Donnelly first across the line in Harriers 4 mile race

Weather was fine and dry for the start of the 4 mile race on the Killyfaddy road, on the outskirts of Magherafelt.

In the men’s race a close battle ensued with Aaron Meharg taking the lead early on, closely followed by Glenn Donnelly and Fergal Mulgrew. In the Ladies race Kerry Stewart, Cheryl Cardwell and Ciara Coyle were leading on the road and pushing hard for some PB times.

As the men closed in on the finish line near Parkmore, it was Glenn who was first to cross the line in 22.34, Arron just behind him in 22:40 and Fergal 22:53 making up the top 3. As the ladies crossed the line, it was Kerry Stewart finishing 1st in a brilliant 27.09, Cheryl Cardwell was 2nd in 27.32 and Ciara 3rd in 28.47.

The post-race BBQ was a great success with everyone getting their fair share of the great food. A special thank you to Rainey Old Boys for the use of their facilities on the night, and thanks to everyone involved in providing the food, cooking etc, including Paddy from Sperrin Bakery for the specially prepared cake.

Karen Alexander was in action the Achill Island Half Marathon on Saturday and had a great 3rd place finish in a time of 1:25 mins.

Weather conditions were fine on Saturday for the Strabane 10k. Martin Loughran and Paul McLaughlin took park in the event along with 200 other runners. It was a close contest between the two men, but it was Martin who finished slightly ahead in 39.32 PB, with Paul just behind him in 39.40.

The 8th Cookstown Parkrun took place on Saturday morning from the Mid Ulster Sports Arena, with Sperrin Harriers taking the top positions.

The Parkrun will take place every Saturday morning at 9.30am, it is free to enter but requires registration. Full information available at www.parkrun.org.uk/musacookstown: 1 Pierce McCullach 17:20; 2 Glenn Donnelly 18:18; 4 Alan Shaw 20:27; 5 Fergal McElroy 20:51; 6 Barry O Neill 22:20 ; 9 Tanya Black 23:22; 10 John McElroy 23:58; 11 John Knocker 24:10; 13 Rosemary Hargan 24:35; 15 Hannah Su 25:11; 16 Ciara Coyle 25:13; 17 Deirdre Conway 26:20; 18 David Power 26:35; 21 Fiona Devlin 28:07

Beginners To Winners programme takes place at Meadowbank Sports Arena Magherafelt on the running track and welcomes all abilities to come along to a ‘relaxed’ ‘no pressure’ environment where they will get advice and tips from experienced coaches and runners. Running always gives back what ‘YOU’ put in and with the right help and advice and your determination we can guarantee we will help mould you into a runner following the 3 steps to suit each individual need, Walk, Jog, Run. If you haven’t joined this programme in time for the start, please feel to some along to view the training and one of our coaches or members will be glad to have a chat with you on the night.

The Sperrin Harriers Cookstown 5 Mile Classic Road Race will once again take place at Loughry Campus, which is sited just off the main Dungannon Road on Friday 02 August 2013.

This event is sponsored by the Greenvale Hotel and MRL Fireplaces.

As there is only 5 weeks to go, on-line registration is available at www.sperrinharriers.co.uk/payments

Don’t miss this great event!

As we are now at a peak time in the running season, and events are taking place across the country, it is essential that members send through their results so that they can be included in our weekly press release.

Please send and reports, results, updates etc.to Francis Purvis or Gary McGuckin – contact details are available on the club website.

Harriers continue to train in Magherafelt at Meadow Bank Sports Arena on a Monday at 6.45pm, and a Wednesday at 7.30pm.

Cookstown training takes place at Loughry College on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s at 6.30pm.

Beginners and new members are welcome, as we cater for all abilities.