Rankin performs well at IAAF Cross Country race

Scott Rankin of Foyle Valley A.C ran well at the IAAF Cross Country race in Antrim

In a race that was won by Uganda’s Thomas Ayeko in 31:27, Scott recorded a fabulous time of 36:03, giving him 35th place on the day and second place in the Northern Ireland runners behind City of Derry’s Declan Reed (34:33).

On a more local level, Chris McGuinness, Roy McGilloway and Pius McIntyre all claimed top 10 finishes at the St Patrick’s Weekend 5k in Gransha on Saturday, with times of 16:26, 16:36 and 16:39 respectively.

Martina McMullan also continued on from last weekends 10k success to take third place in the female category, with a recorded time of 18:41. Also representing Foyle Valley on the day were Frankie Bradley (18:18), Emmet Harkin (18:28), Paul Coyle (18:38), Gemma McGinty (19:01), Joseph Friel (19:52), Denise Ward (20:43), Charlene McGinty (20:46), Orla Moran (21:04), Emma McGilloway (21:48), Catherine Moran (21:50), Marion Boyle (21:53), Lisa McGuigan (21:56), Trish McClintock (21:59) and Mark McClintock (21:59).

Also on Saturday Foyle Valley members made their way to the Cara Bundoran 10 mile challenge, and judging by the times recorded preparations are well under way for the upcoming Omagh half marathon. Mark Long was first over the line for Foyle Valley with a time of 59:06, followed by Emmet Kennedy (1:03:51), Matthew Coyle (1:09:34), Seamus Doherty (1:09:42), John McKinley (1:10:11), Paddy Corcoran (1:11:05), Declan McCay (1:11:12), Tony Grant (1:11:57), Neil Diamond (1:14:32), Mark McGinley (1:15:10), Caroline McMenamin (1:18:32), Ciara Doran (1:20:58), Edel McCarthy (1:23:19), Adrian Sharkey (1:24:03), Patsy Doherty (1:24:01), Jarlaith Parlour (1:24:13) and Stephen McCafferty (1:25:02).

Further afield, club coach Billy Orr took part in the Glenariff Mountain Race in the village of Waterfoot. Affectionately known as the ‘potato race’, Billy the 5.9 miles with a time of 1:03:21.

And big congratulations to Sean Molloy who knocked an incredible four minutes off his half marathon PB at the Dune half marathon in Dundalk.

This was the first in the Pure Running half marathon series and Sean recorded a terrific time of 1:33:42.

Please also note that Foyle Valley’s Roly Black will be running the upcoming Omagh Half Marathon to raise funds for the Willow Foundation.

Anyone who wishes to donate can do so to Roly in person at training or else via the Foyle Valley online forum.

Training continues as follows: Monday and Wednesday 5.45pm, St Columbs Park; Tuesday and Thursday 5.30pm, Templemore Sports Complex; Saturday morning, Templemore Sports Complex and St Columb’s Park.