East Coast AC host Larne 10k Road Race:
Stephen Scullion (Clonliffe Harriers) and Pauline Thom (Ballymena & Antrim AC) emerged victorious as a record breaking field took on the 3rd annual Larne 10k road race, an increasingly popular event hosted by East Coast AC.
The race, which is part of the Novosco 10k Grand Prix, covered a two-lap route taking in the atmospheric Town Centre and scenic Coastline. East Coast AC welcomed players from Larne FC Ladies as special guest starters after their recent success in winning the NIWFA North League 2.
In the men’s race, international star Stephen had Laganside 10k and Storming the Castle 10k winner Ben Branagh (St Malachy’s AC) and track star Gareth Hill (Ballymena & Antrim AC) for company early on, with the trio passing through 5k in a group. Behind, Joe Malone (North Belfast Harriers), Gordy Graham (East Down AC) and Mark Smith (Mallusk Harriers) were all running well.
It wasn’t until there was approximately 1k remaining, that Stephen made what proved to be a race winning move, surging clear to secure a well-deserved victory in 32:29 (1st place) – this bettered Mark McKinstry’s course record of 32:46 from 2016.
Ben made it three podium places in as many weeks when he crossed the line in 32:52 for 2nd place. Gareth Hill completed the top three in 33:46 (3rd place).
The ladies race was just as closely contested, with Pauline Thom (Ballymena & Antrim AC), Debbie Matchett (Ballydrain Harriers), Patricia Blair (Larne AC) and Geraldine Quigley (Ballymena Runners) all contending the top places in the opening lap.
At half way, Pauline Thom led, with Debbie Matchett and Patricia Blair just behind; nothing separated Debbie and Patricia at this stage. Ballymena Runners’ Geraldine Quigley was still well within reach of the leading trio.
In the second and final lap, Pauline opened a gap on the chasing pair of Debbie and Patricia, eventually securing top honours in 41:17 (1st place). In the battle for the runners up spot, Debbie Matchett edged out Patricia Blair to claim 2nd place in 42:29. Patricia clocked 42:36 for 3rd place.
Top local prizes went the Larne AC athletes Jordan Heron and Patricia Blair, with Jordan picking up the 1st place Local Male prize after finishing in 39:36 (11th place). Patricia (3rd place – 42:36) collected the 1st place Local Female prize for her efforts in securing a podium place overall.
The Larne 10k was sponsored by Curran Court Hotel, The Autodock, CS Sports, Gmac Tyre and Autocentre, Beyond Signage LTD, Perkier Foods, Linwoods, Health Foods, White’s Oats Healthy, Food Guide UK, Maine Lemonade, Tesco and Cotswold Outdoor Belfast.
Full Results: Larne 10k 2018 Results
Note: Results for the Allstars Sports Academy sponsored Junior 800m Race will be added as soon as they are available.
