Rathlin Run
In the ladies race at our Rathlin Run 5k, it was a Ballymena Runners clean sweep of the podium - Naomi Hutchinson lead the way in 1st place. Just behind, club teammate Emma Lamberton took 2nd place. Noleen McKillop completed the podium in 3rd place.
Joshua Blair of Ballymena Runners won the men’s title with Gary Patterson (Glenlough RC) taking 2nd place and Donal Ryan (Unattached) claiming 3rd place!
Emma, Naomi and Noleen
Scrabo Hill Race
On Thursday 21st August, the 11th and penultimate round of the Northern Ireland Mountain Running Association NIMRA Championship took place in Newtownards at the iconic Scrabo Tower.
This race, classed as a NIMRA short, covered 4 miles (6.4 km) with 1,100 feet (335 m) of climbing. Competitors tackled two figure-of-eight laps around the woods and slopes beneath Scrabo Tower. The fast and technical course was made all the more memorable by stunning views across the Ards Peninsula.
Ballymena Runners fielded four athletes: Mark Alexander, Nigel McClintock, James McLornan, and Jimmy Graham. All performed strongly, with Mark winning his age category.
Thanks to Andrew and Ballydrain Harriers for delivering another fantastic Scrabo race.
Mark, Nigel, James and Jimmy.
Portrush 5 Miler –
The first race of a packed weekend saw 4 brilliant Ballymena Runners take on the hilly & scenic Portrush 5 Miler . Starting along the West Strand promenade, the route winds past golf courses and caravan parks before the turnaround at Amici – and that tough climb back into town .
Huge congratulations to our fab four on their strong runs!
Dale Kirkwood – 30:31
Daniel McClelland – 35:53
Lynsey Robb – 36:42
Alison Foster – 38:15
Well done team – a fantastic start to the weekend’s racing!
Daniel, Alison, Dale and Lynsey
McCooke 5K XC
On a lovely Sunday morning surrounded by sunflowers, the inaugural McCooke 5k cross country took place, in memory of two running greats Steve (GB Olympian 1948) and Charlie McCooke .
Three Ballymena Runners took on the two lap undulating, multi-terrain course of the limepark playing fields in Armoy, where each week they host the weekly parkrun. Kieran Scullion finished as overall winner with Francis McGuigan and Claire Martin both having strong runs.
Thank you to the Armoy community for such a well organised friendly event with great refreshments on offer at the finish line for all competitors.
Broughshane 5‑Mile Race Delivers Community Spirit and Sporting Excellence
The annual Broughshane 5‑Mile Race reached full capacity on Monday, with 480 runners taking to the village roads in collaboration with the Broughshane Community Association. Under perfect summer skies, spectators lined the streets, creating an electric atmosphere that celebrated both sport and community.
After crossing the finish line, participants were welcomed by Ballymena Runners for a post‑race barbecue and presented with sustainable, zero‑waste medals – a fitting tribute to the event’s eco‑friendly ethos.
Top Finishers – Men
1st: Neil Silence – 27:02
2nd: Chris Hopkins – 28:05
3rd: James Hamilton – 28:17
Top Finishers – Women
1st: Kerry Bamber – 31:34
2nd: Karen Wilton – 31:34
3rd: Laura Wylie – 32:39
Congratulations go to all who took part in this showcase of athletic achievement and community togetherness.
Neil, Chris and James at Broughshane 5 mile race