Athletics: Personal best for Collins

Greg Hopkins, Gary Montgomery, Irene Downey, Heather White, Helen Baird and Helen Collins represented the club in the 100-strong field.

First to shine for the club was the evergreen Hopkins, who led the County Antrim contingent for the first three-and-a-half kilometres before being passed by the fast running Gary Montgomery, making his Parkrun debut.

Montgomery ran exceptionally well and finished in a very creditable 22:10, with Hopkins a further 14 seconds adrift.

Next home was the determined Heather White, who ignored the pain of a broken wrist to romp around the 5k course in a very deserving 23:38.

Irene Downey, a stalwart on the Parkrun scene, was next home for the club and crossed the line in 24:26, while pride of place undoubtedly goes to newcomer Helen Collins, who had an excellent run and achieved a personal best time with 25:23.

Helen Baird was next to finish and while not training as regular as she was, nevertheless was content with her finish time of 26:56.

In the afternoon’s cross country race promoted by Annadale Striders at Ballyclare, Russell Hughes was the club’s sole representative in the four mile Malcolm Cup race, and once again didn’t disappoint with an excellent 23:44 to finish 16th overall out of 75.