Runners take Decathlon challenge

On Sunday, runners from across the province gathered at the Decathlon Superstore, Belfast for the annual Decathlon Half Marathon and 10K road races.

In almost perfect running conditions runners made their way along the long open straights that make up the perimeter of the George Best Belfast City Airport. The 10K was one lap and the Half Marathon two laps. First home was North Belfast’s Andrew Considine who crossed the line in 33:50 to seal a comfortable victory in the 10K race. In the ladies race, Springwell’s Gemma Turley continued her fine run of form, winning in a new PB and club record time of 38:36. North Belfast Harriers’ Alan O’Hara who produced the performance of the day to win the Half Marathon in 1:11:38 with Julie Balmer (North Down AC) first lady home in 1:24:54. 

Conditions were near perfect for the 71 runners at the Portrush Parkrun on Saturday. Each week this course troughs up a fresh challenge this week it was pebbles washed up on the beach. Springwell’s Chris Denton (18:34) and Karen McLaughlin (21:14)(PB) were the first male and female runners home.

Springwell Times - Gary Watton 21:11(PB), Nigel Armstrong 21:33(PB), Johnny Goldie 21:46, Scott Bell 21:57, Graeme Morrison 21:59, Patrick Higgins 22:03(PB), Jean-Claude Bourgeois 22:29, Caroline Irwin 23:04(PB), Roslind Overend 24:46, Margaret Edgar 27:49, Debbie Tutty 29:04, Beverley Gordon 29:44, Angela Calderwood 29:56, Nicki Higgins 31:04, Nicola Farrell 35:02, Lorraine Bell 37:16, Victoria & Abi Smyth 44:17, Stephen & Hannah Smyth 47:56.