the squad, after Kerry Harty (Newcastle AC) was surprisingly over looked in the 3000m.  Jason Harvey (Crusaders AC), who recently clocked a new 400m hurdles personal best (50.27secs) whilst also achieving a Commonwealth Games qualification standard, will line up in the 400m hurdles and also the 4x400m relay.

Paralympic gold medallist Jason Smyth (City of Derry AC) will return home from the USA and travel south for the 100m race, while North Down AC’s Ben Reynolds will race in the 110m hurdles.  Dean Adams (Ballymena & Antrim AC) will be part of the 4x100m relay team.

Full European Athletics Team Championship squad (Ireland):  Ireland Men's Team and Ireland Ladies Team.  Athletics Ireland FULL story.

Brian Young seals victory as Louise Lemon completes an impressive hat-trick:

On Tuesday 11th June 2013, East Antrim Harriers welcomed athletes to Tardree Forest, close to Antrim, for the third race of their annual Forest Trail Series.

The 3.5 mile event brought a host of series debutants to the start line, which increased competition at the front of the pack.  Brian Young (Unattached) announced his presence in the series with a brilliant performance; sealing victory in 18:46.  Jack Neeson (Ballymena Runners), who has returned home from University for the summer, took 2nd place in 19:01.  Jack’s club mate Jonathon McCloy (Ballymena Runners), a respected mountain runner, completed the top three in 19:34 (3rd place).

The men’s podium was full new faces, but the ladies race was won by the dominant Louise Lemon (Orangegrove AC). Louise, who won the first two races of the series in Ballyboley and Woodburn, completed a hat-trick of victories, recording 24:27 for the distance.  Shelley Tomlins (Ballymena Runners) claimed 2nd place in 25:04, before Sara Steer (Orangegrove AC) made it three 3rd places in three races when she crossed the line in 26:16.

Top 3 Men:  1st Brian Young (Unattached) – 18:46, 2nd Jack Neeson (Ballymena Runners) – 19:01, 3rd Jonathon McCloy (Ballymena Runners) – 19:34

Top 3 Ladies:  1st Louise Lemon (Orangegrove AC) – 24:27, 2nd Shelley Tomlins (Ballymena Runners) – 25:04, 3rd Sara Steer (Orangegrove AC) – 26:16

NI runners achieve personal bests and podium places at AAI Games:

On Sunday 9th June 2013, a number of runners from Northern Ireland were in competition at the Woodie’s AAI Games at the Morton Stadium in Dublin.  In warm and sunny conditions, many produced outstanding performances, with several picking up medals.

Conor Bradley (City of Derry AC) and Megan Marrs (City of Lisburn AC) both claimed gold medals after running personal bests in their respective 1500m and 100m events.  Conor clocked 3:43.39, while Megan crossed the line in 12.07secs.  Conor’s club mates Pajo Hamilton (5th place – 3:57.18) and JP Williamson (9th place – 4:07.88), and Annadale Striders’ Ryan McDermott (6th place – 3:57.70) were also competing in the 1500m race.

Megan followed her win with another podium place in the 110m hurdles, taking 2nd place in 14.55secs.  The race was won by Emerald AC’s Sarah Lavin in 13.82secs.  In the 5,000m race, Declan Reed (City of Derry AC) achieved an excellent 3rd place after crossing the line in 15:16.62.  City of Derry AC duo Emmett McGinty (15:45.41) and Gary Slevin (16:13.38) also lined up in the 5,000m alongside Declan, taking 5th place and 6th place respectively, the race was won by Irish Olympian Mark Kenneally in 14:28.91.

Ballymena & Antrim AC’s Christine McMahon (2nd place – 64.15secs) finished as runner up to St Lawrence O’Toole AC’s Clare Murphy (1st place – 59.73secs) in the ladies 400m hurdles, while Dean Adams (Ballymena & Antrim AC) also collected silver in his 100m race.  Dean recorded 10.97secs, finishing behind David Hynes (Menapians AC), who covered the distance in 10.60secs.  Beechmount Harriers' Curtis Woods (49.24secs) took 2nd place in the 400m, a race won by Timmy Crowe (Dooneen AC) in 48.85secs.

Paralympic star Michael McKillop (St Malachy’s AC) ran 1:55.94 (4th place) in the 800m event, and was followed across the line by fellow Northern Ireland runners Neil McCartan (East Down AC) and Cathal Logue (City of Derry AC); Neill achieved a new personal best and his first ever sub two minute time (for 800m) when he finished in 1:59.78secs, while Cathal followed in 2:02.16.  The race was won by Brian Kelly (St Abbans AC) in 1:54.18.  Rachel Gibson (North Down AC) narrowly missed a top three finish after clocking a new personal best of 4:42.98 in the 1500m, which was won by Anne-Marie McGlynn (Lifford AC), a regular competitor in NI, in 4:29.65.

Further afield, current Northern Ireland 100m record holder Jason Smyth (City of Derry AC) was in action at the Star Athletics 'Sprints Meet' in Montverde (USA).  Jason came through his 100m heat in 10.30secs, before running 10.24secs in the final.  This was enough to secure 5th place in the race, which was won by Adrian Griffith (Bahamas) in 10.16secs.

Full Results:  Woodie’s DIY AAI Games 2013 Results

Athletes turn out to support local event:

On Saturday 8th June 2013, nearly 250 runners turned out for the Tattyreagh 5 mile road race, organised by Tattyreagh GAC.  The event, which took place in beautiful weather, also had a 5k Fun Run alongside the main event.

Keith Shiels (Foyle Valley AC) is a man on top form at the moment, smashing personal bests on a regular basis, and winning races just as frequently.  Keith, who won the ‘Fairhill 5’ last Wednesday (5th June 2013), cruised to victory in 26:05.  Local man Paul Barbour (Omagh Harriers) took 2nd place in 26:43 with Pete Neill (Unattached) completing the top three finishers when he crossed the line in 27:51.

In the ladies race, Caroline Miller (Omagh Harriers) picked up a well-deserved win.  Caroline is a regular on the podium; mostly taking silver or bronze, but it was gold on this occasion, she (Caroline) recorded 36:51 to finish just ahead of club mate Patricia Campbell (Omagh Harriers) who clocked 37:00.  Maria McCarter (Unattached) covered the distance in 38:11 (3rd place).

Omagh Harriers celebrated a double victory in the associated 5k Fun Run, with Brendan Collins winning the men’s race in 19:40 and Niamh Heaney topping the ladies standings with a finish time of 25:46.

Top 3 Men:  1st Keith Shiels (Foyle Valley AC) – 26:05, 2nd Paul Barbour (Omagh Harriers) – 26:43, 3rd Pete Neill (Unattached) – 27:51

Top 3 Ladies:  1st Caroline Miller (Omagh Harriers) – 36:51, 2nd Patricia Campbell (Omagh Harriers) – 37:00, 3rd Maria McCarter (Unattached) – 38:11

It didn’t stop there for Keith Shiels….

Northern Ireland clubs represented at Buncrana 10k:

In other news, Keith Shiels (Foyle Valley AC) completed a fantastic double on the evening of Saturday 8th June 2013.  After winning the aforementioned Tattyreagh 5 mile road race, Keith joined several other Northern Ireland runners in Buncrana, County Donegal (Ireland) for the Buncrana 10k.

Once again, the purple vested athlete showed his class, completing the course in 33:01; winning by almost two minutes.  Another Foyle Valley AC man, Pius McIntyre (34:57) took 2nd place, while Paul McCaffrey (City of Derry AC) ensured a clean sweep of the men’s podium by Northern Ireland clubs, when he crossed the line in 35:07 (3rd place).  City of Derry AC duo Gavin Stevenson (36:15) and Conor Doherty (36:57) secured top ten places, finishing in 6th place and 7th place respectively.  Their Spartan friend Peter Lilburn clocked 40:22 (24th place) before Michael Gallagher (Foyle Valley AC) covered the distance in 41:54 (38th place).  

Denise McElhone (Foyle Valley AC) picked up 3rd place in the ladies race when she crossed the line in 43:07; the ladies race was won by Inishowen AC’s Kim McLaughlin (40:43).  Paul Coyle, also of Foyle Valley AC, recorded 43:57 (51st place) for the distance, while experienced athlete Christy McMonagle (City of Derry AC) completed the course in 45:03 (59th place).

Full Results:  Tattyreagh 5 (mile) Road Race 2013 Results and Buncrana 10k 2013 Results (Currently Unavailable)

Keith, McCartney, Simpson, Alexander, Hicks and James all enjoy success:

On Saturday 8th June 2013, thousands of athletes and spectators swarmed the sun soaked Mourne Mountains for the annual 26extreme Mourne Way Marathon series, the event included a race for everyone; with Ultra Marathon (52 miles), Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and 5k distances were all on offer to the enthusiastic participants.

There was a nip in the air and dew on the ground as the hardy ultra-runners exited Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor at 6am.  The biggest field of ultra-runners in the events history set off on a 52 mile journey that would take them to Donard Park, Newcastle and back; during which they would experience the best scenery the Mourne Mountains has to offer.  On the sound of the starting horn, Eoin Keith (Boards AC) and Kevin Doyle (Kimberworth AC) moved sharply to the front, and in truth, this was the last the pack seen of the pair.

