Four Fit N Running athletes in cross-country action

Firm underfoot conditions and a strong headwind greeted the large turnout of runners in action in the various age categories.

Rapidly maturing junior Conor McQuillan going in the 2mile race claimed a fantastic second place behind the Ulster schools champion Luke Dinsmore of Springwell. Conor made his intentions clear from the start and was on the shoulder of Dinsmore at half distance but the experienced Dinsmore found an extra gear to move clear on the final circuit coming home with a 15 sec advantage over the fast finishing McQuillan who crossed the line in 11 mins 21 secs.

In the male open training partners James Wallace and Mark McKinstry had a supreme battle over the first four laps and were together at the bell before James made his move to open and stretch an advantage over the final mile. James crossed the line in 31 mins 45 secs in 47th place. Mark was a further 6 places back in 32 mins 12 secs.

Paula Wallace was in action in the female open and finished in 22 mins 38 secs in 42nd place.