A First Place, Cross Country Addicts And a Team af Santas at Scrabo Striders
On Saturday 14th December, Thomas Steele accompanied by his daughter Claire took on the Santa Run/walk for NI Children’s Hospice in Portavogie. Not only did they raise an impressive £1,000, Thomas came in first place running a sub 20min 5k. Well done Thomas & Claire.
Over to the fourth race of the Born to Run Series at Kilbroney , just outside Rostrevor where 12 of our most dedicated trail runners took to the start line. In the 10K race, Lesley Semple was the first strider home (52:25) followed closely by Paul Morrow (52:26). Next home were Paul McKnight (54:50) and Andrea Thompson (54:51). Completing the strider line up at this distance was Ken Rodgers just under the hour.
In the 5k of the same event, Steve McCormick and Angie Crone finished as lead striders in 35:45 followed by Kim Cochrane(38:14), Rhonda McGowan (41:49), Suzanne McVea (42:15). Covering the distance in an identical time of 47.00 were Maraied Curran and Alison Rodgers. A fantastic turn out.
On Saturday 14th the dedicated cross country runners headed to Londonderry to take part in the North West XC event. First home in purple was the man himself, Norman Mawhinney in an impressive 25:17. Unlike the remainder of the XC circuit, the ladies and the gents all ran in the same race. Norman was closely followed by Graeme McGowan (26:28), Abrar Hossain (27:18) and Marty McConnell (29:57). Just over the 30 minute mark came David Turton, Fiona McAvoy, Liz Turton, Karl Henderson and Martina Finn. The remaining dedicated runners to complete the tough xc course were Linda Dugan, Stephen Campbell and Cheryl Alexander. Huge Congratulations to everyone that took the time to represent the club. Shout out to Cheryl for the chocolate cake which was enjoyed by all and to Liz for the buns.
Congratulations to Gavin McDonnell who not only completed his 150th Parkrun, he did so in style by achieving a new PB of 27:11 at Stormont.
The last race of the week saw the Scrabo contingent head over to Crossgar to take on the annual Santa Run. The event which is hosted by Atlas running saw 6 Striders dress up in their best Christmas outfit and complete the 5K route. Again, that man Norman Mawhinney was the first to finish in 22:04 followed by Deborah Wilson in 27:08. Just over the 30 minutes came Scot Knight, Patricia Adams, David Rainey and Denise Knight. Congrats to all the santas!