Eoin and Kevin ate up the opening miles and passed through Spelga Dam running side by side, deep in conversion.  Sean Brosnan (Ireland), Toben Dahl (Crusaders AC), Cathal McGreevy (Newry City Runners), Ivan Sadlier (Unattached), Noel Thomas (Unattached) and Nicki McPeake (Springwell Running Club) were all looking like possible contenders for third place.  The ladies race was a much closer affair, with Jolene Mellon (Setanta Triathlon Club/North East Runners) and Susan McCartney (Unattached) coming into the Spelga Dam aid station together, Violet Linton (LVO) was a bit behind but was having a good race and looked strong.  

As the leading men descended towards Donard Park, Newcastle; where they would re-fuel and head back towards Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor, Eoin and Kevin were still neck and neck.  However, the turning point did indeed turn out to be ‘the turning point’.  As Eoin and Kevin entered the 26.2 mile aid station, Kevin began to re-fuel; Eoin picked up a bottle of fizzy drink (Coca-Cola), said his goodbyes and disappeared back into the forest.  Despite the temptation to follow, Kevin stuck to his re-fuelling strategy and let the record breaking Irish man go.

Marathon de Sables finisher Sean Brosnan was the next athlete into the turning point, closely followed by Cathal McGreevy, who was running a very composed and well paced race.  A tiring Toben Dahl then appeared, and said that he was not coping well with the heat.  Ivan Sadlier, William McMillan (Unattached), Noel Thomas, Timothy Brownlie (Unattached), David Gamble (Seapark AC) and David Turtle (Seapark AC) weren’t far behind, neither were the front running ladies Susan McCartney and Jolene Mellon.  Susan reached half way first, but took time to re-hydrate; this allowed Jolene to extinguish the gap.  Violet Linton was the third lady into Donard Park, with Amy Beggs a fair distance behind in fourth place.

The relentless Eoin Keith powered his way across the rough, but mostly dry terrain and had built a twelve minute lead as he reached the 38 mile point.  A high spirited Kevin Doyle passed next, saying that the heat was beginning to affect him; around the same time in the ladies race, Susan McCartney had broken clear of the talented Jolene Mellon and was looking as dominant as her male counterpart.  In the closing miles, Eoin continued to increase his lead, before entering Kilbroney Park and crossing the line in an excellent 7:39:26.  After the race, the Irish International said that the warm weather suited him.  A tired, but jubilant Kevin Doyle followed; he finished in 8:05:13 (2nd place).  Incidentally, this is the first time in four visits to the Mourne Way event that Kevin has not celebrated victory, having won the last three marathons at the event.  Sean Brosnan claimed the final men’s podium place in 8:55:40.  Cathal McGreevey was the first Northern Ireland runner to complete the course, after he put in a fantastic performance to finish in 9:10:28 (4th place).  Susan McCartney completed a brilliant performance, and over-turned last years standings, when she finished as runner up, taking the title in 9:13:15.  Last year’s winner, Jolene (10:19:16) had to settle for 2nd place, while Violet Linton battled through cramp to secure a well-deserved 3rd place in 11:07:11.  

The Marathon proved to be just as exciting, Don Travers (Newry City Runners) and David Simpson (Ballydrain Harriers) joined approximately two hundred competitors on the Donard Park start-line; and it was these two men who battled hard right up until the latter stages.  The pair went through 8 miles side by side at a blistering pace, but by 13.1 miles Don had opened up a lead of approximately thirty seconds on David.  At the same stage, Karen Alexander (Sperrin Harriers) was well clear in the ladies race and was looking like a comfortable winner; but there was still another 13.1 miles to cover.  Behind Karen, Joanne Bolton (Kimberworth AC) and Michelle Ryan (Unattached) were also well positioned and didn’t look overly strained.

In the closing stages, David caught and passed Don, who may well have been feeling the effects of the recent Newry City Marathon, where he picked up a second place prize.  Strong running David covered the remaining miles with ease, sealing an impressive win in 3:16:03.  Don followed in 3:19:32, before his Newry City Runners club mate Ian Stephenson recorded 3:34:36 to claim 3rd place and a position on the podium beside two of the country’s most respected athletes.  The ladies race remained as separated as it had been throughout, with the exceptional Karen Alexander celebrating a comfortable win in 3:36:42.  Joanne Bolton, who had travelled over from England, took 2nd place in 4:19:34 before Michelle Ryan completed the course in 4:43:06.

Chris Cotton (Kimberworth AC), a runner up in last year’s Half Marathon, returned this year in the hope of bettering that placing; the friendly Englishman shared the Half Marathon start line with five bus loads of fellow running enthusiasts.  Straight from the off, Chris, Connor Kamm (Unattached), Seamus Lynch (Newcastle AC) and Dermot Mathers (Newry City Runners) made their intentions clear; after 800m the four had put approximately 80m-100m between themselves and the chasing hundreds.  Gladys Ganiel O’Neil (North Belfast Harriers) was just behind the lead group as they passed the nearby Spelga Damm and went off-road. 

Several of the early podium chasers tired on the more undulating part of the course, but early front runners Connor Kamm and Chris Cotton did not, they pressed ahead of the group and by the 5k race start point it was obvious that the eventual winner would come from the talented pairing.  This proved to be correct; with Connor crossing the line in 1:24:48 to win.  Chris replicated his finishing position from 2012, taking 2nd place in 1:25:05; Newcastle AC’s Seamus Lynch claimed 3rd place in 1:27:05.

The ladies race was based around one person, North Belfast Harriers’ Gladys Ganiel O’Neill, who was returning to competition after a well-earned rest post London Marathon.  As expected, but still deserved, Gladys romped to victory in 1:28:41.  Anne Sandford (Lagan Valley AC) made it two podium finishes in three days after a third place finish at Thursday night’s Hill & Dale ‘Meels’ Race, taking 2nd place on this occasion, after running 1:52:51.  Helen Weir (North Belfast Harriers) completed the course in 1:56:27.

The 10k race started in Leitrim Lodge, an absolutely stunning setting.  Allan Johnston (Murlough AC) went into the race as favourite, and did perform well, but it was late entrant Andrew Hicks (Dromore AC) who impressed most.  Andrew’s good performance at the Craigavon Lakes 10k on Wednesday night obviously did not slow him, as the County Down man raced clear to win in 36:43.  Allan Johnston notched up another admirable performance, taking 2nd place in 37:03 before 26extreme regular Barry McConville finished in 38:16 (3rd place).

In the ladies race, Samantha James (Kimberworth AC) completed a successful day for the Yorkshire based club to which she is attached.  Last year, Samantha finished as runner up in the Mourne Way Half Marathon, but after stepping down a distance this year, she stepped up a place on the podium; winning the (ladies) race in 45:19.  Anne Haveron (Newry City Runners) was next home in 46:34 (2nd place), with Unattahced athlete Samantha McNally (48:12) in 3rd place.

Ultra Marathon (52.4m):

Top 3 Men:  1st Eoin Keith (Boards AC) – 7:39:26, 2nd Kevin Doyle (Kimberwoth AC) – 8:05:13, 3rd Sean Brosnan (Ireland) – 8:55:32

Top 3 Ladies:  1st Susan McCartney (Unattached) – 9:13:15, 2nd Jolene Mellon (Setanta Triathlon Club/ North East Runners) – 10:19:16, 3rd Violet Linton (LVO) – 11:07:11

Marathon:

Top 3 Men:  1st David Simpson (Ballydrain Harriers) – 3:16:03, 2nd Don Travers (Newry City Runners) – 3:19:32, 3rd Ian Stephenson (Newry City Runners) – 3:34:36

Top 3 Ladies:  1st Karen Alexander (Sperrin Harriers) – 3:36:42, 2nd Joanne Bolton (Kimberworth AC) – 4:19:34, 3rd Michelle Ryan (Unattached) – 4:43:06

Half Marathon:

Top 3 Men:  1st Connor Kamm (Unattached) – 1:24:48, 2nd Chris Cotton (Kimberworth AC) – 1:25:02, 3rd Seamus Lynch (Newcastle AC) – 1:27:05

Top 3 Ladies:  1st Gladys Ganiel O’Neill (North Belfast Harriers) – 1:28:41, 2nd Anne Sandford (Lagan Valley AC) – 1:52:51, 3rd Helen Weir (North Belfast Harriers) – 1:56:27

10k Race:

Top 3 Men:  1st Andrew Hicks (Dromore AC) – 36:43, 2nd Allan Johnston (Murlough AC) – 37:03, 3rd Barry McConville (Unattached) – 38:16

Top 3 Ladies:  1st Samantha James (Kimberworth AC) – 45:19, 2nd Anne Haveron (Newry City Runners) – 46:34, 3rd Samantha McNeilly (Unattached) – 48:12

Provisional Results:  Mourne Way Marathon (Ultra, Half Marathon, 10k and 5k) 2013 Results

New course record set at scenic Larne Half Marathon:

On Saturday 8th June 2013, Larne Athletic Club hosted their re-scheduled AES Larne Half Marathon, and conditions could not have been more different to those that led to the postponement of the original event in March.

