Valerie’s first XC, News from Ballydrain Harriers

Thirty runners from Ballydrain Harriers took part in the Mathieson Cup cross country race on Sunday 12th January.  This race, which is part of the league was held at Mallusk Playing Fields and was hosted by the Mallusk Harriers.  It was a perfect day for cross country, the sun was shining and the rain from the previous day had made the ground sticky enough for competitive racing.

The Ladies/Male Veteran race was a 6km race which was three laps of the playing fields. There were 16 female Ballydrain Harriers out of a field of 209 runners. The overall winner was Karen Wilton from Jog Lisburn running club in a super time of 23 minutes 50 seconds. The first across the line for Ballydrain was Alison Stocks in an incredible 25:06, the second harrier was Denise Logue in 25:18 and third was Amanda Perry in 25:25.

There was an excellent representation from all the training groups in the Ballydrain Harriers. Special mention should go this week to Valerie Gibson who completed her first cross country in 41:02 and to Norman Mawhinney who won the Male Veterans in 25:14.

The Mens race was 4 laps and 8 km long. There were 14 male Ballydrain Harriers out of a field of 206 runners. Mark McKinstry from North Belfast Harriers was the overall winner in 26minutes 41seconds. The first Ballydrain Harrier home was Matthew Carville in 29:22. Matthew also finished 3rd in the Male Junior Category.

Second home for the club was Michael Barton in 33:07 and third was Ballydrain Captain Drew Fowler in 33:20. Full race results are available from nirunning.co.uk.  New members are welcome to the Ballydrain Harriers. The training nights are Tuesdays and Thursdays, meeting at 715pm at the North Down Cricket Club in Comber.

Richard McAlpin, running for Ballydrain Harriers

Michael Barton in action

Matthew Carville, 3rd Male Junior overall. (2nd right)

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