County Antrim Harriers out in force for Ally's 50th parkrun

First home for the club was Natasha Henderson (22:36), quickly followed by Mandy Yau-Wilson (26:09) and Jane Kinnear (27:14).

The next cluster saw Ellen Montgomery (28:17), Marian Hayes (28:19), Irene Downey (28:29) and Lisa Montgomery (28:36) crossing the line within seconds of each other. Lucy Bennett, in her first parkrun, finished in an excellent 29:44, with Talitha Collins (29:44), followed by Kim Gleave (30:29) and the girl of the day, Ally Bennett (32:14), supported by Marion Morrow (32:14).

Ricky Mason and Eileen Stewart, who volunteered at the event, joined in the post-race celebrations.

Other County Antrim Harriers parkrunning were Erin Montgomery and daughter Grace, representing the club for the first time at Craigavon. Graeme O’Hara, Jennifer Moore and Tony Barclay ran at Carrickfergus and Martina Armstrong and Ruth Morrison took part at Ecos.

Also on Saturday, Helen Baird, Christine Murray and Gillian Orr travelled to Drum Manor Forest Park, outside Cookstown, for the fourth race of popular Sperrin Harriers Winter League Trail Series.

The ladies ran strongly, successfully negotiating the looped 10k forest route, with the odd challenging hill! Times: Christine Murray 48:05 (1st FV45), Helen Baird 53:59, and Gillian Orr 57:04.

County Antrim Harriers has launched a Couch To 5k programme ahead of a planned race at this year’s Ballyclare May Fair. For more details, visit: www.newtownabbeytimes.co.uk