Top 3 Men:  1st Freddy Sittuk (Kenya) 1:08:20; 2nd Alan O’Hara (North Belfast Harriers) 1:08:38; 3rd Gary O’Hanlon (Clonliffe Harriers) 1:09:29

Top 3 Ladies:  1st Julie Balmer (North Down AC) 1:24:29; 2nd Kelly Neely (City of Lisburn AC) 1:27:22; 3rd Roisin Hughes (North Belfast Harriers) 1:28:07

Full Results:  AES Larne Half Marathon 2013 Results

Athletes prepare for a weekend of racing and sunshine (fingers crossed!)...

As the province prepares for a weekend of sunshine and BBQ’s, runners will once again be gathering their racing kit for a weekend of competition, in Larne, Omagh, Antrim, Dublin and of course the Mourne Mountains.  Arguably, the two biggest local events will be the re-scheduled AES Larne Half Marathon and the 26extreme Mourne Way Series (which includes; Ultra Marathon, Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and 5k events).

The 26extreme Mourne Way Marathon action starts at 6am in the Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor, where the Ultra Marathon participants will begin their 85km return journey to Donard Park, Newcastle and back, passing through many of the most popular Mourne Mountain haunts, including Spelga Dam, Leitrim Lodge, Trassy Track, Hen Track and Donard Forest.  Irish International ultra-runner Eoin Keith, a multiple 26extreme event winner and winner of this event last year, will go into the race as a strong favourite. The Irish 24 hour (235.9km), 48 hour (342.9km) and 72 hour (483.1km) record holder knows the course extremely well and will prove exceptionally hard to beat.  

Another man who knows the course is Kevin Doyle (Kimberworth AC); he has travelled over from England and won the Mourne Way Marathon for the last three years, and true to his word on the finish line last year, he has stepped up to the Ultra this year.  In his build up to the event, Kevin completed a 24 hour race at the back end of last year, covering a credible 217.8km in the allotted time.  In truth, it will probably take Eoin to withdraw for Kevin to win, but he will definitely play a prominent part in proceedings and deserves to do well.  

Torben Dahl (Crusaders AC), Nicki McPeake (Springwell Running Club) and Ivan Sadlier (Unattached) will also be in or around the top places.  Torben is well known within the IMRA scene and has proved to be a tough gritty competitor, something that will definitely be needed in the forecasted heat.  Torben was a podium finisher in last years Cooley Legends Half Marathon, this is significant as the terrain there is similar to that of the Mourne Way course.  Nicki McPeake and Ivan Sadlier are experienced ultra-runners, with the pair finishing in fourth place and fifth place respectively at the Lost World’s Causeway Crossing in May 2013.  Nicki completed the Mourne Way Ultra course in 9:42:59 last year, finishing in 8th place; Ivan was a mere two minutes behind in 9:44:04 (10th place), so it will be an interesting battle between the pair.  Other runners hoping to make the top ten will include Paul Nesbitt (Unattached), Aleksander Pyzio (Poland) and David Gamble (Seapark AC).

The ladies race will prove to be an exciting battle, with last years top three finishers, Jolene Mellon (Setanta Triathlon Club), Susan McCartney (Unattached) and Hannah Shields (City of Derry AC) set to recommence battle.  Jolene won last time in 9:45:58 and will hope to defend her title, and based on current form, she (Jolene) is more than capable of doing so.  Jolene won the recent Lost Worlds Causeway Crossing 50k race and also took a podium place at the Cooley Legends Half Marathon in April 2013.  Susan has shown her class as well, having taken the runners up spot last year she (Susan) went on to achieve a podium place at the very well respected NDW50 in May this year (2013).  The Belfast lady is a steely character, she collapsed during a 24 hour race a few years ago, but refused to withdraw; having rested for a few hours she got back onto the track and covered 86 miles!  This is a lady worth watching!

Hannah Shields (City of Derry AC) won the Lost Worlds Causeway Crossing 100k last month and finished seventh in the Walled City Marathon last weekend, some might say that’s a perfect build up to an Ultra race, but covering 26.2 miles in 3:26:15 will have taken its toll on the City of Derry Spartan.  Will she have recovered sufficiently in time? We will see, as 85km is a long way.  Violet Linton (LVO) will also finish well up in the ladies category.  Violet has been in decent form over the mountains this year, placing well in several Hill & Dale races and taking second place at the Chain Reaction Cycles Belfast Hills race; this all bodes well for a strong performance.  Jessamyn  Fairfield (Unattached) is another lady to look out for, she (Jessamyn) has travelled the world to participate in ultra-distance events, with her most impressive outing being a twelfth place finish at the notoriously difficult ‘Hells Hills’ Ultra Marathon (50km) in America, where she ran 6:55:01. 

The Marathon starts in Donard Park, Newcastle at 12.30pm and will take competitors on an enjoyable 26.2 miles journey to Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor.  One of the many highlights of this route is the view over Newcastle as the runners reach the top of Donard Forest and turn right, it is spectacular.  Barry Fitzpatrick (Unattached), Stuart Paulin (Unattached), Billy Reed (East Antrim Harriers) and Terry Horsfield (Unattached) will all be amongst the front runners.  Barry had a brilliant run over this course last year, just missing out on a podium place in the Ultra event when he finished in fourth place behind three quality opponents (Eoin Keith, Don Travers and Barry Murray).  Stuart will play a part at the head of the field; the regular 26extreme race participant is a consistent high finisher and enjoyed success over the marathon distance at the Causeway Coast in 2012, where he finished in second place.  

Billy Reed is a notable starter, the EAH man is often found in the top ten when looking through trail race results and finished second in the Causeway Coast Ultra Marathon (65km) 2012; without doubt, he will be there or there abouts once again.  Billy has the potential to be amongst the top finishers, but will come through the field late and undetected.  Terry Horsfield is a 3:17:37 marathon runner (on the road) and finished just outside the top three in the Causeway Coast Marathon two years ago.   On his day, Terry could be well inside the top ten.  Martin Francis (Unattached), Clive Coffey (Physio & Co), Morten Nobaek (Denmark) and Chris Collins (East Antrim Harriers) will all be hoping for a high placing.

Karen Alexander (Sperrin Harriers) is the stand out entry in the ladies marathon; having won the Lost Worlds Causeway Crossing 25k, the Cooley Legends Half Marathon, the River Moy Half Marathon and the Downpatrick Lions 14k within the last eight weeks, Karen is in top form going into this race.  However, there will be a strong group of ladies chasing the Sperrin Harriers lady, just waiting to pounce.  This will include Helen Cassidy (Unattached), Orlagh McElroy (Murlough AC), Gillian Cordner (Seapark AC), Maike Juergens (UCD AC) and Megan Yuhas Stetka (Unattached).

Helen Cassidy (Unattached) finished third in this event last year and will return hoping to improve on that placing, while Orlagh was one of the Mourne Way Marathon 2012 surprise packages.  The Murlough AC lady came through the field well to take fifth place.  Gillian is steadily becoming a quality ultra-distance athlete, with podium places at the Clonakilty Back2Back Marathons, Connemara Marathon and Newry Marathon to her name within the last twelve months.  Maike is more known for her exploits over shorter distances, but stepped up to the marathon distance last year in Dublin, where she just missed a sub four hour finish.  Information suggests that the UCD student has been working on her long distance stamina over rough terrain, so she may well be one to keep an eye out for.  Megan finished will up in the Belfast Marathon in 2011, covering the 26.2 mile course in 3:42:14.

Northern Ireland International long distance runner, Don Travers (Newry City Runners) will be the man to beat in the Half Marathon (2pm start), which will take competitors from Spelga Dam to Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor.  Two weeks ago, Don had a real battle with Gary O’Hanlon (Clonliffe Harriers) in the Newry City Marathon.  Unfortunately, on that occasion he came off second best, but that will further fuel his desire to win here.  Newcastle AC’s ‘find of the year’, Seamus Lynch will be Don’s closest rival.  Seamus has been running well in the ongoing Hill & Dale Series and finished fifth in the most recent race last night (Thursday 6th June 2013) at Slieve Meelmore and Slieve Meelbeg.  Maurice Harte (Unattached), Jerome McCrickard (Newcastle AC) and Chris Cotton (Unattached) will also place well.

The Half Marathon will also see a return to competition for North Belfast Harriers’ Gladys Ganiel O’Neill.  The talented lady ran 2:42:35 at the Virgin London Marathon in April, and having enjoyed a short break from racing, she (Gladys) will be eager to get back on the start line.  We have no doubt that Gladys will finish well up the field, and may well be amongst the first Half Marathon runners to finish.  Helen Weir (North Belfast Harriers), who enjoyed a good run at the Chain Reaction Cycles Belfast Hills race, will be in the chasing pack; this will also include Orangegrove AC duo Louise Lemon and Sarah Steer, both of whom have finished in first place and third place respectively at the first two races in the East Antrim Harriers Trail Series.  Nicola Mathers (Murlough AC) and Debbie Kendall (Murlough AC) will also run well.

Alan Johnston (Murlough AC) will head the male challengers in the 10k race, which will start at Leitrim Lodge (at 3pm) and finish in Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor. Alan produced good performances in the Ballynahinch Lions 10k (3rd place) and the Downpatrick Lions 14k (5th place) and looks to be in good shape to challenge for the title.  Declan Magee (Newcastle AC) and Barry McConville (Unattached) will also be aiming for high finishes.  Samantha James (Unattached), a third place finisher in the Mourne Way Half Marathon in 2012, looks like the top female contender but she (Samantha) will have to fend off a strong challenge from Joy McAleer (Orangegrove AC) and Judith Spence (Murlough AC) if she wants to win.  Interestingly, Joy claimed a top ten spot at the ‘Svalbard Turn Spitbergen Half Marathon’ in Norway last weekend.  Unattached athletes Declan McErlean, Neil Young, Andrew Lambie, Mary Davis, Leonie Corcoran and Orla McErlean will be amongst the 5k competitors who will join in with the 10k runners as they go through 5k enroute to Kilbroney Park, Rostervor.

