Larne trio compete for NI

On Saturday three Larne Athletic Club runners swapped their local club’s vest for that of their country, representing Northern Ireland at the British & Irish Masters International Cross Country in Belfast. Teams from Northern Ireland, Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England battled it out at the new Queen’s Sports Complex.

Davy Clarke and Craig Hutchinson lined up in the Vet50 category, with the latter completing the 8km course in 28:30, enough to secure an excellent 14th place in what was a top class field. Davy also ran well, clocking 30:01 and finished in a commendable 22nd place.

Bernard Brady, making his international debut in the Vet45 category finished in 22nd place after running 30:06.

In the ‘open’ races, Northern Ireland reserves Greg Lavery, Andrew Guy and Geraldine Quigley all rann well. Greg (29:13), in particular, showed true grit, running a strong final lap to finish third in a very tactical 8km race. He was followed closely by club mate Guy who finished in fifth place.

Geraldine Quigley produced an excellent performance in the ladies’ event, running 25:44 (sixth place) - a time that many of the international runners would have been happy to cover the 6km course in.

In Cookstown, Andy Gregg continued his return from injury with an impressive display in second race of the Sperrin Harriers Winter League Trail Series - a 5km course around Lough Fea. He ran 18:43 and finished in ninth place; a performance that proves he is well and truly on the comeback.

Evan Taylor and Robin Alexander travelled to Ballymena for the weekly Ecos Parkrun, and both were rewarded with new Parkrun personal bests. Evan clocked 19:12 (5th place) while Robin ran 27:07 (59th place).