ATHLETICS: County Antrim Harriers give it some gusto at Gosford Forest Run

County Antrim Harriers at start of Blood, Sweat & Tears 10k. L-R: Lisa Montgomery, Claire Oliphant, Glenn Smart and Louise Smart. INLT 48-910-CON

This scenic, but tough, 10k, took the runners around the roads, woodland and trails paths surrounding Gosford Castle.

Lyn Hardie, running strongly, was first home for the club in 50:56 with Randall Smyth (54:46), Raymond Hilman (54:47) and Gillian Orr (56:48) following closely.

Next over the line were Marian Hayes (1:01:25) and Talitha Collins (1:02:59), with Shelley Boyle and Marion Morrow crossing the line together (1:04:43). Also running well were Grace Startin (1:06:40) and Tony Barclay (1:09:26).

Also on Saturday three Harrier ladies travelled to Bangor to participate in the Festival of Cross County Relays, hosted by North Down AC.

The team, Natalie Davidson (making her cross county debut), Natasha Henderson and Christine Murray, dug deep and were delighted to secure fifth Female Masters place (9th overall), with a time of 34:23 (distance 3 x 2600m).

On the parkrun scene, County Antrim Harriers took part in four different locations. Special mention to Michael Ogilby at Carrickfergus and Bill Hopkins at Stormont who achieved well- deserved personal bests.

On Sunday, in extremely cold conditions, four hardy Harriers - Glenn Smart, Louise Smart, Lisa Montgomery and Claire Oliphant - joined 750 competitors in Parkanaur Forest to take on the Blood Sweat and Tears Extreme 10k.

The challenging course incorporates not only technical terrain, but many natural and man-made obstacles, including mud, rivers, getting over walls and under cargo nets.

All survived and finished well: Louise (1:27:13), Glenn (1:29:54), Claire (1:30:23), and Lisa (1:47:24). The team agreed it was a tough, but well organised and enjoyable event.