Also on Saturday 8th June 2013, thousands of runners and spectators will descend on the coastal town of Larne, County Antrim for the 20th running of the Larne Half Marathon, sponsored by AES Ballylumford.

Amongst the 1,400 field, some of the provinces most talented athletes will toe the line.  This should include recent Connemara Marathon, Kildare Marathon and Newry Marathon winner Gary O’Hanlon (Clonliffe Harriers) and arguably Northern Ireland’s top female distance runner, Breege Connolly (North Belfast Harriers), who achieved a Commonwealth Games marathon qualifying standard when she clocked 2:39:23 at the Virgin London Marathon in April 2013.

In the men’s race, Gary O’Hanlon is likely to be joined by three time winner of the event, Joe McAlister (St Malachy’s AC), as well as Alan O’Hara (North Belfast Harriers) who boasts a 13.1m personal best of 1:10:56.  Local man Brian Campbell (Willowfield Harriers), another former winner of the Larne Half Marathon, was due to participate in the postponed event (on the 23rd March 2013), but it is unclear as to whether he will take on the challenge having recently completed the Belfast City Marathon; however, if he does race, Brian will play a prominent part in proceedings.  Other top competitors will include, Stephen Wylie (North Down AC), Michael Fitzpatrick (North Belfast Harriers), Ben Morrow (Ballymena Runners), Graham Barr (Unattached), Paul Woodman (Orangegrove AC), Dennis Scott (North Down AC) and local men Ryan Stewart (Larne AC) and Phelim McAllister (Larne AC).

The battle for the podium places in the ladies race will be exciting, with Breege considered as strong favourite, it will leave Julie Balmer (North Down AC), Ciara Toner (Springwell Running Club), Roisin Hughes (North Belfast Harriers) and Kelly Neely (City of Lisburn AC) to contest second and third place.  Julie was the first Northern Ireland lady to finish the Belfast Marathon last month, while Ciara Toner finished as runner up in the prestigious Inishowen Half Marathon in May 2013; Roisin Hughes is a consistent performer and finished second to Julie Balmer in Belfast Marathon, and more recently at the Newry Half Marathon.  Kelly is a former Northern Ireland and Ireland international middle distance runner, who despite having retired from competitive running, still possesses the class to finish well up the field.

Geraldine Quigley (Larne AC), a third place finisher at the Fairhill 5 mile road race this week, will spearhead the host club’s challenge, while talented ladies Nikki Heywood (North Down AC), Roisin Rocks (Newry City Runners), Lyndsey Pronger (North Down AC) and Janice White (Forge Harriers) will all finish well up the field.

Elsewhere, on Saturday 8th June 2013, Tattyreagh GAC will host their annual Tattyreagh 5 mile road race, just outside Omagh, County Tyrone.  It is expected that the good weather conditions will encourage a record turnout for the race.

Keith Shiels (Foyle Valley AC), winner of the Fairhill 5 mile road race in Ballymena on Wednesday night (5th June 2013) will head the field, and going by his red hot form, the Foyle Valley man will prove hard to stop.  Stephen Duncan (Omagh Harriers) may return from a lay-off, but his lack of race sharpness may mean that the popular local athlete has to settle for second spot.  Other podium chasers may include Paul Barbour (Omagh Harriers) and Damian Cox (Omagh Harriers).  Last years ladies winner, Karen Alexander (Sperrin Harriers), will not return to defend her title.  This will leave the door open for Anne Paul (City of Derry AC) to challenge for honours.  Anne will be pursued by Omagh Harriers trio Julie Butler, Caroline Miller and Sara Moore.  

Antrim Stadium will host the Northern Ireland & Ulster Age Group Championships on Saturday 8th June 2013.  This is likely to attract many of the country’s top up and coming stars as well as hundreds of family, friends and interested spectators.  Further details on this event can be found on the Athletics NI website.

Further afield on Saturday 8th June 2013, Pius McIntyre (Foyle Valley AC) and James Brown (City of Derry AC) will be amongst the runners attached to Northern Ireland clubs who travel to Buncrana, County Donegal (Ireland) for the Buncrana 10k road race

On Sunday 9th June 2013, Conor Bradley (City of Derry AC) will be one of a host of Northern Ireland based runners competing at the Woodies DIY AAI Games in the Morten Stadium, Dublin (Ireland).  Conor may be joined by City of Derry AC club mates Gary Slevin and Pajo Hamilton.

Northern Ireland’s ten parkrun events will also take place as normal, for more information on these, or to locate your nearest event, please visit our dedicated ‘parkrun’ section within our fixtures page. 

Northern Ireland man makes his mark in the presence of a legend:

On Thursday 6th June 2013, one of Northern Ireland’s top distance runners, Eddie McGinley (Annadale Striders), was competing in the Highgate Harriers 10,000m race at the Parliament Hill Athletics Track in London (England).  As part of the prestigious event, former 10,000m world record holder Dave Bedford, who was also the race director for the Virgin London Marathon until this year, was invited as a special guest.

There was a host of talent on the start line; but Eddie stepped up to the mark, showing his class in a late surge to lead the field home in 29:53.32, finishing seven seconds ahead of Bedford & County AC star Darren Deed (2nd place - 30:02.38) and Serpentine AC’s Nick Torry (3rd place - 30:02.52).

After several notable performances recently, which included a massive new 5,000m personal best of 14:07.60 at the BMC Sport City Grand Prix (England) last weekend, the Annadale Striders man looks set to enjoy a successful season.

Full Results will be added as soon as they are available.

Mountain runners turn out for Hill & Dale Series 'Meels' race:

On Thursday 6th June 2013, Newcastle AC welcomed runners to the eighth race of this years Hill & Dale Series. Slieve Meelmore and Slieve Meelbeg were the summits of the ‘Meels’ course, which covered 3.5 miles and included a total ascent of 1,800ft.

In perfect conditions, the runners set off from the Happy Valley Car Park towards Slieve Meelmore, and it was last week’s winner Stephen Cunningham (Mourne Runners) who moved to the front, with Ian Bailey (Newcastle AC) and Deon McNeilly (Newcastle AC) leading the chasing pack.  Stephen reached the top first and his strong descent off Meelmore put some breathing space between himself and the aforementioned men.  The ladies race was proving to be a good old fashioned “ding-dong” between Shileen O’Kane (Lagan Valley AC) and Diane Wilson (Dromore AC), with Shileen climbing strongly and Diane descending at such a rate that she was able to close the gap on her International team mate.

As the leading men hit the top of Slieve Meelbeg, Stephen Cunningham was looking strong; Ian Bailey and Deon McNeilly were behind, as was Neil Carty (North Belfast Harriers), David McNeilly (Newcastle AC) and Seamus Lynch (Newcastle AC).  Shileen O’Kane reached the final summit first and began the long descent before Diane Wilson.  Anne Sandford (Lagan Valley AC), Mary Mackin (Dromore AC) and Patricia McKibbin (Unattached) followed.

In the end, it was the start to finish leader, Stephen Cunningham who sealed his second Hill & Dale victory in as many weeks, crossing the line in 28:44 to take top spot.  Ian Bailey (29:28) secured yet another series podium place, taking 2nd place in 29:28, while Neil Carty (30:15) just beat David McNeilly (4th place – 30:15) to 3rd place.  The two were so close that they were rewarded the same finish time.

Diane Wilson’s descending skills once again proved invaluable in the ladies race; the Dromore lady passed Shileen O’Kane on the long downhill section off Slieve Meelbeg to win in 35:12, Shileen followed in 35:36.  Anne Sandford made sure that this week’s ladies top three read identical to last week’s race when she crossed the line in 40:00 (3rd place). 

Top 3 Men:  1st Stephen Cunningham (Mourne Runners) – 28:44, 2nd Ian Bailey (Newcastle AC) – 29:28, 3rd Neil Carty (North Belfast Harriers) – 30:15

Top 3 Ladies:  1st Diane Wilson (Dromore AC) – 35:12, 2nd Shileen O’Kane (Lagan Valley AC) – 35:36, 3rd Anne Sandford (Lagan Valley AC) – 40:00

Full Results:  Hill & Dale Series (Race 8) ‘Meels’ 2013 Results

Partick Hamilton continues his good form in Craigavon:

On Wednesday 5th June 2013, athletes descended on the sun soaked Craigavon Watersports Centre in County Armagh for the annual Craigavon Lakes 5k and 10k races.  The races start and finish close to the Watersports Centre, with the 5k participants covering one lap of the lake, while the 10k competitors complete a second loop of the relatively fast course.

On a night when so many suffered because of the searing heat, Annadale Striders’ Patrick Hamilton showed no signs of temperature related fatigue as he cruised to an excellent victory in 31:15.  This was Patrick’s second win in as many weeks, after his notable performance at the Bann 10k two weeks ago.  Eamon White (North Belfast Harriers), who has enjoyed good runs at Jimmy’s 10k and the Titanic 10k this year, took 2nd place in 32:48.  Armagh AC’s Stephen Kerr, who has recently returned home from America for the summer, looked to have overcome a recent injury as he just pipped Annadale Striders’ Paul Carroll (4th place – 33:33) to 3rd place in 33:31.

