ATHLETICS: Smart running from Harriers’ Louise

Louise Smart was the club’s sole representative in the ultra event (40 miles) and she didn’t disappoint, finishing in 6:33:46 to claim second female overall.

In the marathon, Claire Oliphant and Irene Downey produced strong performances, finishing in 4:41:21 and 5:00:24 respectively.

Jayne McKeever took the honours for the Harriers in the half-marathon, crossing the line in 1:52:30. She was quickly followed by Graeme O’Hara (1:53:28). Other times: Cathy Hopkins (2:10:27), Jane Kinnear (2:13:35), Lisa Montgomery (2:23:58) and Tony Barclay (2:42:36).

Raymond Hilman and Katherine McAllister took on the 10k trail event, clocking 56:37 and 1:12:30 respectively.

Eileen Stewart was also in action on Saturday, representing NI in the British and Irish Masters International Cross Country in Dublin. Torrential rain made the 6k course soft and slippery, but Eileen ran strongly for her Vet60 Team.

Sunday saw Rachel Lloyd putting in a strong performance at the Decathlon Half Marathon, finishing in 1:53:18.

Three Harriers donned their head-torches for the 10k Run in the Dark in midweek. Graeme O’Hara, crossed the line in 47:06, followed by Tony Barclay and Marion Morrow (acting as Tony’s sighted guide) in 1:07:13.