Acorns' Bliadhan Glass victorious at Bellaghy 10k

On Saturday the annual Church Island 10k took place in Bellaghy and was based at the local football grounds. Representing Acorns AC in the 10k was the duo of Bliadhan Glass and Diarmuid O’Kane.

The two lads took control of the race from the start and collected first and second place overall. Bliadhan broke the tape in 36:53 and Diarmuid was just behind him in 37:34. In the 5k race Roisin Egan was in action and she crossed the finish in 26:47.

Also on Saturday, a large contingent of Acorns made the trip to Carrickmore for the Carmen Runners annual 10k event. This race is the first of the Acorns club championship and was well supported by the team.

Racing got underway sharp and there was top class running by everyone involved. In the 5k distance Kevin Bigmore made a return to racing and picked up second place in 19 minutes.

Amy Rose Mulligan had probably the best race of the day, when the 10-year old crossed the finish line in 21:22, a superb results for this young lady – the future is bright.

The senior 10k races got underway next and in the men’s section there excellent performances by Eoin Hughes to take third place overall in 35:31, and Sam Linton who finished fifth overall in 36:19 and collected first in his class as well.

Aidan O’Hagan put in a great shift to finish sixth in 36:38 and Cathal Cassidy took part in his first race of the year and ran a super 38:58.

Pat Groogan, Marty Foster and Marty Loughran completed the 6.2 mile distance in a shade under 41 minutes, Kevin Conway hit the line in 42:58, closely followed by Niall Hassan in 43:46.

Leanne Sands had a fine run and crossed the finish in 44:43 with Siobhan Brown on her heels in 44:51 (3rd in class). Sandra McKeown, Lisa Simpson and Stacey Hinfey had a close battle to the finish in just under 47 minutes and close behind was Donna Patterson in 49:27.

Joanne Irwin and Rosalin Bowman raced well together and hit the line in approximately 50 minutes. Damian Kelly completed the distance in 51:21, whilst Sandra Smyth was 54:27, Caoimhe Purvis 57:10 and Catriona Davis 57:22.

Leona David and Sandra Hunter had a great run together and finished in 58:13 and 58:15 respectively. Bronagh Stockman had another strong run to the line in 61:48 with Denise Bownes 64:40.

Tracy Devlin completed the 10k in 68:56 and Irene Irwin hit the line to round off the team results in 75 minutes. Congratulations to everyone who took part, especially anyone racing 10k for the first time.

Thanks to everyone at Carmen Runners for a great race and their hospitality on the day.

CARLINGFORD HALF

MARATHON AND 10K

In the scenic region of Carlingford, several Acorns were in action at their annual 10k and Half Marathon races.

Karen O’Kane made a welcome return to racing after a long spell out with injury, and she completed the distance in 45:41. In the Half Marathon John Knocker had a great race in the 060 category to finish in 1:46.

Don Brownlee had a super race and hit the finish line in 1:51 and a photo finish with Rosemary Hargan too.

Colin Thom had another great run in 1:55 and Carla Brennan, who was taking part in her first half Marathon, finished in 2:10:58. Well done to everyone who took part, great running!

WALLED CITY 10 MILE

In Derry on Saturday was the annual running of the Walled City 10 mile event, which is based at Ebrington Square on the banks of the river Foyle.

Karen Alexander continued on her fine run of form to take third place (1:04:32) in the ladies race. Annemarie McKernan also posted an excellent time of 1:14 across the 10 mile distance.

Elaine Hargan crossed the finish post in 1:36:48, another fine run!

PARKRUNS

On Saturday a large number of members were in Parkrun action at various different locations.

Well done to all those who took part and especially those who achieved personal best times along the way. Acorns club members Irwin Speirs continues to do a sterling job at the MUSA parkrun along with his band of assistants every Saturday morning.

MUSA

1 Darrell McKee 16:07 (PB)

3 Glenn Donnelly 17:28

4 Roger McLean 19:43

9 Gordon Linton 20:55

13 Andrew Shaw 21:33

15 Marsha Abbott 23:36

33 Teresa Mulligan 26:16 (PB)

36 J. Hassin-Scott 27:21 (PB)

37 Judith Black 28:05 (PB)

47 Edel Kidd 30:00

62 Andrea McKeown 41:49

ANTRIM

52 Helen McToal 25:35

79 Louise Brady 29:27

DERRY

4 Marty McGirr 20:19

FIXTURES

Saturday 12th March

St Paddy’s 5K

Fivemiletown Cancer Research UK 10k

Sunday 13th March

Jimmy’s Ten

Addiction NI 10K

Feeny Fast & Furious 10K

Rocky Road 10K

Valleys 5K Challenge Series

TRAINING

Meadow Bank Sports Arena (Magherafelt): Monday - Senior Training @ 6.30pm and Wednesday - Senior Training @ 7.30pm

Mid Ulster Sports Arena (Cookstown): Tuesday and Thursday - Senior Training at 6.30pm.

All newcomers wishing to take part in our regular training schedules are welcome!

Stock of club kit is available from Trevor Dallas and Francis Purvis.