Sperrin Harriers have a multi-national weekend

The popular seaside town of Bundoran in County Donegal played host to a weekend of events that included a 5K on Friday (11th), a 10K and 10M run on Saturday (12th), and a cycle race on Sunday (13th). The Friday 5K run took in the coastal views around Bundoran and saw Harriers Ciara Coyle and Nicola Gillespie come home in 25:07 and 25:17 respectively. On Saturday well over 1,000 runners attended the 10M run which took place on a relatively flat course around the roads of Bundoran, concluding with a striking and somewhat hilly final mile overlooking the coast. Continuing her outstanding form from last week, where she was the first female at the Carlingford half marathon, Harrier Tanya Quinn obliterated her 10M personal best by three minutes when she recorded a time of 1:11:35, placing her within the top 10 lady runners. Patsy Hughes was next to cross the line in 1:14:21, which also marked an impressive personal best. Following were Malcolm McCullough in 1:15:14; Leon McKee in 1:16:47; Joanne Taggart in 1:17:28 and Barry O’Neill in 1:18:21. The third and fourth Sperrin ladies to complete the course were Ciara Coyle (1:23:04) and Nicola Gillespie (1:25:26), both of whom had competed in the 5K the day before. Next were Fiona Atkinson (1:33:46); Mary O’Neill (1:39:00); and congratulations to Michelle Eastwood who finished the day by completing her first 10 mile event. The 10K took place on a modified version of the 10M route, which saw both 10K and 10M participants running side by side. Taking part was Harrier Teresa Owens who finished in 65:05. RESOLUTION RUN GLASGOW GREEN This 10K event was held at Glasgow Green in the city of Glasgow to support of The Stroke Association charity. Competing on the scenic and flat course was Harrier Emma Rice who continued to show what a talent she is by finishing as 2nd lady overall. On Sunday 13th over 17,000 runners converged on the city of Barcelona for the Barcelona Marathon. Starting and finishing below the green hills of Montjuic Park in front of the Magic Fountain, the course proceeded through the city alongside many of its picturesque landmarks. Harrier Steven Fearon had a great run when he finished in 3:33:29. The East Antrim Marathon event took place on Sunday 13th around the village of Greenisland in County Antrim, on a course which consisted of two laps of the Knockagh Road and Station Road routes. Congratulations to Harriers Adrian McCreesh, Darren Warnock who chalked up his 53rd marathon on crossing the line, and Deirdre Conway who had a tremendous day, completing her 21st marathon as second lady overall. In addition to last week’s report, after an official revision of the results from the Carlingford run on the 5th of March it was found that Harrier Tanya Quinn had not only achieved a personal best of 1:36:36 but was also the first lady overall. Belated congratulations to her! The first Harrier to complete the Cookstown Parkrun course on Saturday was Paul McLaughlin with a time of 19:38. He was followed by Mark Thom (20:25), Martin Donaghy (21:06), Catherine Farley (25:00), and Kathy McKernan (29:15). Harrier Paul O’Callaghan was first overall at the Citypark Parkrun, Craigavon with a time of 17:13. He was followed by Hannah Su O’Callaghan who was fifth lady in 24:19. On Saturday Harrier Stephen McWilliams completed the course at Victoria Park in 30:09. Please assist the compilation of the weekly press report by e mailing your results to pro.sperrinharriers@gmail.com. Any member intending to participate in any upcoming race is asked to send details in advance to pro.sperrinharriers@gmail.com to ensure inclusion. UPCOMING EVENTS Thursday 17th March SPAR Craic 10K (9am) Altamuskin 5K (12 noon) St Patrick’s Day 5K Fun Run (11:30am) Saturday 19th March Washingbay Green Run Half Marathon (10am) Larne Half Marathon (11am) Sunday 20th March Jog Belfast 5K, Ormeau Park (10am) Clogher Valley 5K (10am) North Coast Marathon (8am) Junior Running Camp Sperrin Harriers’ FREE junior running camp continues on Tuesdays (6.30pm) at MUSA football courts which include flood lights and a 70m sprint track. A great way for boys and girls aged 12-18 years old to be introduced to the world of running. All abilities welcome. Train in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Weekly training takes place every Tuesday at 6:30pm in Loughry College and every Thursday night from Turkington’s car park at 6:30pm. Long run training for marathon, half marathon and 5-10 miles takes place every Sunday at 9:00am leaving from ASDA car park. Track training is also available to members every Thursday at Gortgonis Track, Coalisland at 6.30pm and every Friday at Meadowbank Sports Arena, Magherafelt at 8pm. Cross country training continues in Loughry at 12 noon on Sundays. Please remember that your safety is our first priority and high-visibility clothing should now be worn at all times. NO HIGH VISIBILITY CLOTHING, NO TRAINING. All new members are welcome whatever your current running ability.