Laganside 10k Road Race 2018:

Ben Branagh (St Malachy’s AC) and Gladys Ganiel O’Neill (North Belfast Harriers) took top honours as over one thousand athletes took on the annual Laganside 10k road race in Belfast (Sunday 2nd September 2018).

The North Belfast Harriers hosted event is part of the ongoing Novosco 10k Grand Prix 2018.

Following on from his win at Storming the Castle 10k last weekend, Ben Branagh set his stall out from the off and always looked as if he would take victory.  By half way, the St Malachy’s AC man had 50 metres on the chasing pair of Conan McCaughey (North Belfast Harriers) and Tony McCambridge (St Malachy’s AC).

As the race progressed, Ben held his lead and ran out out deserved winner, crossing the line in 32:07 (1st place).  Behind, emerging athlete Vincent McKenna (QUB AC / Acorns AC) came through in impressive fashion to claim the runners up spot in a massive personal best of 32:21 (2nd place).  Conan McCaughey took 3rd place in 32:27.

It was a similar story in the ladies race, with Gladys Ganiel O’Neill (North Belfast Harriers) dominating throughout.  The Northern Ireland and Ireland international, who was in action at the European Athletics Championships last month, bettered her runners up finish at the event in 2017 when she broke the tape in 37:00 for 1st place.

Laura Bickerstaff (Dromore AC) returned to competitive action with a 38:53 finish for 2nd place, before young Beechmount Harriers athlete Sarah Lavery completed the top three in 39:20 (3rd place).

Ahead of the race, there was a huge hype around the appearance of Marathon World Record holder Paula Radcliffe. The former Sports Personality of the Year took time to speak with fans, support junior runners in their one mile event and complete the 10k in a comfortable 42:35 – Paula’s appearance was a memorable occasion for athletes both young and old.

Full Results:  Laganside 10k 2018 Results

Note:  Photo by John T Glover.