Sperrin Harriers Summer League continues

There will be a barbeque afterwards and, if the fine weather holds, it should be a pleasant and unique training race for competitors and spectators alike.

All Sperrin Harriers members are encouraged to attend and support this race in its first year. We would like to thank the organisers of the Bush 100 for inviting us to take part in this event and we hope that this is the start of a lasting association between our clubs.

Newry half and full Marathon

Seven of our members took part in the Newry Half Marathon on Bank Holiday Monday and one completed the full Marathon.

The competitors told us where strong head winds for the last 13 miles of the full Marathon which would not have been pleasant.

The Sperrin Harrier results are as follows: Nevin McLarnon 1.26.08, Philip Doyle 1.29.04, Ashley Crawford 1.30.30, David O'Brien 1.32.57, Martin McGirr 1.38.14, Paula Eastwood 1.56.30 and Joanne Bell 1.56.30. Raymond Thom completed the full Marathon in 03.50.47.

Craigavon Lakes 10K

Two of the Sperrin Harriers took part in the Craigavon Lakes 10K. This race is renowned for producing PB’s.

The course consists of two laps of one of the lakes which has no hills to speak of but does undulate over its length. The Sperrin Harrier results are as follows: Alan Shaw 39.06 Trevor Dallas 42.19.

The mighty Speirs does it again

Again two of the Sperrin Harriers athletes competed in the Carrickfergus 10k on Sunday. Irwin Speirs was placed Second in the over 60’s category and described the race as two laps with a tough hill. Their results are as follows: Irwin Speirs 39.57 and Ashley Crawford, 40.20.

Congratulations to them both with a special word of congratulations to Ashley who is doing a serious amount of racing this year over every distance from full Marathons to 5K’s. Keep up the racing!

Five down one to go for Alexander

Karen described the 3.5 mile race over Hen and Rocky Mountains in the Mournes as ideal conditions with two tough ascents and a tricky descent.

Although Karen doesn’t feel suited to short distance racing, she is still winning each week in her category.

What worked to her advantage was the fast, gentle start along a path which allowed her to get ahead before the first climb. Despite her success Karen is finding these races a bit short and sharp, still preferring the endurance type races.

Karen finished in 37.49 which made her 17th overall and the 1st female with 161 competitors completing.

Keep up the good work Karen, can’t wait to see what you are capable of over a distance which you feel is more suited to you, you are doing such great times on distance you don’t feel comfortable with.

Training

Sperrin Harriers training continues as usual at Loughry College, Cookstown on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.30pm, at Rainey RFC, Magherafelt on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.30pm and Ladies training at Meadowbank Track on Wednesday night at 7.30pm.

Anyone interested in joining our training sessions please contact a committee member and come along. For full club details log onto www.sperrinharriers.co.uk.