Runher Coastal Challenge 2018:

Over 1,000 ladies descended on the North Down coastline for the the annual Runher Coastal Challenge, an event organised by Pure Running and sponsored by HOKA One One (Friday 25th May 2018).

Competitors had the option of running in one of three events, a 5k, 10k and the new half marathon – the first ladies only 13.1 mile race in Ireland.

In perfect racing conditions, North Down AC’s Fiona McQuillan had the honour of winning the first ever half marathon, making history as she crossed the line in 1:31:34 (1st place).  Gillian McCrory (St Peter’s AC) claimed the runners up prize in 1:35:53 (2nd place), with Sperrin Harriers’ Cheryl Cardwell completing the podium in 1:36:25 (3rd place).

In the 10k race, pre-race favourite Amanda Perry (Ballydrain Harriers) lived up to expectation with a comfortable win.  Amanda broke the tape in 39:59 (1st place).  Scrabo Striders athlete Catherine Cauley clocked 41:38 for 2nd place, before Julie Balmer (North Down AC) crossed the line in 44:09 (3rd place).

The 5k event was a closely contested affair, with Jodi Smith of North Down AC, edging out Lagan Valley AC’s Jenny Finlay to seal victory in 21:20 (1st place).  Jenny followed just eight seconds later in 21:28 (2nd place), while Pamela Phillips (North Down AC) claimed 3rd place in 22:33.

Podium Places:

5k Race: 

1st Jodi Smith (North Down AC) – 21:20, 2nd Jenny Finlay (Lagan Valley AC) – 21:28, 3rd Pamela Phillips (North Down AC) – 22:33