Athletics: Sperrin Harriers compete in Felix 10k

In warm, pleasant conditions, the midday ringing of the bells of the adjoining church set the runners off out the Killymeal Road towards The Bush.

The course then took the runners along country roads to the adjoining village of Edendork and back to the finish at the Leisure Centre via the Edendork and Killymeal Roads.

Sean McDaid was first Harrier to finish in 38.12, with club mates Mel Hughes and Adrian Devlin not far behind on 38.52 and 38.54 respectively.

Tommy Harraghy was next Harrier to complete in 41.33, taking first prize for the M60 category. Harrier Martin Foster completed in 43.13, while Martin Donaghy finished in 43.15 to claim third in the M50 category.

Toirleach Gourley came in on 44.29, and Barry O’Neill crossed the line in 45.46, closely followed by Malcolm Burnside in 45.32 and Patsy Hughes in 45.45. New members Roddy McIvor and Sean Hamill impressed finishing in 47.56(PB) and 54.01 respectively.

In the ladies, sisters Pauline McGurren (42.25) and Angela O’Neill (43.24) were first and second respectively in the Over 35 Category, being third and fourth ladies to finish overall, while Harrier Joanne Bell claimed third spot in the Open category running a time of 48.20.

A speedy recovery is hoped for Harrier Gareth Cardwell who pulled up with an injury and eventually crossed in 47.17.A speedy recovery is hoped for Harrier Gareth Cardwell who pulled up with an injury and was unable to finish.

Slemish Challenge- Harrier Ciara Coyle put in a strong performance in this tough 10K on Saturday to finish third lady and eleventh overall in a time of 50.54.

Boom 10k- Harriers Russell Bell and Stephen McWilliams competed with almost 130 other runners around the roads surrounding the University of Ulster Campus, Coleraine on Saturday to finish in 46.31 and 61.39 respectively.

Dublin Half Marathon- On Saturday Harrier Mark Thom ran 6,000 other runners around the scenic Phoenix Park, finishing in a personal best time of 1:41:56.

Knockagh Marathon- Harriers Eamonn Sheehan and Darren Warnock took on this challenging 26.2 mile course on Sunday. The race started near the summit beside Knockagh Monument and took the runners downhill to Jordanstown, through Greenisland and Woodburn.

The runners returned back up to Knockagh Monument and then headed down again to repeat the course. Upon returning to the summit a second time the runners descended for third time to the finish line at Greenisland Golf Club.

Eamonn who started off strong, but was hampered by an achilles problem, finished in 4:21 while Darren completed in 4:26.

Cumbernauld 10k- Chairperson Mark Reid represented the Harriers in Scotland on Sunday completing the course in a great time of 39.14.

Cookstown Park Run 5k- Eoghan Devlin 20.54 (4th), Adrian Rea 21.38 (PB), Fiona Devlin 26.04 (1st Lady), Andrea Linton 26.18 (2nd Lady)(PB), Niamh McLaughlin 35.51.

Craigavon Park Run 5k- Eamonn Sheehan 20.04(PB), David Moan 20.08(PB). Antrim Park Run 5k- Jane Thom 27.38.

Week ahead: Bangor 10K on Saturday 27th September at 11am; Paddy Friel Curran 10K, Derry on Sunday 28th September at 10am.

Any member intending to participate in any of the above races is asked to send details in advance to [email protected] to ensure inclusion in weekly report.

The Northern Ireland Relay Championships take place on Saturday 4th October in Victoria Park, Belfast with senior and masters (over 35) team categories, both for male and female runners. Anyone wishing to find out more information or to be included in the teams should send details to [email protected].

Winter League 2014/15- It’s only five weeks to the first race in our winter league. First race is Davagh 10K on 1st November, followed by Lough Fea 5K on 6th December, Drum Manor 10K on 17th January, An Creagan 5M on 31st January and Lough Fea 10M on 28th February. Further details of the series will be published shortly on the club’s website and facebook.

Train in a fun, friendly atmosphere. Training continues as usual at 6.30pm on Tuesday and Thursday nights at Loughry. Anyone wishing to train on Sunday morning can contact Sean Donnelly.

All new members are welcome, whatever your current running abilities. Further details can be found on facebook and www.sperrinharriers.co.uk.