(Denise Davison, Anne McClurg and Debbie Mingout at Minnowburn 10k)
The weekend running began on Saturday with the McConnell Shield XC hosted by East Antrim Harriers at Sixmilewater Park, Ballyclare. Ballydrain Harriers club stalwart John McKeag made a return visit to the event that he won 80 years ago as a young 17-year-old. John brought the medal he won to show everyone, but he decided to leave the running to the younger members of the club! Daniel Burns represented in the men’s race while Denise Logue, Claire Ingram and Amanda Perry took part in the ladies’ event. The ladies took second place in the team event, with Beechmount Harriers placing first.
John McKeag at McConnell Shield marking 80th anniversary of his win
Also on Saturday was the first in the Run Forest Run series organised by Born2Run Events, the Minnowburn 5 and 10k. This event started at Mary Peters track and took in a mixture of gravel, forest path, tarmac and plenty of hills. Five Ballydrain ladies turn out to take part in the 10k race with Debbie Mingout coming home first for the club.
Sunday saw a variety of running events. Taking on the flat, fast Decathlon 10k were four Harriers. First home for the club was Simon Moffett with a PB time of 45:23. Well done Simon. Well done also to Violet Davidson who completed her second 10k of the weekend, having taken part in the Minnowburn 10k on Saturday.
Simon Moffett heading for a 10k PB
The ‘We Run Wild NI’ marathon and half marathon were held in Carrickfergus. This was an event with a difference in that all competitors needed to navigate their way around the course using a roadbook- no marshalls, no arrows. The course consisted of trail, lanes, rural road and lots and lots of mud and floods. Richard Coey of Ballydrain finished in an excellent 3rd place in the marathon, having taken a wrong turn and covering 29 miles instead of the usual 26.2. Well done also to Colin Campbell who completed his 56th marathon and Deborah Sherlock who tackled the half.
Just down the road in Loughshore park, Jordanstown, East Antrim Marathon Series (EAMS) were holding their Halloween Frightener. Runners dressed in an assortment of costumes took part in 10k, half marathon and marathon distances. Ballydrain was represented by Donna Cleary who was first female finisher in the marathon in a time of 3:54. Well done Donna!
Ballydrain men’s captain, Drew Fowler travelled to New York for the weekend take part in the 49th New York City Marathon along with approx. 50,000 other athletes. Drew, who has been battling injury in recent weeks, managed a super 3:24:06 in this icon event. Congratulations Drew.
The prize giving took place this week for the Pure Running Half Marathon Series with super results for 3 of our club members. Amanda Perry took 1st prize in F45 category, Violet Davidson was 2nd in F60+ and William Alexander was 3rd in M40. Congratulation to all three athletes.
Violet Davidson 2nd F60+ Pure Running half marathon series
William Alexander 3rd M40 Pure Running half marathon series
