Busy Easter for Springwell runners

It was a worthwhile trip, not only were the runners treated to beautiful scenery, on a coastal course that skirts the Atlantic Ocean, but several of the Northern Ireland runners picked up prizes. Foyle Valley’s Pius McIntyre, a regular podium finisher in local races, won the event in 57:29. He was followed across the line by last year’s winner, John Harkin (Tullamore Harriers), in 58:07and Stephen Connor (Foyle Valley AC) finished third in 59:32.

Northern Ireland ladies collected all the main prizes in the women’s race, with Sperrin Harriers Karen Alexander covering the distance in 1:04:36 to seal an impressive victory. Springwell Running Club’s Alison Rankin (1:09:57) finished in second place, while her club mate Karen McLaughlin clocked 1:12:13 to take third place.

David Jackson was the first Springwell Runner home finishing ninth in 1:03:04 followed by Chris Millar 1:07:55, Alison Rankin 1:09:57, Johnny Goldie 1:11:45, Karen McLaughlin 1:12:13(PB), Brian Scullion 1:14:01, Catherine Woods 1:19:33, Conor Woods 1:22:18, Catherine Bell-Allen 1:25:58(PB), Michael Rankin 1:27:08, Davy Patterson 1:27:34, Shannon McAllister 1:29:33(PB), Alison McAllister 1:29:34, Julie-Anne Millar 1:35:47(PB), Debbie Tutty 1:37:33(PB), Caroline Taylor 1:37:33(PB), Kenny Bacon 1:42:53, Fiona Walls 1:46:04 and Shirley Jackson 1:50:37(PB).

There were record numbers turned at the twenty fourth running of the SPAR Omagh Half Marathon on Saturday.

In favourable weather conditions, Stephen Scullion (Clonliffe Harriers) re-wrote the record books, breaking the course record as he came home to win in 1:04:46. In the ladies race, Anne Marie McGlynn topped off an excellent solo performance, which saw her lead from start to finish, claiming a well-deserved victory in 1:20:03.  

Chris Denton 1:19:35 led the Springwell Runners home followed by Jim Breen 1:27:16 (1st MO55), Dave Sexton 1:27:26, Fran McFadden 1:32:53, Kevin McLean 1:37:49, James McMullan 1:39:26, Orla McGinnis 1:43:50, Carol McIlvar 1:44:35, Catherine Butcher 1:46:33, Althea Clarkson 1:58:29, Donna Brolly 2:08:11 and Heather Coulter 2:09:59(PB).

On Wednesday 27 March, hundreds of runners gathered at the Queen’s University Physical Education Centre on the Stranmillis Embankment for the ninth Queen’s Sport ‘Race around the River’ 5K road race. First home for Springwell was Neil Johnston in 16:01 followed by Connor Christie 16:48, Philip Tweedie 17:15, Brian Tweedie 18:10, Ryan Murray 18:40, Gerry O’Doherty 19:23 (1st MO55), Deborah Gilliland 20:17 and Alistair Bratten 20:22. Jim Breen ran round with his daughter Karen in 28:46.

The Easter weekend attracted a few extra runners to the Portrush Parkrun on Saturday. Being Easter it was decided mark the occasion with an egg and spoon race. The 76 runners set off with their spoons and picked up their cream eggs at the turn. The high tide at 8.00am meant there was some firm sand for the runners. Springwell’s Bryan Edgar led the runners home in 19:49 with Lagan Valley’s Julie Murphy first lady in 22:45.

Springwell Times - Glenn Millar 20:41(PB), Ailbhe Kendall 22:19(PB), Abigail McBroom 22:22(PB), Patrick Higgins 22:42(PB), Robert Workman 23:08, Gary Kendall 23:08, Caroline Irwin 24:01, Ellie McBroom 24:11(PB), Hermione Skuce 24:35, Conor Kendall 27:45, Rozzy Skuce 27:59, Stephen Smyth 28:41, Margaret Edgar 29:31, Ruairi Kendall 34:33(PB), Kay Hack 34:40, Emma Patton 34:45, Nicki Higgins 35:40, Victoria, Abi and Hannah Smyth 47:14.