Collins, Downey and Murray make top ten

County Antrim Harriers fielded a strong team in the Northern Ireland and Ulster Road Relay Championships, held at Victoria Park on Saturday (October 4).
Helen Collins, Irene Downey and Christine Murray at home in the Athletes' Village at the NI and Ulster Road Relay Championships. INLT 41-922-CONHelen Collins, Irene Downey and Christine Murray at home in the Athletes' Village at the NI and Ulster Road Relay Championships. INLT 41-922-CON
Helen Collins, Irene Downey and Christine Murray at home in the Athletes' Village at the NI and Ulster Road Relay Championships. INLT 41-922-CON

Up against the leading teams from across Northern Ireland, the team of Helen Collins, Christine Murray and Irene Downey secured a top-10 finish in the ladies’ Masters event with a time of 42.31 (Distance: 3 X 2,100m)

Sunday saw female members of the Harriers take on the inaugural RunHer Titanic Quarter 10k.

RunHer is a favourite of the club, but the introduction of the new, flat course ensured the ladies earned themselves some great finishing times in a very competitive field.

Larne on the attack in their 13-8 win over Limavady at Glynn.Larne on the attack in their 13-8 win over Limavady at Glynn.
Larne on the attack in their 13-8 win over Limavady at Glynn.

Rachel Lloyd was first home for the club in 52.54, closely followed by Paula McMaster in 53.01.

Jennifer Hardie had an excellent first 10k race to finish in 55.24, with Christine Neeson hot on her heels with a pb of 55.25.

The next finishers were Carol Annesley (56.32), Grace Startin (1.00.22) and Kim Gleave (1.01.36).

A highlight of the day was a chance to chat and get a photo with Dame Mary Peters. This is particularly timely as five Harriers are travelling to Munich on October 10 to take on the Half and full marathon.

Both races finish in the Olympic Stadium where Dame Mary picked up her Olympic gold in 1972.

Let’s hope that her good luck wishes and the spirit of her achievement in Munich will be the travelling Harriers’ lucky charm!