The ladies race was a close affair, with Claire Connor (North Belfast Harriers), Donna Evans (Monaghan Phoenix AC) and Ruth Hill (Unattached) all in contention throughout.  In the end, it was the more experienced Donna who just got the edge, winning in 38:55.  Claire took 2nd place in 39:06, while the relatively unknown but always impressive Ruth Hill secured 3rd place in 39:15.

In the associated 5k, City of Lisburn AC’s James Edgar led the participants home in 17:58, with Unattached athletes Peter Murray (19:52) and Andrew Johnston (20:36) taking 2nd place and 3rd place respectively.  Kate Mulholland (Unattached) was the first lady to cross the line, recording 22:07.  Sharon Williamson (Unattached) claimed 2nd place in 23:45, while Tara Grimes (Unattached) completed the top three ladies in 23:59.

10k Race:

Top 3 Men:  1st Patrick Hamilton (Annadale Striders) – 31:15, 2nd Eamon White (North Belfast Harriers) – 32:48, 3rd Stephen Kerr (Armagh AC) – 33:31

Top 3 Ladies:  1st Donna Evans (Monaghan Phoenix AC) – 38:55, 2nd Claire Connor (North Belfast Harriers) – 39:06, 3rd Ruth Hill (Unattached) – 39:13

5k Race:

Top 3 Men:  1st James Edgar (City of Lisburn AC) – 17:58, 2nd Peter Murray (Unattached) – 19:52, 3rd Andrew Johnston (Unattached) – 20:36

Top 3 Ladies:  1st Kate Mulholland (Unattached) – 22:07, 2nd Sharon Williamson (Unattached) – 23:45, 3rd Tara Grimes (Unattached) – 23:59

Full Results:  Craigavon Lakes 5k and 10k Races

Belfast International - Tuesday 25th June 2013:

Competitors from England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland are in the running for the elite international opening event at the newly refurbished Mary Peters Track in Belfast later this month (Tuesday 25th June 2013).

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, Lord Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the British Olympic Association, and Dame Mary Peters are hosting the event which follows the £3m refurbishment of the track as part of Belfast City Council’s £150m Investment Programme.  A specially commissioned bronze statue of Dame Mary, an Olympic Gold Medallist in the decathlon, will be unveiled to mark the occasion.

Among the athletes confirmed for the event is Jason Smyth, a London 2012 Paralympic double gold medallist who is travelling from his training base in the United States to compete.  The fastest Paralympian in history, Jason, from Eglinton in Derry is the reigning Paralympic champion and also holds the world record in the T13 100m and 200m categories.

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Ó Muilleoir, said: “This is a fantastic event for everyone involved and a demonstration, ahead of this year’s World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) of how important this track is going to be in attracting high level competition.  “The facilities are world class standard, but are also being used by school children and local athletes still striving to reach international level.  This competition is an inspiring opportunity for everyone in the city, not just those directly involved in sport,” he added.  It is hoped that this opening event, which is serving as forerunner for the WPFG in Northern Ireland, will succeed in attracting thousands to the newly refurbished stadium on the Upper Malone Road, Belfast by showcasing international and local talent and all the new facility has to offer.

John Allen, Secretary of Athletics NI, commented: “Athletics NI is delighted to have the Mary Peters Track re-opened and serving athletes of all ages.  The upgraded facility will provide a foundation on which the sport of athletics can build upon in the future.  “The Mary Peters Track International Opening Event will provide local athletes an opportunity to compete against top athletes from around the World.  “Children from across Northern Ireland will be given the chance to take to the Track participate in a variety of events in front of family and friends and play their part in one of Northern Ireland’s biggest ever Athletics events.”

Dame Mary Peters said she was delighted that the track named in her honour would continue to serve Belfast and Northern Ireland. “I congratulate and thank the Belfast City Council for their investment which I am sure will contribute to the future sporting success of athletes from Belfast and Northern Ireland,” said Dame Mary.  “I am delighted that Belfast has a truly world-class facility that will serve both current and future generations of young athletes for many years to come,” she added.

Ballymena Runners host successful Fairhill 5 mile Road Race:

On Wednesday 5th June 2013, nearly three hundred runners participated in the Ballymena Runners organised Fairhill 5 mile road race and associated Fun Run.  The fast and flat 5 mile course consisted of two laps, which covered the town centre streets and a small section in the Ecos Park.

Despite the earlier rain, conditions were perfect when the athletes took to the start line. As the town’s newly appointed mayor sounded the starting horn, three men immediately took up prominent positions at the front; these were Keith Shiels (Foyle Valley AC), Richard Johnston (City of Derry AC) and Jarleth Falls (Ballymena & Antrim AC).

By half way, it was Keith who had managed to put a gap between himself and Richard, who in turn had Jarleth on his tail.  The chasing pack was made up of Paul O’Callaghan (Sperrin Harriers), Matthew McCooke (Ballymena Runners), Eoin McQuillan (North Belfast Harriers), Craig Hutchinson (Larne AC), Mark McKinstry (North Belfast Harriers), Michael Bennett (Ballymena Runners) and Glenn Donnelly (Sperrin Harriers).  Gemma Turley (Springwell Running Club) and Cathy McCourt (North Belfast Harriers) went through 2.5 miles together, setting things up nicely for an exciting finish in the ladies race.  Meanwhile, Karen McLaughlin (Springwell Running Club), Geraldine Quigley (Larne AC), Ciara Toner (Springwell Running Club) and Sonia Knox (Springwell Running Club) were battling it out for the final ladies podium place.

As the crowds made their way from the half way view point to the nearby finish, they had the opportunity of watching young North Belfast Harriers’ star Conor McQuillan win the Fun Run in 14:52.  It wasn’t long before the first of the ‘main event’ runners came into view, this turned out to be the ever impressive Keith Shiels, who sped down the finishing straight to break the tape in 25:21, a time not far off his current personal best of 25:09.  Another man in top form, Richard Johnston was next to finish, claiming 2nd place in 25:33; local man Jarleth Falls took 3rd place in 26:41.

As the runners continued to stream towards the finish, with many claiming excellent new personal bests; loud cheers indicated the arrival of the leading lady, Gemma Turley.  Gemma made it three wins from three outings (following wins at the Jengana 10k and Maghera 10k) when she crossed the line in 31:11.  Cathy McCourt followed close behind in 2nd place, clocking 31:20, while Ballymena based Larne AC lady Geraldine Quigley (3rd place – 32:24) was rewarded for an excellent second half with a well-deserved podium finish.

Top 3 Men:  1st Keith Shiels (Foyle Valley AC) – 25:21, 2nd Richard Johnston (City of Derry AC) – 25:33, 3rd Jarleth Falls (Ballymena & Antrim AC) – 26:41

Top 3 Ladies:  1st Gemma Turley (Springwell Runners) – 31:11, 2nd Cathy McCourt (North Belfast Harriers) – 31:20, 3rd Geraldine Quigley (Larne AC) – 32:24

Full Results:  Fairhill 5 (mile) Road Race 2013 Results

North Down AC Open Track & Field Meet 2:

On Tuesday 4th June 2013, North Down AC hosted the second of their summer ‘Open’ Track & Field meetings at the Bangor Sportsplex in County Down. The meetings attract a good mixture of Junior and Senior athletes and always provides and exciting night of racing.

In the ladies 200m event, U-15 athlete Saskia Greer (North Down AC) won Race 1 in 27.84secs, with Willowfield Harriers’ Georgia Hamill (30.58secs) winning the U-13 category. Race 2 saw Nicola Moorehead (Lagan Valley AC) claim victory in 27.41secs, while Willowfield Harriers’ Joanna Wright (30.81secs) and Orangegrove AC’s Emma Smith (31.40secs) were first home in their respective U-15 and Vet35 categories.

Andrew Wright continued an excellent night for Willowfield Harriers, with a win in the men’s 200m Race 1, after recording 24.67secs. North Down AC’s Oliver Wakefield (25.03secs) took the U-15 category prize. In Race 2, Kenny Elliot (North Down AC) led the field home in 22.50secs, with his club mate Roger Sexton (23.79secs), Ballymena & Antrim AC’s Philip McKinney (25.79secs) and Annadale Striders’ Mark Wright (26.63secs) winning the Vet40, Vet35 and Vet45 categories.

The ladies 3000m was won by local lady Stephanie Hambling (11:37.08); Willowfield Harriers duo Sophie Rea (11:45.64) and Jessica Scott (12:12.40) followed in 2nd place and 3rd place, this secured the U-15 title for Sophie and the U-13 for Jessica. North Down AC celebrated an excellent double 3000m win when James Budde continued his good track form by sealing a well-deserved victory in 9:14.71. North Belfast Harriers’ Conor Curran returned from a chest infection to claim 2nd place in 9:24.75, this was enough to secure top spot in the Vet35 category; before Brian Barron completed the top three in 9:51.62 and with it, the U-23 prize. Willowfield Harriers Amando Bamisile (10:14.36) won the U-17 category, while Ballydrain Harriers’ Ryan Andrews (10:34.95) took the U-20 equivalent. East Down AC pair Stephen McCartan (11:16.60) and Peter Morgan (11:17.95) were victorious in their Vet50 and Vet40 age groups.

