Athletics: Antrim, Germany and in between for Sperrin Harriers as London beckons

The Harrier ladies turned out in force for Ballymena Belles 5 Mile Road Race, their first Ladies Only with proceeds to tNI Kidney Patients Association.

Tanya Quinn was first Harrier to cross the line, 4th with a personal best of 35:08. Ciara Coyle completed in 39:20, Joanne Bell in 40:27, Jane Thom in 40:51, Stephanie Henry in 41:14, Clare Nobel in a personal best of 42:59 and Louise Kelly finished in 43:16.

The pack included Alison Colgan (43:47); Gail Lees (44:00); Roisin Martin with PB of 44:56; Dearbhla Glackin (45:32); Karen Thom (46:41), Maureen Mallon (47:31), Nicki Burns (49:31); Attracta Marron (51:07); Melissa Glasgow (51:23); Jacinta Morgan PB of 52:09; Danielle McCrory (54:15); Briege McCann (52:27); and Lisa Reid (57:30).

In East Antrim Marathon Series, starting at Monkstown BC for a 14 lap course around Monkstown Wood, Harriers Darren Warnock and Deirdre Conway added to their impressive tally of completed marathons; Deirdre’s is a formidable 24, picking up second lady in the process, and it’s marathon 54 for Darren.

In Friday’s 2nd Dental Solutions 5K road race in Derry, Harrier Tommy Harraghy clearly took full advantage of the flat and fast course to finish first in over 60s with 21:13.74, Toirleach Gourley registering 22:02.93.

Gortin 10K and 5K road races on Saturday was in beautiful scenery, favourable running conditions and flat course, first Harrier home Brian Taggart in 36:11, ahead of Paul McLaughlin 40:01, Malcolm McCullough 43:10; Patsy Hughes 44.47; and Barry O’Neill 46.44. Maeve Conway represented Sperrin ladies, completing in 61.52.

Well done to Marty McDermott, second in the 5K race.

On Saturday Harrier Cheryl Cardwell took 7th in 45-49 Female bracket of German-based Duathlon in 02:22:03. In Born 2 Run Castleward Challenge on Saturday saw the 5th annual running of Castleward Challenge Half Marathon and 10k races at picturesque Castle Ward Estate. Thomas McDonald represented Harriers in half marathon, 02:19:31.

Gavin Quinn represented the Sperrin Harriers on Sunday 17th, coming home in 48:59.

On Sunday a variety of Harriers attended Killeeshil 10K. Deirdre Conway completed in 55:00, followed by Dearbhla Glackin in 57:00. Maureen Mallon in 61:00; followed by Briege McCann (64:00);

Stephen McWilliams (65:00); Melissa Glasgow (65:00) and Bernie Bell (74:00). Martin Donaghy and Paul Conway times as yet unavailable.

On Saturday there was a good turnout of Harriers at the Cookstown Parkrun. Gavin Corey put in another tremendous performance, first with a time of 16:33. Connor Martin posted PB of 19:03, Tanya Quinn second lady in 20:35, Adrian Rea PB of 21:13, Roddy McIvor 21:57, Russell Bell (22:50); Stephanie Henry PB of 23:35; Sean Hamill PB of 23:36.

Saturday marked a momentous Ecos Parkrun, Ballymena for Harrier Stephen McWilliams - 100th of his career, all the more special as 29:46 shows more improvement since serious injury. He got lots of support from club mates Maureen Mallon (28:35); Jacinta Morgan with Pb of 30:26 and Joyce McMullan. Finally, good luck to Harriers in Sunday’s London Marathon.