'Run for Rescue' 10k Trail Race – Tollymore
A brilliant morning in Tollymore Forest Park for the annual Run for Rescue 10k trail race, supporting Mourne Mountain Rescue Team. Conditions were cool, dry, and calm with a light breeze — perfect for fast trail running.
Ballymena Runners were well represented by Jason Wilson, Nigel McClintock & Mark Alexander.
The 10k route delivered its usual mix of forest paths, short sharp climbs, techical single tracks and a fast final kilometre back toward the finish. Great effort from all three runners on a crisp winter morning.
Thanks to NIMRA for organising this fantastic race and fund raiser.
Jason Wilson, Nigel McClintock and Mark Alexander.
PBs all round in Embankment race as Ballymena Runners take on historic Seeley!
BRAC’s Ray Curran gives his round-up of local runners’ recent performance at renowned south Belfast event.
The iconic event that is the Seeley Cup 10K attracts runners from all over the country each and every year, a sure sell-out race that isn’t just one of BRAC’s target races, but also features prominently on the calendar of 10K aficionados province-wide.
Held to commemorate Joe Seeley of Willowfield Harriers, who sadly passed away at a young age, the event is one of the longest running 10Ks in Northern Ireland, the first race having taken place in January 1983.
Since that inaugural run, which incorporates the Ormeau Embankment in the south of of the city, before winding through Ormeau Park, this event has continued to attract a top class field annually, and garners the support of local running clubs all over.
And unsurprisingly, given the calibre of athletes representing BRAC, with no less than 50 Club members making the jaunt down the M2 to participate, it was a successful day all round.
Giving us an overview of the day’s proceedings, Ray said: “The Men’s Race was won by Conall McClean (Candor Track Club) in a swift 29 minutes, 15 seconds. He also led his Club to team victory.
“Hannah Gilliland from Annadale Striders won the Ladies’ Race in a super 33 minutes and 37 seconds, with her Club emerging as Team Winners.
“The Interclub Team Competition proved intense, with every finishing place battled over right to the finish line. Congratulations to our Ladies’ Team, which finished 4th club overall, thanks to Sharon Leetch (39:25), Cherith Wright (40:15), and Paula Worthington (40:16).
“Sharon also won her age category – huge congratulations to her.
“Our Men’s Team, (best six finishers to score) was led home by James Hamilton (34:17), Kieran Scullion (34:49), Mark Andrews (36:15), Tony Scullion (36:44), Ian McCracken (37:04), and Joshua Blair (38:06).
“Strong running performances by all our guys.”
Irwin Spiers Memorial XC
As Forrest Gump once remarked, "My mama always said there's an awful lot you can tell about a person by their shoes..." Could Mrs Gump have been referring to style? Possibly. Or speed? Perhaps.
But more than likely, it was in reference to character. And perhaps today's Irwin Spiers Memorial xc in Cookstown is a perfect example to illustrate what she may have meant.
On a course that boasted more mud than grass, athletes were faced with challenging uphills, slippy descents and a few nerve-wracking corners thrown in for good measure. But 19 Ballymena Runners were ready for the challenge, with Brendan Kerr valiantly leading the Men's team home and Paula Worthington leading the Ladies (and finishing 5th place overall). Great performances all round, with a determination from everyone not only to finish strong but also to remain upright.
It is fair to say that all 19 pairs of Ballymena Runners' muddy shoes told tales of grit, determination and teamwork. But there are 2 shoes in particular which deserve a special mention, notably the right shoes of Brendan Kerr and Ian McCracken which, quite literally, got stuck in the mud. And yet, despite this set-back in Lap 1, both men drove forward to finish 4 laps later in Top 20 positions.
Yes indeed, there is an awful lot you can tell about a person from their shoes.
Ladies: Paula, Nena, Lisa, Aine, Sinead, Susanna, Helen, Catherine, Brigid
Men: Paul, Thomas, Ray, William, Brendan, Ian, Tony, James, Mark, Robert
Our XC squad at Cookstown
Ballymena Runners in Málaga
A team of Ballymena Runners supported by family and friends, travelled to the beautiful city of Málaga for the weekend. With the city centre sparkling with Christmas lights, palm-lined streets, and sunshine replacing winter conditions back home, it was the perfect setting for a memorable running weekend.
The weekend kicked off on Saturday with a 5K Brunch Run, taking in the stunning sights of the harbour, seafront and marina, giving runners a chance to soak up the atmosphere of the city ahead of race day.
Sunday morning saw runners take to the start line for the Málaga Marathon and Half Marathon, following a scenic course through the city streets and along the coast, with fantastic support from spectators throughout. Results as follows:
Marathon
Darren Walker – 3:10:29
Daire Hasson – 3:16:04
Ryan Bankhead – 3:52:08
Half Marathon
Áine Hasson – 1:47:21
Peter Fleming - 1.52.13
Skye Walker – 1:54:32 (1st sub-20F)
Gemma Clyde – 1:55:33 (3rd sub-20F)
Clare McAuley – 2:25:31
Joanne Heffron – 2:36 (PB by 10 minutes)
Cathy McQuillan – 2:42
5K Brunch Run
Skye Walker, Gemma Clyde, Darren Walker, Naomi Small, Clare McAuley, Joanne Heffron
A fantastic weekend of running, teamwork, and great performances — well done to everyone involved