U-13 Mollie Brown (North Down AC) sealed victory in the girls 800m race, clocking 2:34.52 for the distance, before Willowfield Harriers’ Sophie Rea claimed her second U-15 category win of the night in 2:41.76. The ‘mixed’ 800m race brought a host of talent to the track, with Fionbarr Toolan (Balmoral Harriers) crossing the line first in 2:04.48. Paul O’Neill (Lagan Valley AC) followed in 2:04.49, taking the U-20 category; young U-17 man Oisin O’Callaghan (Newry AC) completed an excellent week, which saw him finish on the podium at the All Ireland Schools, with a 3rd place finish and a category victory in 2:06.09. Unattached athlete Lee Maginnis (2:07:41) won the Vet35 category, finishing just ahead of Annadale Striders’ Mark Wright (2:07.63) who collected the Vet45 prize. Rachel Gibson (North Down AC) won the ladies race in 2:18.95, while Craig McMeechan (North Down AC) claimed the U-15 title in 2:23.66.

The 400m event brought two ‘mixed’ category races, with Strabane Triathlon Club’s Conor McLaughlin (50.49secs) leading the field home and Andrew Wright (Willowfield Harriers) winning the U-20 category in 53.02secs. Male Open, U-20, Vet35 and Vet40 categories were all represented in Race 2, with Vet40 Roger Sexton (North Down AC) winning in 54.96secs. Ballymena & Antrim AC’s Philip McKinney (Vet35) crossed the line in 56.25secs, while Unattached athlete Michael Kelly (Male Open) broke the beam in 57.63secs. U-17 man Craig McDermid (North Down AC) completed the category winners when he finished in 63.46secs.

The next ‘Open’ meet of the series is to be held on Tuesday 30th July 2013, this will once again take place at the Bangor Sportsplex. Please visit the North Down AC website for full details.

Full Results: North Down AC ‘Open Graded’ Meet (2) 2013 Results

On Monday 3rd June 2013, well over one hundred runners turned out for the Ballinamallard 5k and 10k road races, organised as part of the village’s week long annual festival.  

In warm and sunny conditions, Northern Ireland international cross country runner, Helen Stockdale (Clones AC) continued her return to action with an impressive display in the 5k race.  Helen, who has been out through illness, led the entire field home in 20:28 to win.  This was Helen’s second race win in four days, after she won the Donegal 5k road race last Friday (31st May 2013) evening.  Ryan Armstrong (Unattached) followed in 21:25, winning the male race by a mere one second ahead of Craig Humes (Unattached), who crossed the line in 21:26 (2nd place).  Ciaran McCaffrey (Unattached) completed the top three men in 22:40 (3rd place).  Unattached athletes Rita Reid (32:30) and Joanne O’Donnell (33:19) took 2nd place and 3rd place respectively in the ladies 5k.

In the 10k race, Enniskillen Running Club’s Stephen Prentice followed on from his recent win at the Jengana 10k with another victory.  Stephen showed his class, breaking the tape in 34:45, over two minutes ahead of his nearest rival; Adam Cooke (Enniskillen Running Club), who took 2nd place in 36:58.  Omagh Harriers’ Derek Somerville claimed the final podium place in 38:37.  Denise Toner (Clones AC) was just as dominating in the ladies category, sealing victory in 40:33. Ever improving Tara Malone (Enniskillen Running Club) completed the course in 42:33 (2nd place), while Mary Rutledge (Enniskillen Running Club) finished in 46:07 (3rd place).

5k Race:

Top 3 Men:  1st Ryan Armstrong (Unattached) – 21:25, 2nd Craig Humes (Unattached) – 21:26, 3rd Ciaran McCaffrey (Unattached) – 22:40

Top 3 Ladies:  1st Helen Stockdale (Clones AC) – 20:28, 2nd Rita Reid (Unattached) – 32:30, 3rd Joanne O’Donnell (Unattached) – 33:19

10k Race:

Top 3 Men:  1st Stephen Prentice (Enniskillen Running Club) – 34:45, 2nd Adam Cooke (Enniskillen Running Club) – 36:58, 3rd Derek Somerville (Omagh Harriers) – 38:37

Top 3 Ladies:  1st Denise Toner (Clones AC) – 40:33, 2nd Tara Malone (Enniskillen Running Club) – 42:33, 3rd Mary Rutledge (Enniskillen Running Club) – 46:07

Full Results:  Ballinamallard 5k and 10k Road Race 2013 Results

Woodman, Stockdale and McCafferty on the podium, while McManus and Curran completes 86.96km race:

Over the weekend, Northern Ireland runners have been in competition outside the province; at the Comrades Ultra Marathon in South Africa, the Svalbard Turn Spitbergen Marathon (and Half Marathon) in Norway and also the Donegal 5k in Ireland.

On Sunday 2nd June 2013, John McManus (Larne AC) and Joanne Curran (BARF) took on the notorious Comrades Ultra-Marathon in South Africa, a hilly race which covers the 86.96km journey between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.  Each year, the event start and finish points switch, meaning that some years it’s an uphill course (if it starts in Durban) and the next year it’s a downhill course (if it starts in Pietermaritzburg). On this occasion, John and Joanne faced the uphill route.  Despite this, both covered the gruelling distance in very credible times; Joanne crossed the line in 10:26:48 and John finished in 10:50:24.  The race, which attracted 15,000 competitors, was won by South African runner Claude Moshiywa in 5:32:09.  This was the first time in 21 years that a local athlete has won the ‘uphill’ course.  The ladies race was won by Elena Nurgalieva (Russia) in 6:27:09.  Interestingly, Elena's twin sister Olesya took 2nd place in the ladies race, fnishing just under a minute behind in 6:28:07

On Saturday 1st June 2013, Orangegrove AC athletes Paul Woodman and Joy McAleer completed the Svalbard Turn Spitbergen Marathon and Half Marathon, with both achieving excellent finishing positions.  In tough conditions, Paul covered the 26.2m route in 3:02:30, securing a very well-deserved 2nd place behind race winner Manu Kapuppila (Finland), who recorded 2:47:05.  The ladies category was won by Hilde Solland Plassen (Norway) in 3:11:17.  Joy crossed the Half Marathon finish line in 2:04:13, claiming 6th place in the ladies race.  This was won by Mia Emaneulsson (Sweden) in 1:54:19.  The men’s category was won by Rolf Traberg (Denmark) in 1:24:32.

A little closer to home, on Friday 31st May 2013, Northern Ireland lady Helen Stockdale (Clones AC) returned from a long period on the side-lines to win the Donegal 5k (ladies category) in 19:11.  In the men’s race, City of Derry AC’s Paul McCafferty picked up a podium place when he finished in 16:32 (3rd place). Paul was followed across the line by Omagh Harriers trio Martin Cox (4th place – 16:44), Ciaran Collins (7th Place 17:13) and Brendan Collins (8th place – 17:22).  The men’s race was won by Gerard Gallagher (Finn Valley AC) in 15:41.

Full Results:  Comrades Ultra-Marathon 2013 Results - Svalbard Turn Spitbergen Marathon and Half Marathon 2013 Results – Donegal 5k 2013 Results

Tommy Hughes and Jacqui Boyle take Walled City Marathon titles:

On Sunday 2nd June 2013, thousands of athletes and spectators from all over the world descended on the 2013 City of Culture, Derry/Londonderry for the Walled City Marathon, which was organised as part of a year of celebrations in the city.  After a 28 year absence, the maiden city residents obviously appreciated the return of marathon running to the area, as they lined the streets and provided huge vocal support for each and every participant.

In perfect running conditions, nearly 1,300 runners embarked on the 26.2 mile journey, which would take them through the city centre, over the city’s three bridges and along the banks of the River Foyle before finishing in the historic Guildhall Square.  

Almost immediately, it was obvious that the race was going to be between two men; local hero Greg Roberts (City of Derry AC) and winner of the last two marathons ever to be held in Derry/Londonderry, Tommy Hughes (North Belfast Harriers).  The pair had opened up a gap of approximately one hundred metres on the remainder of the field after just one mile.  At the 6 mile point, this had increased to nearly two minutes; Pauric McKinney (Inishowen AC) followed, with a group containing James Crampsey (City of Derry AC), Eddie McEntee (Sportsworld AC), Daniel Hannigan (Lifford AC), Ryan Snodgrass (Foyle Valley AC), Conor McCarroll (Knockmany Running Club), Dermot Logue (Coolquill AC) and Brian O’Connor (Team 26.2) just behind him.  Miriam Bridge (City of Derry AC) was the comfortable leader in the ladies race, with Jacqui Boyle (Tallaght AC), Andrea Kennedy (Enniskillen Running Club), Martina McMullan (Team 26.2), Helena Dornan (Ballycastle Runners), Hannah Shields (City of Derry AC), Katherine Woods (Springwell Running Club) and Julie Doherty (Unattached) in pursuit.

