East Coast’s Kelly takes top spot in Junior parkrun girls’ category

East Coast AC’s Kelly Patterson ran a brilliant race to take top spot in the girls’ category of the Larne Junior parkrun on Sunday.
East Coast Athletic Club's Kelly Patterson. INLT 52-910-CONEast Coast Athletic Club's Kelly Patterson. INLT 52-910-CON
East Coast Athletic Club's Kelly Patterson. INLT 52-910-CON

It was the third running of the newly-established event, which is held in the Town Park.

Charlie Patterson clocked an age category record at his first attempt, completing the 2k course in 7:51 for second place. Kelly Patterson followed in 8:32, which was enough to take first in the girls’ category; Bradie Hogg crossed the line just one second later in 8:33 (2nd girl).

Hannah Clements impressed with an 8:51 finish (4th girl), which saw her cross the line just ahead of Daniel Gillan and Kian McAllister who ran 9:23 (8th) and 9:33 (10th) respectively.

Zoe Whitford and Lola Hogg claimed top-10 finishes in the girls’ category, with Zoe recording 9:53 (8th girl) and Lola following in 10:48 (10th girl).

Charlotte Smyth also ran well, covering the three laps in 11:01 (11th girl), which was enough to see her finish just over a minute ahead of her younger brother Oliver Smyth, who ran 12:16 (19th).

Eva Conway finished in 13:09 (14th girl) and was followed across the line by Rachel Urwin, who again showed great potential.

On Saturday morning, the ever-improving Brian Maltman led the black and yellow vests home at the Larne parkrun, taking fifth place in 21:58.

Iain Bailie followed closely in 22:12 (6th), before Hannah Clements completed the 5k course in 25:03, taking first spot in the ladies’ event.

Other results: Harry Plumb 25:43 (18th), Paul Clements 25:59 (21st), Stephen Smith 25:59 (22nd); Stephen Kerr 27:07 (25th, pb), Morna Wright 33:18 (13th lady); Christopher Campbell 34:51 (41st place).

Larne Athletic Club’s Knock Dhu Christmas Classic Fell Race: John Neill was first finished for the club in seventh place, having had his fair share of slips and bumps on the way round. His time was 52:36.

Next was Nigel Kane, who claimed 11th place in a time of 54.08. He was followed by Martan Keane, 15th who crossed the line in 54:55.

Andy Gregg, a regular competitor over the course in previous years, was 17th (55:19) followed by Wayne Morrow, 25th (59:21), Stephen Montgomery 28th (1:01:07) and Bryan Heron, 40th (1:14:55).

Organised as a charity event, over £600 was raised for Cancer Focus NI on the day.