Acorns AC take on Killarney Half Marathon

Sharon Eastwood, John Knocker, Mary Devlin, Rosemary Hargan, Kevin Loughran who took part in the Killarney half marathon and 10k

The various race distances took place on Saturday around the National Park and Muckross House, and with several hundred runners taking part, plus the usual hive of tourists, the atmosphere in Killarney was superb.

The Half Marathon got underway at 8.45am, and the weather conditions were ideal as the several hundred runners made their way to the start line.

John Knocker was the first of the team home in an excellent time of 1:41, followed by Rosemary Hargan in 1:47 and Mary Devlin followed with a great finish in 1:48.

Kevin Loughran crossed the line in 1:54 and not far behind was Sharon Eastwood in 1:58. Brilliant running by everyone involved with sub 2 hour finishes for all of the team.

The 10k distance got underway at 10.30am, with 3 members taking part. Francis Purvis took a break from the busy club training schedule and was up for the 10k task.

Trevor Dallas, who is making a comeback from injury, was also in action. Bus Driver for the weekend, and fellow Acorn Fergal Mulgrew had brought the trainers along and got stuck in to cover the 6.2 mile distance.

The lads all had a good steady run with Fergal finishing in 47:32, and then Francie and Trevor crossed the line in 56:14.

Full Results as follows:-

Half Marathon- Mary Devlin 1.48; Sharon Eastwood 1.58; Kevin Loughran 1.54; Rosemary Hargan 1.47; John Knocker 1.41.

10k- Francis Purvis 56.14; Trevor Dallas 56.14; Fergal Mulgrew 47.32.

Dervock Half Marathon – Ollie (Warrior) Murphy took part in this race on Saturday and again put in a top performance finishing in 1:33.

Parkrun results- Cookstown – full results were not available for press. Darrell McKee 17:11; Roger McLean 20:06. Portrush- Gary McGuckin 22:30.

Race Calendar: Milk Run 5 Mile – Friday 25th July at 7.30pm; Divis 10k – Saturday 26th at 11am; Cookstown Half Marathon – Sunday 27th July at Midday.

On Tuesday 5th August the club is planning a group training session at Portstewart. If you are free to attend please contact Francis Purvis.

If you wish for your results to be reported in our weekly press coverage, then please send the details to Gary McGuckin.

Training takes place in Magherafelt at Meadow Bank Sports Arena running track on a Monday at 7pm, and a Wednesday at 7.30pm.

Cookstown training takes place at MUSA on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s at 6.30pm.

We welcome ALL newcomers, please speak to the following people, who will help you with your enquiries:- Cookstown contact: Glenn Donnelly and Trevor Dallas; Magherafelt contact: Francis Purvis.