Harriers running up a storm

SEVENT Sperrin Harriers made their way to the Lisburn Half Marathon/10k, despite the world wind of weather conditions we had been having, this had turned out to be a hot Wednesday evening.

As the clock turned 6.50pm the race had began they were led by Darren Warnock, followed by Oliver Murphy, Fergal McIlroy, Jeremy Dobson, John McIlroy and Monica Mullin. The heat was relentless as the runners crawled their way up the long climb of the A1 to Hillsborough, Fergal who hadn’t been well for a few days had to back off the pace a bit and was passed by the other harriers.

At mile 6 they made a sharp left turn on to the Carnbane road, the next three hilly miles were full of twists and turns. Not much was said as the runners concentrated on breathing, a little respite at mile 9 as they turned on to the Ballynahinch road and began the downhill stretch back to Lisburn.

As they made their way through the last few miles Oliver and Monica passed John and Jeremy who were both still recovering from the Newry Marathon. First Harrier across the line was Darren in a time of 1.44.11 followed by Oliver 1.49.51, Monica 1.51.04 (P.B.), Jeremy 1.51.56, John 1.58.57 and Fergal 2.02.15, Mairead Hughes 10k 56.37. Well done to all the Harriers on completing what was a tough course in such hot conditions.

Swatragh 10K

On Friday the weather was yet again throwing us surprises with an evening more suitable for duck racing than a 10k road race, that didn’t stop the 3 harriers who braved the elements. Christopher McPeake led from start to finish with a time 34 mins, next harrier home was Colly Gallagher 5th with a time of 40 mins and new comer Niall Gallagher with PB 46 mins. Great running guys hope the trainers dried out well!

Tattreagh 5 miler

As the week began to draw in, Saturday seen the 2nd running of the Tattyreagh five miler in Omagh. Four of the harriers made there way to the event which began and finished at the Tattreagh GAC club grounds. The results are as follows Karen Alexander 30.46 (1st lady), Ryan Tranior 31.54, Pauline McGurren 32.25 (2nd Lady) and Martin Loughran 32.40. Well done a great end to the wee

5K time trial

A great turn out was had by club members on the first 5k time trial held on the track at Meadowbank Sports Arena Magherafelt last Wednesday evening. This is found to be great training especially for those planning to do up coming races, a chance to test your self on the track. The next time trial will be held on Wednesday 25th July at Meadowbank, hope to see you all there.

Club barbecue

On Thursday July 5 the club will hold its annual fun run and BBQ. The run will take place from the Rugby Club in Magherafelt at 7pm giving club members the choice to run either 1 or 2 laps (4 mile per lap) this will take place on the Magherafelt 5 mile route. The BBQ will be served following the run and changing facilities will be available for both male and female runners. Please note there will be no training at Loughry Campus on Thursday 5th July due to this.

Cookstown Classic

Sperrin Harriers will hold their Cookstown 5 mile Classic Road Race sponsored by Performance Nutrition on Friday, August 3, at Loughry Campus at 7.30pm. Just like last year there will be a Fun Run / Walk beginning at 6.30pm with registrations being taken from 5.30pm. The Fun Run / Walk is suitable for all the family both young and old making the event a prefect family evening outing and in keeping with fun element no times or placings will be recorded.

All those who complete the distance will be given a medal as a reward for their efforts. The Fun Run / Walk takes place within the confines of Loughry Campus with no traffic on the course. Entry to the Fun Run / Walk is £3.00 per person with no age restrictions.

The main event, the 5 Mile Road Race, will begin at 7.30pm with registrations being taken from 5.30pm. This race is suitable for those who have just started running and wish to test themselves over a classic road race distance or simply want to run the distance and have some fun with family and friends.

It is also suitable for seasoned runners with the course being undulating but fast therefore a quick time is guaranteed to anyone taking part. The course starts and finishes within the grounds of the campus with the majority of it out on the open quite country roads around Cookstown. Entry to the 5 Mile Road Race is £11.00 to affiliated runners and £13.00 to un- affiliated runners and the first 250 will receive a Goodie Bag kindly donated by Performance Nutrition Plus and an official Sperrin Harriers 5 Mile Classic Road Race Light Weight Technical Running T-Shirt (ideal for training or racing in).

Following both races there will be our now famous post race buffet and the presentation of prizes. Please do not rush off home as there are prizes in all age categories and just because you may not have finished in the top 3 doesn’t mean you’re not a winner. Charis Cancer Care is the chosen charity for this event with a donation of each race entry fee going to this very worth wile cause.

Training

Regular training Cookstown, Tuesday and Thursday meeting at Loughry College starting at 6.30pm and Magherafelt Monday and Wednesday, meeting at Meadowbank Sports Arena starting at 7.30pm (Monday on the road and Wednesday at the track). Beginners and new members are always welcome as we cater for all abilities, check out our website at www.sperrinharriers.co.uk or follow us on facebook or twitter!