Seapark runners compete in international events

Members of carrick-based Seapark Athletic Club have had a busy few weeks, competing in one home race, one national and two international events.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Oct 2012, 23:02 BST

Three Seapark AC runners took part in last month’s Great North Run. Barbara Porter made her half-marathon debut in a very credible time of 2:36:40, while Andrew Stevenson completed the course in 1:32:28 and Gillian Cordner followed in 1:34:04, both achieving personal bests for the distance.

Stevenson and Neil Porter took part in the 39th Berlin Marathon at the end of September. Despite warm weather conditions, amidst a field of 40,000 runners, both Seapark AC runners achieved fantastic times and personal bests, with Stevenson finishing in 3:19:38 and Neil in 3:24:18.

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The beautiful Causeway Coast was the setting for a half-marathon on September 28. when two of the club’s runners secured top 10 places, again putting Seapark AC firmly on the map.

David Gamble set and maintained a blistering pace, securing second place with an impressive time of 1:37:46, closely followed by David Turtle in 1:40:38. Also representing Seapark AC were Marc Irvine; 2:04:00 and Ian Cleland; 2:04:58, Mark Campbell; 2:09:26 and Mark Welsh; 2:33:42.

Seaparkers also competed in the 89th edition of the oldest marathon in Europe, the Kosice Peace Marathon in Slovakia earlier this month. Six locals were among the 30,000 runners participating, with four completing the marathon distance and two completing the half-marathon.

Edward Simpson (1:51:54) and Vivien Davidson (1:59:58 pb) took part in the half-marathon. Completing the marathon distance was Bobbie Irvine (3:31:36), Gillian Cordner (3:31:37), Rob Gordon (3:31:45) and Gary Connolly (3:32:19).

During the trip, Seapark AC presented a Carrickfergus Borough Plaque to Mr Antoine Debiel, Director Manager of the Mosir Krosno Sports Facility.