Hallelujah, as church runners finish the course

The teams were organised and co-ordinated by Christine Murray, the well known local runner, and while all no doubt put great effort into their physical endeavours on the day, they more importantly raised through sponsorship much needed monetary support for Tearfund.

The six aptly named A-F teams prefixed by Ballynure Presbyterian Church were:

Angels – Michael Matthews, Jeff Drennan, Mark Shields, Rev. James Rodgers, Stevie Forbes.

Believers – Gary Stitt, Natalie Davidson, Peter Boyd, Samuel Currie.

Converted – D. McAllister, Christine Murray, Russell Hughes, Gary Montgomery, Alastair Black.

Disciples – Julie-Ann Crowe, Emma Gault, Angela Owens, Gillian Den Haese, Sandra Park.

Exalted – Neill Walker, Kelly Lewis, Lisa Montgomery, Ricky Mason, Adam Hill.

Followers – Sam Hall, Aubrey Crowe, Colin Mackey, James Stewart, Peter Lockhart.

As anticipated, Christine Murray’s Converted team were the first of the Ballynure contingent to reach Ormeau Park and crossed the finish line in an excellent time of 2:53:43, being placed 15th overall out of almost 2,000 teams.

The Believers, who finished in 3:47:50, just held off a late challenge from the Angels, who finished a few seconds behind in 3:48:05, while the Exalted (4:10:38), Followers (4:45:23) and Disciples (4:58:30) all made it home.

Special mention must be given to Darren McAllister, Gary Stitt, Neil Walker and Michael Matthews, who after running the first leg in the relay event for their respective teams, ran on to complete the full marathon. Darren finished 22nd overall in 2:49:21, with Gary (3:32:57), Neil (3:56:28), and Michael (4:10:52) all finishing well up the field.

Also out on the day and taking part in the nine-mile walk the church was represented by Richard Wallace, Bertie & Freda Allen.