Andrew tops at Mallusk

CONGRATULATIONS to Springwell’s Andrew Gordon who became the first runner for the Springwell Cup Primary School Cross Country series to go on and win the Flahavans Cross Country League Final at Mallusk Playing Fields on Wednesday.

Underfoot conditions were heavy and the young runners had to cope with strong winds and rain during their races. Representing his school Garvagh Primary Andrew moved to the front early on and put in a brave display of front running in the difficult conditions.

Springwell’s Chris Denton finished 15th at the Donadea 50K on Saturday. The event which incorporated the Irish 50K Championship was held in Donadea Forest.

The undulating forest track which was quite muddy in places but conditions were good, overcast and mild. Chris came home in 3:39:59. Barry Minnock led the 81 finisher’s home in 3:05:02 with Olwyn Dunne first lady home in 4:00:28.

The fifth race in Sperrin Harriers Winter League Series was held at An Creagan Heritage Centre, Omagh on Saturday. After having to cancel the original running of the event because of extreme weather conditions, organisers deserve credit for rescheduling the race so quickly. 

There was success for Springwell’s Bryan Edgar who finished first MO50 in 30:20 and Jim Breen first MO55 in 33:07.

Springwell’s sprint squad travelled to magnificent new Athlone IT International Arena on Saturday for the Woodie’s DIY senior indoor championships.

Holly Clarke ran 8.06 in her 60m heat and finished 3rd in the 200m heat in 26.08 and 26:24 in the final.

Jack Magee finished third in both his 60m and 200m heats recording 7.12 and 23.01. Graham Bradley ran 7.50 in the 60m and 24.14 in the 200m heats.

Jack Dunseith recorded 7.66 for his 60m heat and 24.67 in the 200m.

The four young athletes were happy with their performances all setting new personal bests for the 60 metres.

High tide, soft sand, horse hoof prints and the wind were the challenges which lay ahead of the 57 runners tackling the Portrush Parkrun on Saturday but they didn’t deter 15 runners improving their PB’s.

Ballymena & Antrim’s Nigel Carlisle on his first visit to Portrush Parkrun led the runners home in 18.25. Springwell’s Gemma Turley set a new ladies course record as she came home second in 20:06.

Springwell times - Ryan Murray 20:43(PB), Johnny Goldie 21:18, Jean-Claude Bourgeois 21:46(PB), Grace Postma 21:50, Robert Workman 21:59(PB), Mervyn Thompson 22:08, Nigel Armstrong 22:25, Gary Watton 22:40, Ailbhe Kendall 22:59(PB), Abigal McBroom 23:22(PB), Conor Kendall 26:28(PB), Sarah Chestnutt 26:32, Kay Hack 26:40, Ellie McBroom 26:47, Margaret Edgar 28:42, Jack Kendall 30:01, Nicki Higgins 34:52, Hannah Smyth 44:04, Abi Victoria and Stephen Smyth 48:30.

Alistair Shaw finished eighth at the Queen’s Parkrun in 18:43.