Mayor Cole gets latest Portrush Parkrun off to a flying start

Paralympian, Sally Brown came along to support the 5k timed race along the beautiful sandy beach towards Whiterocks. She was joined by over 65 enthusiastic runners who all took part in the race against the clock. Everyone received a warm welcome on the cold morning, from the mayor of Coleraine, Councillor Sam Cole who had the very important job of starting the race.

Portrush Parkrun is a FREE race and everyone is encouraged to come along and take part, run, walk or jog, the event suits people of all levels and abilities. The run towards Whiterocks is spectacular with the Skerries as the backdrop, adds to the truly majestic setting.

Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor Sam Cole said: “This is a fantastic FREE event for everyone to get involved. The North Coast has some of the finest scenery to be found anywhere and the beach here at East Strand, Portrush provides a beautiful setting for the race.

“It is very important that we all realise the importance of healthy living and wellbeing and Portrush Parkrun contributes to this. Thanks to Sally Brown who has kindly come to the Borough to support this event, following her achievement in the London 2012 Paralympics.”

Sixty-five parkrunners braved the cold wind, the high tide and the soft sand to challenge themselves on this ever changing course. Those that had been before were trying to better their times from previous weeks and all first timers were relishing the idea of running their first parkrun; the only parkrun in the world on the beach.

Portrush parkrun takes you on a 5km course from East Strand Beach out to the White Rocks and back again. This week some actually had to run on the White Rocks to avoid a couple of high rising waves!

Adam Wilson was first finisher on his debut appearance with a solid time of 20:53 considering the soft conditions, Bryan Edgar put in a sterling effort to finish second with 21:36 and David Jackson crossed the finish line in 22:03 for third finisher, also on his debut appearance.

As for the ladies Alison Rankin was first (seventh overall) over the line in 23:27 - second time in two appearances. Gemma Turley was second (eighth overall) over the line in 23:50 - was first to finish once before and Ciara Toner was third (18th overall) over the line in 25:12 on her debut run.

Most importantly Portrush parkrun would like to thank it’s volunteers for this week, and they were Karen, Andrew and Nigel, without whom the run would never have taken place.

For more details about Portrush parkrun please go to: www.parkrun.org.uk/portrush

To register for the event go to: www.parkrun.com/register