Athletics: Massive week full of superb performances for Sperrin Harriers

Thousands of runners descended upon Belfast for the 35th annual City Marathon. Contending with the windy conditions, Martin Donaghy completed in 3:56:21, to be followed by Eamonn Sheehan with his time of 4:24:53.

More unconventionally Deirdre Conway and Darren Warnock completed the course dressed as Oompa Loompas, the colourful characters featured in Roald Dahl’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’; Deirdre’s total now amounts to an impressive 25, Darren having finished 55.

The first Harrier relay team to finish was ‘D’Elite’ - Alison Colgan, Gail Lees, Karen Thom and Andrea Linton; they crossed in 04:09:41.

Next was the team ‘Blister Sisters Reunion’ who finished in 04.44.21; comprising Teresa Owens, Bernie Sonner, Noreen Donnelly, Lynda Devlin, and Michele Eastwood.

Holy Family PS (Magherafelt) hosted their inaugural 5K road race on Friday. The Harriers were led by Connor Martin who completed in 18:51; to be followed by Steven Fearon in 19:59; and Tommy Harraghy who won the male over 60 category in 20:26.

Tanya Quinn won female over 40 category with 21:46; with Colm McGuckian finishing in 22:33; Stephanie Henry in 23:36; and Stephen McWilliams in 29:55.

On Saturday hundreds of athletes attended Killyclogher 10K and 5K road races, located close to Omagh. Competing amongst a talented field Harrier Pierce McCullagh placed 9th with a tremendous 36:16.

Connor Martin was in action again in 38:39, joined by Paul McLaughlin in 39:02. Gareth Caldwell crossed in 40:11; chased by Patsy Hughes (44:28); Barry O’Neill (45:37); and Clare Noble (59:33).

In 5K event Russell Bell finished in 21:41, junior Harrier Andy Linton a pb of 22:38.

On Sunday Termoneeny Running Club hosted the 10K road race, completed by Joe Loughran in 44:23; with Jane Thom in 52:30, Stephen McWilliams his third race of the weekend in 65:33.

600 people attended second Darkness into Light event.

Stephen McWilliams had to contend with a difficult run on the beach at Portrush, finishing in two days in 32:05.

In MUSA Parkrun Adrian Rea had a great run at Cookstown, pb of 20:54. Laura Mitchell also achieved a PB.

with her time of 21:19, and Joanne Bell came home in 23:49.

Club Membership Renewal Due

For those who haven’t yet done so please contact Registration Secretary Tanya Quinn to renew your membership, as the new Athletics NI year started on the 1st April. Adult membership is £30 and Junior membership is £15.