Success for Springwell runners in Lisburn

The major prize winners were Paul Pollock (Annadale Striders) 1:07:58 and Donna Evans (Monaghan Phoenix AC) 1:24:51 in the Half Marathon and Patrick Hamilton (Annadale Striders) 31:03 and Rachel Pearson (Unattached) 38:30 in the 10K

Springwell were well represented in the both races producing some excellent performances on a hot humid night.

Half Marathon - Chris Denton 1:23:24, Jim Breen 1:29:22 (1st MO55), Dave Sexton 1:30:32, Karen McLaughlin 1:34:49 (1st FO40), Gary Watton 1:38:48 (PB), David Irwin 1:44:44, Robert Workman 1:45:02, Caroline Irwin 1:45:44, Jean- Claude Bourgeois 1:50:46, Alison McAllister 1:51:07 (PB), Mervyn Thompson 1:53:46, Brendan McLaughlin 2:07:50, Julie Clarke 2:15:33, Angela Calderwood 2:15:34.

10K - Stephen Joyce 36:56, Bryan Edgar 37:28, David Jackson 37:58, Ciara Toner 42:08, Scott Bell 42:16, Dale Corbett 42:44 (PB), Alan McKeeman 43:38, Catherine Bell-Allen 49:05, Lynn Montgomery 51:49, Jennifer Parkhill 57:51, Catrina McNeill 58:23, Beverly Gordon 58:23, Joanne Reid 60:12, Kenny Bacon 61:50, Shirley Jackson 62:21, Sammy McAllister 62:30, Emily McLaughlin 64:40, Stacey McKay 66:25, Victoria Smyth 67:38, Nicola Farrell 67:39.

Springwell’s Andy Parkhill ran the Bupa Great North 10K on Sunday in Gateshead.  The race was timed to coincide with the European Athletics Team Championships, and the race started and finished at the stadium being used for the games.  Andy completed the 10K course in 43:38.

Springwell junior Oisin Brennan won the Secondary School race at the Hill and Dale series ‘Hen & Cock’ race on Thursday evening. Oisin completed the 1.2K with 487 feet of climbing in 8:37.

The fourth meeting of the Power NI ‘Super 5’ Series, organised by Lagan Valley AC took place at the Mary Peters Track, Belfast on Thursday evening. Springwell had five young athletes completing. Boys Under 11: Lewis Hawthorne 100m 17.51, Long Jump 2.48. Boys Under 13: Ruari Hawthorne 100m 15.39, Shot 1st 6.84m, 1500m 6.50.05; Sean McKinney 100m 16.18, Shot 2nd 6.03m, 1500m 5.47.58; Dylan McKenna 100m 16.66, Shot 4.54m, 1500m 6.20.92.

Girls Under 15: Ursual Covey 100m 17.76.

Saturdays Portrush Parkrun was a special day for run administrator Andy Deal as he started his 24 hour challenge in memory of his daughter Poppy and to raise funds for SANDS NI. Springwell’s Dale Corbett, who had run 14 miles from Ballymoney to Portrush, also for SANDS NI, joined Andy and the 100 plus Parkrunners as the 24 hour challenge got underway.

Springwell’s Chris Denton 19:10 and Gemma Turley 20:33 were the first male and female runners home.

Springwell Times - Bryan Edgar 19:17, Andrew Dowey 19:46, Karen McLaughlin 21:38, Sonia Knox 21:38, Ailbhe Kendall 22:24, Gary Kendall 22:26, Mervyn Thompson 23:00, Dale Corbett 23:06 (PB), Robert Workman 23:21, Roslind Overend 24:09, Hermione Skuce 24:32, James Hobson 24:37, Sarah Chestnutt 25:36, Lynn Montgomery 26:32 (PB), Rozzy Skuce 26:39, Peter Jack 27:56, Sharon Brown 28:04, Johnny Goldie & Andy Deal 28:35, Kay Hack 28:55, Jack Kendall 29:40, Margaret Edgar 31:11, Lauren O’Doherty 31:48, Gerry O’Doherty 31:51, Emily McLaughlin 31:56, Caroline Taylor 32:43, Debbie Tutty 32:58, Fiona Walls 36:50, Chris & Harry Capper 37:37, Stephen, Hannah & Abi Smyth 41:34.

As the runners enjoyed a welcome cuppa Andy and few friends set out for the next lap. The weather conditions over the next 24 hours deteriorated with strong winds, heavy rain and soft sand adding to the challenge.

Just after 9.30 on Sunday morning Andy accompanied by a group of running friends completed his challenge. He was welcomed home by his wife, family, friends and supporters. He then handed over the baton Andrew & Joanne McCreery to start their charity cycle from Portrush to Newry then onto Stormont. Over the 24 hours Andy covered 82 miles (26 plus parkruns). Springwell’s Jimmy Davidson finished 6th at the ECOS Parkrun on Saturday. No times were recorded due to a technical hitch. Gary Watton travelled to Belfast to take part in the first Ormeau Parkrun completing the 5K run in 20:49.