The Magnificent 7 Run Rathlin
Saturday saw 7 hardy souls take on the Rathlin Run - probably the most stunning and tough 10 mile road race in the calendar.
First ashore were Peter, Francis and Harry. The fast boat crossing was more like a roller coaster that had us laughing and screaming - faster , faster!
Having survived the crossing, and a dive bombing by a local seagull, we began our warm up with a big fry and established a bridgehead in the pub.
We watched as more and more arrived on boats and ferries and spent ages chatting with friends from Springwell.
Noleen, Johnny, Jonathan and Davy arrived in the second and third waves ashore.
The magnificent 7 was assembled and good to go. The sun shone. We were ready for a full on 10 miles of everything Rathlin could throw at us.
There’s no denying this is a hilly course. But we all did brilliantly. Johnny was first home closely followed by Davy, Noleen, Harry, Francis, Peter and Jonathan.
No prizes but we had earned a suitable reward in McCuaigs afterwards. It was a great day out and a really well organised race. Thanks to the organisers and our friends from Ballycastle Runners for their hospitality after the race.
BRAC at the Rathlin 10 mile run
'The Two Towers' Mountain Race - NIIMRA Championship!
On Saturday (25 August) James McLornan was the sole Ballymena Runner who travelled to the Mournes to compete in the next and final race of the Northern Ireland Mountain Running (NIMRA) 2023 Championships - 'The Two Towers'.
This race, superbly promoted by Mourne Runners, saw athletes compete over 7.5 miles and climb 3,000 feet.
This NIMRA 'medium race', a new mountain race in the Mournes, saw athletes start in the Happy Valley and run along the Ulster Way and Trassey Track to Slievenaglogh, Commedagh Tower, Hare’s Gap, Meelmore Tower before returning to the Happy Valley.
Well done to James who comtinues to perform strongly in this year's mountain running season.
Finally, thank you to Mourne Runners for a great race and to all the course marshals and supporters.
James McLornan
Portrush 5 Miler
Conditions windy and not very summery, felt more Autumnal to Wintery.
Super racing by a strong group from BRAC Kathleen Law First Lady finishing well ahead of the ladies field.
Category Age grade winners Susanna Allen and Nena Cormican.
Good to see Ben Morrow lead the BRAC men’s team home, closely followed by Tony “express” Scullion and the ever improving Darren Walker.
Well done ladies and gents.
Kathleen - First Lady Home