Good week for the athletes of Sperrin Harriers Club

“Conditions were the wettest I have ever seen on any XC course” said veteran Irwin Speirs.

This didn’t seem to bother Irwin as he finished in 49th overall position, while at the same time picking up a Silver Medal for his category. Go on you legend!!!

Donal Gallagher was the first Harrier to finish with with 30.34 and giving him 13th overall.

Donal thinks his spikes were a tad short and if he had longer ones, he might have gained another couple of places.

Second Harrier was Mel Hughes with 33.19 giving him 33rd overall.

Jonathan Dempsey was the third Harrier with 33.30 and 34th overall.

Neill Campbell was close behind with 33.49 and 41st overall.

Alan Shaw claimed 60th overall with 35.16, and Trevor Dallas who has been recovering from an injury this pat while was in great form as he finished with 38.50 giving him 83rd overall.

The lads’ race was just finished in time before the next stormy downpour started.

All our boys are said to be buzzing from the news that they did the club proud as Sperrin Harriers were awarded 5th team in the NI and Ulster XC Championchips. Well done all!!!

Raheeny PBs

On Sunday twenty Sperrin Harriers attended another club trip to Raheeny, Co Dublin for what has to be the flattest and fastest five mile road race in the Country.

Although the torrential rains poured down on the entire trip to Raheeny, the harriers were lucky.

Just as they pulled up at the registration, they realised they had arrived at the same time as the skies were clearing, but the cold January North wind was still biting.

Over 2,500 runners from all across the country had gathered at the start line for the 3pm start. The first mile was difficult for most as they battled to get through the crowds of runners.

In mile two, the grouped runners had spread out a little allowing the athletes to edge into their pace. Mile three took in the scenic coastline views before heading back to Raheeny on the fourth mile.

Niall Brown was the first harrier to finish with a staggering 28.47, newest Sperrin Harrier Paul O’Callaghan earning his stripes as he took second with a new PB 28.58 and Dairmuid O’Kane was third with another new PB of 29.10.

The rest of the Harriers times are as follows: Jarlath O’Neill 30.56, Martin Loughran new PB 31.44, Dean Corey new PB 33.20, Tommy Harraghy 33.40, Adrian McCann new PB 35.03.

Rosemary Hargan was first lady Harrier home with another new PB of 37.06, Joanne Bell took second lady with a new PB of 38.56, Gerard Loughran 39.05, John Knocker new PB 39.20, Hannah Su 3rd lady with new PB 39.50, Ciara Coyle new PB 39.55, Rosemary Devine 41.01, Adel McNally new PB 42.10, Dierdre Bradley 44.59, Maureen Mallon 48.57 and Mabel Kerr 48.57.

Eleven new Personal Bests made this trip another story of success for the Sperrin Harriers.

Winter League

The fourth race of the Sperrin Harriers Winter League race will be held this Saturday at Drum Manor Forest Park.

Again, this 10k will test even the most experienced runners. Registration is 11-11.45am, race starting at 12 noon, £3 affiliated members and £4 to non-affiliated.

As usual, tea/coffee and refreshments will be served afterwards. Hope to see you all there.

AGM

The Sperrin Harriers AGM will be held on Monday 4 at Moneymore Recreation Centre, at 8pm, all members welcome.

Training

Training is at Meadow Bank Sports Arena on Monday at 6.45pm and Wednesday at 7.30pm and also in Cookstown at Loughry College Campus at 6.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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