Harriers launch ‘Stunnerz ‘n’ runnerz’

ON Saturday (June 2) Sperrin Harriers Athletics Club will launch Mid Ulster’s first Female-only road race.

The club has seen unprecedented growth in female membership this year and is excited to witness this fierce interest in the sport amongst in the area.

To acknowledge the number of females pounding the pavements of Mid-Ulster on their own, the club would like to give these solo athletes the opportunity to test themselves in an official timed environment, it is also a chance for those less serious about running a ‘Personal Best’ to cover an established five-mile course without the interference of male competitors and in the company of their friends

Background Information

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* Mid-Ulster’s first female-only five mile race- a chance for women to cover an established five-mile course without the interference of male competitors and in the company of their friends

* Opportunity for local women to participate in a race and challenge themselves to work towards a fitness milestone

* For more experienced runners, this maybe winning/setting a Pb time, for those new to running, it is an opportunity to gain confidence

* For less experienced exercisers or those who do not partake in much activity (70% women in N.I) it is encouragement to become involved in the event, with an opportunity afterwards to see what’s in the area for women to improve their fitness and sign up for fitness classes

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It is to be a tremendous occasion in Magherafelt with much activity planned for race day to accompany this unique fitness event.

A health & fitness Expo will take place in the Meadowbank Sports Arena after the run. Here, local fitness clubs will be displaying information about the program of activities they provide, including demonstrations of classes.

So for those who always fancied Zumba or Bootcamp, or want to make running a regular commitment but could pluck up the courage to get started, this is your chance to get signed up!

No serious event involving women would be complete without shoes so the Harriers have invited many local shops, Boutiques and Beauticians to display their wares in Meadowbank.

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Many have donated prizes for a raffle on the day in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care. In fact, a donation from every race will also go to this extremely worthwhile cause.

A DJ, celebration cupcakes and a fabulous goody bag for every entrant are the finishing touches to ensure an energetic party atmosphere and a great day out that’s lots of fun, with some seriour prizes fir those ladies winning each category O/F,O’35/40,45,50,55,60, and the main Sponsor for the race in D.C. Contracts.

We hope to see you all there! Entry forms available on www.sperrinharriers.co.uk or sent off the form to the address provided

Queens Sport 5k Belfast Three Sperrin Harriers made the trip to Belfast for the annual Queens 5k road race. All posted great times, Glenn Donnelly was the first to finish and it looks like he is getting back into good shape after a lot of injuries when he ran 16-49, next to cross the line was Alan Shaw in a time 19-09, and then final runner Irwin Speirs who is also on the come-back after a flu-bug put him out for a long while, but the Cookstown “Legend” posted a great time of 20-02. Well done lads.

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Ecos 5K Park-Run Two Harriers made the short trip to the Ecos park in Ballymena for the 5k Park-Run on Saturday 28th April Gerard McNally and Oliver Murphy had great run and have described the course as been flat & fast, Gerard ran a Pb of 19-51 while Oliver ran 23-46. Well done.

Ballynahinch 10k Karen Alexander was the only Harrier representing the club at they Ballynahinch 10k road race on Saturday April 28, the race is held on a very hilly 2 lap course which suited Karen as she is more use to mountain running than road running. Karen ran a great to win the ladies race and she finished 3rd overall in a time of 39-09. Great run Karen.

Belfast 1 World Run On Sunday April 29 David O’Brien travelled to Belfast for the Belfast 1 World Run which started 25 years ago as the Third World Run. David ran a good steady race to stay in second position behind Gary Keenan of Orangegrove throughout the race, there was no official timing on the day, So David took his own time which was just under 38mins at the finish.

Training continues as usual on Tuesday at Rainey Rugby club Magherafelt & Loughry College Cookstown from 6-30pm and at the Meadowbank Arena track at 7-30pm on Wedinsday,all newcomers welcomed at any of these venues no matter what ability you are.