Last weekend, saw County Antrim Harriers travelling far and wide to take part in off-road races! On Saturday (19th October), fourteen members (5 tackling the distance for the first time) headed to County Down to take in the 10th running of the popular GR8 Dundrum Run. This 8 mile multi-terrain race, has stunning views and covers road, trail, sand, and boardwalk. Conditions at the start were wet but the appearance of sunshine and the promise of a rainbow buoyed everyone’s spirits! And the lovely post-race spread was appreciated by all. Johnny Loughhead was first home, quickly followed by Alison Henderson (distance debut), Carol Annesley, Hayley Lowry, and Emma and Barbara Beattie who crossed the line together in their distance debuts. Also running well were Ally Bennett, Rhoda Campbell (Distance Debut), Brenda Kerr (distance Debut), the trio of Alison Loughhead, Shelley White, and Karen Haddock, and Kim Gleave and Marion Morrow.
Saturday also saw the Club start their Cross County season, with eight members swapping road shoes for spikes to take part in the Comber Cup hosted by Ballydrain Harriers. Special mention to Karen Wilson, Suzanne Dickey, Margaret Beattie, Sean Pagel and Sam Dunlop on their cross country baptism of mud. Also running were Natasha Hewitt, Wendy Forsythe and Ruth Morrison. The 2k looped course was “proper” cross country – muddy, hilly and challenging! However, the ladies put in strong performances over 6k (with Wendy claiming first in her age-group); and the men gave their all over 8k … and all stayed upright. Well done all.