As the leading men passed through the half-way point, there was still no separating Tommy and Greg, and it looked as if the pair were going to battle it out for the entire distance.  Behind, Pauric had managed to open a gap on the chasing pack, of which, some were starting to falter.  Miriam Bridge was also showing signs of tiredness at the head of the ladies field, this allowed strong running Jacqui Boyle to reduce the time between the two, with only four seconds separating the two ladies as they entered the second half.  Orla McGinnis (Springwell Running Club) and Athanasia Sevastaki (North Belfast Harriers) had worked their way through the field well, while experienced runners Helena Dornan and Hannah Shields were also looking good.

The newly constructed Peace Bridge marked the 20 mile point and the roaring crowds who watched the runners cross the iconic structure were treated to the first sight of the potential race winner, as Tommy Hughes crossed the bridge ahead of Greg Roberts, having opened up a lead of approximately 600-800 metres. As this news filtered back to the loud, atmospheric Guildhall Square finish area, it was greeted with mixed emotions, with many of Greg Roberts' followers hoping he would claw back the lost seconds, while the neutral spectators were routing for a sentimental Tommy Hughes win, which would see him complete a hat-trick of victories over the marathon distance in the city.

Further updates suggested that Tommy was increasing his lead in the final miles, this proved to be correct when the North Belfast Harriers legend entered the packed, intimate finishing straight, breaking the tape in 2:30:32 to win by almost five minutes; this sealed an incredible three Derry/Londonderry marathon wins in a row for Tommy, after he won the last two events in 1984 and 1985.  Greg Roberts completed the tough course to loud cheers from the home support, taking 2nd place in 2:35:29; Pauric McKinney claimed the final podium spot in 2:38:15, a well-deserved prize after the Inishowen AC man had run an isolated race. Another local athlete, James Crampsey battled to an excellent 4th place finish, recording 2:45:12 for the distance.  Foyle Valley AC’s Ryan Snodgrass completed the top five finishers in 2:47:12 (5th place).

The ladies race was also decided in the latter stages, when Tallaght AC’s Jacqui Boyle passed Miriam Bridge and progressively built an uncatchable lead. Jacqui crossed the line in 3:14:10 to seal an impressive victory.  Despite tiring in the second half, Martina McMullan managed to hold on to 2nd place, finishing in 3:21:47.  Orla McGinnis (3:22:03) was rewarded for her excellent display of disciplined running and notable negative split with a massive twenty three minute personal best, this secured 3rd place for the exhausted but happy looking lady.  Marah Boyle (Unattached) took 4th place in 3:22:41, while Fran McFadden recorded 3:23:17 (5th place).

Top 10 Men:  1st Tommy Hughes (North Belfast Harriers) – 2:30:32, 2nd Greg Roberts (City of Derry AC) – 2:35:29, 3rd Pauric McKinney (Inishowen AC) – 2:38:15, 4th James Crampsey (City of Derry AC) – 2:45:12, 5th Ryan Snodgrass (Foyle Valley AC) – 2:47:12, 6th Daniel Hannigan (Lifford AC) – 2:48:03, 7th Dermot Logue (Coolquill AC) – 2:48:19, 8th Edward McEntee (Sportsworld AC) – 2:49:42, 9th Paul Thompson (Springwell Running Club) – 2:50:34, 10th Ciaran McGonagle (Unattached) – 2:51:24

Top 10 Ladies:  1st Jacqui Boyle (Tallaght AC) – 3:14:10, 2nd Martina McMullan (Team 26.2) – 3:21:47, 3rd Orla McGinnis (Springwell Running Club) – 3:22:03, 4th Marah Boyle (Unattached) – 3:22:41), 5th Fran McFadden (Springwell Running Club) – 3:23:17, 6th Helena Dornan (Ballycastle Runners) – 3:25:56, 7th Hannah Shields (City of Derry AC) – 3:26:15, 8th Katherine Woods (Springwell Running Club) – 3:28:03, 9th Athanasia Sevastaki (North Belfast Harriers) – 3:28:04, 10th Miriam Bridge (City of Derry AC) – 3:29:33

Full Results:  Walled City Marathon 2013 Results - We will be uploading a selection of race photo's from the Walled City Marathon, please check our 'Photo Gallery' in the coming days.  As there are so many photographs, they will more than likely be uploaded in stages.

All Ireland titles for Robb, McGuckian and Marrs as NI runners impress in Tullamore:

On Saturday 1st June 2013, a large number of Northern Ireland’s future running stars travelled to the Woodies All Ireland Schools Track & Field Championships in Tullamore, Ireland to represent their respective schools.  Whilst their more senior friends were clocking personal bests and Commonwealth Games qualifying times, the up and coming youngsters showed that the future of athletics in Northern Ireland is bright, with some excellent performances.  

Junior Section:

Rebecca Douglas (Huntershouse Belfast) took silver in the girls 800m final, after clocking 2:20.29 to finish just behind race winner Stephanie Cotter (Coachford College).  Ballyclare High School’s Emma Hutchinson (4:59.10) missed a podium place when she finished in 4th place, in the girls 1500m event; a race won by Siobhan O’Flaherty (St Leos Carlow) in 4:41:00.  The Friends’ School (Lisburn) 4x100m relay team collected bronze medals after crossing the line in 52.54secs (3rd place), Methodist College, Belfast recorded 53.32secs to finish in 6th place.  The race was won by St Marys Newport in 51.42secs.

Ciaran Barnes (Belfast High School) impressed in the boy’s 200m final, covering the distance in 24.18secs to claim 3rd place.  The race was won by Jack Manning (St Kierans School) in 23.60secs.  In the boy’s 1500m race, St Marys Belfast student Conor Magee (4th place - 4:19.98) finished just outside the medals, as Fearghal Cartin (Midleton CBS) romped to victory in 4:12.98.  Matthew Dalton (Belfast Royal Academy) and Cameron Kelly (Methodist College) both ran well in the very competitive boy’s 80m hurdles race; Matthew took 2nd place in 11.56secs, with Cameron clocking 12.17secs to take 6th place.  Talented Thurles CBS athlete Daniel Ryan won in 11.50secs.  In the boy’s 4x100m relay, Belfast High School (47.80secs) and Coleraine AI (48.20secs) finished in 4th place and 5th place respectively, with Newbridge College winning in 46.10secs.

Intermediate Section:

Ballymena Academy’s Roseanna McGuickian (also of City of Lisburn AC) achieved an excellent double, winning the 200m (24.54secs) and 300m (39.40secs) races; incidentally, the record for the 300m race is held by Lagan Valley AC’s Katie Kirk, who ran 38.55secs for Sullivan Upper in 2010.  Another young lady attached to City of Lisburn AC, but representing Strathearn College (Holywood), Megan Marrs, enjoyed a successful day; Megan won the 80m hurdles in 11.68secs and also collected a silver medal in the 100m race, after crossing the line a mere 0.04secs behind race winner Laura Ann Costello (Dunmore CS) who recorded 12.31secs.  Northern Ireland were well represented in the girls 1500m race, with Victoria College’s Ella Davis (2:21.92), Thornhill College’s Aoife Laverty (2:22.53) and Ballyclare High School’s Anna Lawther (2:27.52) taking 6th place, 7th place and 8th place respectively.  Alanna Lally (Pres Athenry) won in 2:10.84.  Glenola College (Bangor) claimed silver in the girls 4x100m relay, after completing the distance in 50.57secs.  This was just over a second behind Abbey Vocational (Donegal) who won in 49.29secs.

The Intermediate boy’s also brought home several medals, with St Malachys’ Paddy Robb producing one of the performances of the day in the boy’s 1500m race.  Paddy ran 4:14.19 to take the title, while his team mate Ronan O’Fril achieved a new personal best of 4:23.37 (10th place).  In the 400m event, St Columb’s (Derry/Londonderry) Martin McCready (50.96secs) took bronze behind Davis College athlete Brendan Array (50.25secs).  In the 800m race, St Columb’s Conor Breslin (2:01.56) just missed a podium spot when he finished in 4th place; in the same race, which was won by St Pat’s (Navan) student Brian McGrath (1:57.92), Dromore AC’s Jack McKibbon (representing Wellington College) ran a personal best of 2:02.93.  The Belfast Royal Academy 4x100m team picked up bronze medals after finishing in 45.16secs; Grosvenor Grammar, Belfast (45.55secs) claimed 5th place in the same race.  Belvedere College (Dublin) won in 44.62secs.

Senior Section:

Sacred Heart Newry athlete Aislinn Crossey (2:07.57) secured a 2nd place finish behind well-known Irish lady Siofra Cleirigh-Buttner (Col Losagain, Dublin), who won the girls 800m race in 2:03.81.  Up and coming Ballyclare HS lady, Yasmin Wilson, took on the 1500m and 3000m races; Yasmin clocked 4:57.70 (5th place) in the 1500m event, won by Crescent CC’s Jessica Coyne in 4:49.20.  In the 3000m race, Yasmin put in an excellent performance to win a silver medal, recording 10:36.11 for the distance.  The race, which was won by Soifra Ni Mhaolmhuire (Col Losoagain, Dublin) in 10:25.24, also included Sacred Heart Omagh student Sara Moore (4th place – 10:55.41).  

