Athletics: Another successful year for Seapark AC

Since it’s formation in 2006, Seapark has gone from strength to strength and now has more than 50 members, male and female and of all ages and abilities. Although the primary aim of the club is to encourage members to derive fitness and pleasure through running in a friendly and supportive environment, members also compete in a range of competitive events, from road 5ks to marathon and ultra marathon distance events and triathlons. The club prides itself on it’s friendly environment and all members agree the club has a spirit of friendship and camaraderie.

Seapark has gained recognition within the Northern Ireland road and mountain running scene, with members securing top spots and podium finishes in local races. David Turtle and David Gamble broke the coveted three-hour marathon barrier this year, with Turtle finishing the Belfast marathon in 2:56 and Gamble completing Dublin marathon in 2:59. Other successes include Bobbie Irvine who secured first place (M45) in Whitehead’s Easter Monday 5-mile, Gillian Cordner finishing as first lady in Castleward half-marathon, and third female in Connemara Marathon and fourth (F35) in Belfast Marathon. Lynsey Grant was second (F35) in ‘Born to Run’ Dambuster’s 10-mile event and Gamble finished second in Causeway Half-Marathon. The club’s female team also secured second female finisher and third team event in the East Antrim ‘Interclub Race’.

Distance and challenge events have also been a focus for some club members this year and have included members competing in Mountain marathons and ultra-distance events. Other members also participated in the Mourne Mountain Marathon, Half Marathon and 10k events for the first time.

There has been international events too: the club has an ‘away’ running trip each year. In the past these have included London and Amsterdam but this year they travelled to the Kosice Peace Marathon in Slovakia. Six members competed in the Marathon and Half Marathon events.

2012 marked the first year in which every member has taken part in a competitive race: some participating in a run for the first time and some achieving a personal bests. Moira Hamilton and Marc Irvine completed their first marathon, Barbara Porter, Pauline Whitten, Kirsty McClung, Ian Cleland and Mark Welsh completed their first Half-Marathons while Gary Connelly - a founding member of the club - finished his 31st Marathon in Dublin and to his credit achieved his fastest time in several years.

Upcoming events for 2013 include trail runs, 5 and 10ks, Marathon, Ultra Marathon and multi-day events. ‘Away’ trips are already planned for the Edinburgh Marathon and Half Marathon in May 2013, and a two-day event in June 2013, running the historic Hadrian’s Wall.

The dedication and hard work throughout the year was recognised at the club’s annual prize-giving night in October.

Seapark AC meets on Tuesday and Thursday nights 7pm at Carrickfergus Leisure Centre and follows a specific training plan. Tuesday nights involve speed and hill work and Thursday nights are endurance / stamina runs. Members also meet on weekends for longer runs as part of distance training. The club has several coaches which allows for individual training plans to meet everyone’s needs. The club is affiliated with the Northern Ireland Athletics Federation and is open to men, women and minors over the age of 14. For more information visit: www.seaparkac.com.