Malcolm Cup XC
Irish tradition holds that St Brigid is associated with the arrival of Spring on her feast day, 1st February. She certainly seemed to have made an appearance today, as after a week of turbulent weather the skies turned blue and the sun finally broke through.
And on this Spring day nine Ballymena Runners made the trip to Ormeau Park for today’s cross-country fixture, the Malcolm Cup. Following a week of strong winds, heavy rainfall and no fewer than two Yellow Weather Warnings, the event was approached with a fair bit of apprehension — and even some reluctance. With the football pitches in Ormeau Park completely submerged just two days earlier, expectations were low.
Thankfully, conditions proved much better than anticipated. A short opening lap lulled runners into a false sense of security, with firm ground underfoot giving early encouragement. However, the second half of the course delivered the classic cross-country test, featuring plenty of mud and soft ground to keep everyone focused.
Despite the challenges, it was a successful day out, with Paula Worthington leading the Ladies home and Joshua Blair leading the Men.
All in all, a reasonably pleasant surprise for a Sunday afternoon; it certainly could have been so much worse!
Ladies: Paula, Judith, Helen, Catherine, Brigid
Men: Joshua, John, Mark, Robert
BRAC team consisting of Paula, Judith, Helen, Catherine, Brigid, Joshua, John, Mark and Robert.
Raheny 5 mile race
With 5,000 on the start list, this year’s prestigious five-mile race once again pulled in athletes from across the country, including three from Ballymena Runners: James Hamilton, Dale Kirkwood and Peter Kealey.
Leaving a wet and blustery Ballymena behind, the trio arrived in Raheny to far friendlier conditions, with a crisp and dry window opening just in time for the starter’s horn.
All three delivered performances to be proud of. James Hamilton was first home for the club, stopping the clock at a sharp 27:47. Dale Kirkwood continued his steady return to racing form with a solid 32:20. Rounding out the team, Peter Kealey produced a superb run, slicing a remarkable two minutes from his previous best to finish in 32:35.
A strong showing all round from the Ballymena contingent.