Athletics: Sperrin Harriers success at Titanic 10K

Over one thousand competitors came to the Titanic Quarter in Belfast for the annual Titanic 10K and Gavin Corey led the Harriers once again, producing a fantastic performance against stiff competition that saw him take thirteenth place in 33:41.
Tommy Harraghy in action at Titanic 10kTommy Harraghy in action at Titanic 10k
Tommy Harraghy in action at Titanic 10k

Tommy Harraghy also distinguished himself by finishing third in the Male 60 age category with a time of 42:07. Leon McKee (43:30) was the third Harrier to finish, followed by Mary O’Neill (55:45) and Stephen McWilliams (63:00).

Almost 200 attended the annual Beragh 5 mile road race. Marty McDermott finished in thirteenth place with his time of 31:24. Gareth Cardwell was the next Harrier to cross the line in 33:02, followed by John McElroy in 36:06. Joanne Taggart who ran the course with her sister, completed the course in 39:24, with Bronagh McKenna ending the day with a time of 57:58.

The Newry Children In Crossfire Fundraising Support Group organised Newry’s first Colour Run which took place on Sunday. Harriers Briege McCann, Jacinta Morgan, Joyce McMullan, Bronagh McKenna and Maureen Mallon lent their presence and support on the day.

Saturday saw a large number of Harriers amongst over 90 runners at the Cookstown course. Brian Taggart had another great run when he crossed the line second overall with a time of 17:37, while Tanya Quinn took the second female position in 20:42. Malcolm McCullough (20:50) was next to finish, closely followed by Junior Harrier Niall McAweaney who continued to impress with a personal best of 21:14.

Adrian Rea also scored a personal best, coming home in 21:17; Laura Mitchell was fourth female with a personal best of 21:24; and Roddy McIvor registered a personal best with a time of 21:45. He was followed by Barry O’Neill 22:02; Sean Hamill 23:43; and Jane Thom, who posted her own personal best of 23:52. Stephanie Henry finished in 24:15, while Catherine Farley (24:45) and Gail Lees (25:57) both accomplished personal bests. Karen Thom completed the Harriers line up in 27:13. Harrier Hannah Su O’Callaghan completed the Craigavon course in 25:08.

On Wednesday members of Sperrin Harriers attended the official launch of Darkness into Light Cookstown. The 5K Run/Walk will commence at 4.15 am on 7th May with participants reaching the finish at the break of dawn. Online registration is now available, and the event assists the Niamh Louise Foundation, a suicide prevention and support charity.

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.

Stunnerz ‘N’ Runnerz returns for its 5th year on Saturday 11th June, Meadowbank Sports Arena, Magherafelt, at 12 noon. Enter online at https://online.athleticsni.org/ps/event/StunnerznRunnerz or go to www.sperrinharriers.co.uk/stunnerz/

Sperrin Harriers FREE junior running camp continues on Tuesdays (6.30pm) at MUSA football courts which include flood lights and a 70m sprint track. A great way for boys and girls aged 12-18 years old to be introduced to the world of running.

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