Clare Robinson (Regent House) continued the NI medal haul with a silver in the girls 100m hurdles, finishing in 15.85secs behind winner Lily Ann O’Hara (Crescent CC), who crossed the line in 15.35secs.  In the girls 4x100m relay, Grosvenor Grammar (50.74secs) and Thornhill College (52.70secs) took 2nd place and 4th place respectively.  The relay was won by Loreto Letterkenny in 50.50secs.  Sacred Heart Omagh’s Toni Moore (3rd place - 5:30.75) and Caelinn McQuoid (8th place – 5:56.98), and ML Enniskillen’s Edel Monoghan (5th place - 5:38.55) all achieved sub 6 minute times in the U-16 girls Mile, which was won by Ballinrobe CS’ Aisling Joyce in 5:16.87.

Mark McGarvey (St Josephs, Derry/Londonderry) made sure the senior boy’s continued the success of the senior girls, when he won bronze in the 110m hurdles.  Mark ran 14.95secs, finishing  just behind race winner Garvhan McKenna (Beechill, Monaghan) who crossed the line in 14.79secs.  Belfast Royal Academy’s Alan Curtis and St Columb’s Andrew Bolster lined up in the 400m hurdles, with Alan taking 3rd place in 57.12secs and Andrew claiming 5th place in 60.61secs.  The race was won by Midleton CBS’s Daniel Colbert in 54.83secs.  In an epic 100m final, Methodist College’s Paddy Colhoun ran 11.00secs to secure a silver medal, Marcus Lawler (CBS Carlow) won in 10.59secs.  

Grosvenor Grammar’s Andrew Wright has been in good form recently, and lined up in the 800m and 1500m races.  In the 800m, Andrew was joined by Sullivan Upper’s Conall Kirk.  Andrew clocked 1:55.48 (5th place), while Conall crossed the line in 2:02.39 (8th place).  The race was won by Sean Tobin (HS Clonmel) in 1:50.65.  Talented Irish XC star Sean Tobin again beat the NI men in the 1500m race, Andrew Wright ran 4:05.76 for 4th place, while C&P Ballycastle student Conor Christie and St Malachys’ Conor Gallagher recorded 4:10.25 (7th place) and 4:10.68 (8th place) respectively.  Ryan Sharkey (Methodist College) smashed his personal best in the 5,000m race, won by Ian Guiden (St Aidens CBS) in 15:15.60.  Ryan ran 16:02.25 (5th place); Maxi Walmsley Pledl also toed the line in this race, he finished in 16:05.25 (6th place).  In the senior 4x100m relay, Bangor Grammar (44.25secs) and Methodist College (44.29secs) took 2nd place and 3rd place behind winners CBS Carlow (43.26secs).  Oisin O’Callaghan (Abbey CBS Newry) completed an excellent day for NI runners, with a 3rd place finish in the U-16 boy’s Mile.  Oisin covered the classic distance in 4:44.97, with St Malachys’ Darryl McNicholl (5th place – 4:53.86) just behind.  Jack O’Leary (Clongowes Wood) won the race in 4:41.42.

IMC races at All Ireland Schools:

In the men’s 800m race, City of Derry AC athlete Pajo Hamilton claimed 3rd place after recording 1:54.91.  The race was won by Darragh Lynch (Ennis Track Club) in 1:53.93.  Gareth Hill (Ballymena & Antrim AC) and Michael McKillop (St Malachy’s AC) both lined up in the 1500m race, which was won by John Coughlan (MSB AC) in 3:47.63.  Gareth (3:53:32) ran his second quickest time for the distance this year, to take 5th place; while Paralympic hero Michael ran 4:11.38 (12th place).

Full Results:  Woodies All Ireland Schools T&F Championships 2013 Results – IMC 800m and 1500m (at the Irish Schools, Tullamore 2013) Results

Northern Ireland athletes produce outstanding performances in England, Belgium and Switzerland:

On Saturday 1st June 2013, a number of Northern Ireland based runners were in competition at the Flanders International Track & Field Meeting in Belgium, the BMC Sport City Grand Prix in England and the Meeting International de Geneve in Switzerland, with personal bests being the order of the day. 

At the Flanders International Track & Field Meeting in Ooredgem, Belgium; the highlight of the day and possibly the weekend, was a fantastic performance by Jason Harvey (Crusaders AC), who not only smashed his 400m hurdles personal best, but in doing so, the popular athlete achieved a Commonwealth Games qualifying standard.  Jason clocked an excellent 50.27secs for the distance, taking 0.38secs off his previous best of 50.65secs. The race was won by South African athlete LJ Van Zyl in 49:83secs.

Conor Bradley (City of Derry AC) continued his amazing run of form, which has included a 4:02.67 mile effort earlier in the year; the City of Derry Spartan crossed the line in 3:45.19 to take 4th place, this was two seconds quicker than he ran for the same distance last weekend (in Greystones, Ireland).  The race was won by James Brewer (Cheltenham AC) in 3:41.22.

Another athlete who has been in top form recently, Kerry Harty (Newcastle AC) needed hospital treatment after she took a nasty knock caused be a faulty barrier in her 3,000m steeplechase; despite this, Kerry managed to finish the race in 10:26.60 (5th place).  The race was won by Fabienne Schlumpf (Switzerland) in 9:48.45.  Incidentally, the men's steeplechase was cancelled because of the dangerous barrier.  Curtis Woods (Lagan Valley AC) continued his consistent start to the season, with a 48.67secs (6th place) clocking in the 400m race, which was won by local athlete Seppe Thys (Belgium) in 47.06secs.  Ben Maze (Lagan Valley AC) paced the 800m event and covered 400m in 48.55secs.  Christine McMahon (Ballymena & Antrim AC) was in the line-up for the 400m hurdles, but unfortunately, is listed as DNF on the results.

In England, at least six Northern Ireland runners were in competition at the BMC Sport City Track & Field Meeting in Manchester.  Stephen Scullion (Clonliffe Harriers/North Belfast Harriers) and Eddie McGinley (Annadale Striders) both lined up in the 5,000m ‘A’ race.  Stephen achieved an excellent podium place, recording a massive new personal best of 13:58.55 to take 3rd place.  Eddie also enjoyed an outstanding run, crossing the line in a new personal best of 14:07.60 (11th place).  The race was won by Jonathan Taylor (Morpeth AC) in 13:55.80.

In an extremely close 5,000m ‘C’ race; Newcastle AC’s European Junior XC star Eoghan Totten (14:52.82) finished in 3rd place.  The race was won by Victoria Park - City of Glasgow AC man Sean Fontana in 14:46.88.  In the 5,000m ‘B’ race, Andrew Agnew (Annadale Striders) was a prominent figure at the front and was looking like a possible winner, until Brighton & Hove AC athlete William Gray surged clear to win in 14:25.15.  Andrew finished with a seasons best time of 14:27.34.

Mark Patterson (North Down AC) and Steven Morrow (Ballymena & Antrim AC) lined up in the 800m 'C' and 'D' races respectively.  Mark produced a seasons best time of 1:52.17 to claim 2nd place behind race winner Greame Oudley (Dundee University), who ran 1:51.82.  Steven completed the distance in 1:55.65 (9th place).  His race was won by Luke Betts (Sale Harriers) in 1:52.24.

Dean Adams (Ballymena & Antrim AC) found himself on a world class 100m start list at the Meeting International de Geneve in Switzerland.  Names such as Dwaine Chambers, Craig Pickering and Conrad Williams were included in the seven heats.  Dean lined up against the well-known Team GB athlete Conrad Williams, who is coached by Linford Christie, in Heat 5 and just missed qualification for the final after running 10.94secs; just 0.04secs off the required standard. The heat was won by the aforemention Conrad Williams in 10.75secs, but the overall 100m competition was won by Joel Fearon (Loughborough University) in 10.24secs.

Full Results:  Flanders International T&F Meeting 2013 Results – BMC Sport City Grand Prix 2013 Results - Meeting International de Geneve 2013 Results

*Note* On Monday 3rd June 2013, we will also upload a separate summary in relation to the All Ireland Schools Track & Field Championships (including the IMC races), which took place in Tullamore (Ireland) today (Saturday 1st June 2013).  At present, we can tell you that St Malachy AC’s Paddy Robb picked up the Inter-Boys 1500m title, while his club mates Ronan O’Friil and Conor Gallagher enjoyed new personal bests over the same distance.

One Hour Live 'Injury Clinic' on Thursday 6th June 2013 - 8.15pm to 9.15pm:

Recently, NiRunning (Northern Ireland Running) announced the forthcoming introduction of the Physio Room @ NiRunning and our exciting new partnership with highly respected physiotherapy and sports injury practice, Apex Clinic (www.apexclinic.co.uk).

We are now in a position to advise you further on what this exciting new partnership and related Physio Room and Injury Clinic will bring to the NiRunning website.  On the first Thursday of every month from 8.15pm to 9.15pm, starting on Thursday 6th June 2013 an experienced physiotherapist from Apex Clinic will host an ‘Injury Clinic’ on our facebook page.  During this one hour ‘live’ chat, runners will have the opportunity to ask questions relating to running injuries, injury prevention and recovery.

As well as this, Apex Clinic will provide a monthly article (around the middle of each month) within our ‘Physio Room’ page, which will be located under the ‘More’ menu on the website.  This article will focus on running related matters and will include current, interesting and topical content covering anything from injury prevention to the findings regarding the latest running products on the market.

The addition of the Physio Room and ‘live’ Injury Clinic is something we are extremely proud of, as we truly believe that it will benefit the running community in Northern Ireland.  We would really appreciate your support and/or feedback in relation to both.