Well done David!

In sub zero temperatures David completed the 13.1 miles in 1:21:35.

Meanwhile, over six hundred runners celebrated St Patrick’s Day by participating in Jimmy’s 10K in Downpatrick. The East Down AC event is the first major 10K race of the Northern Ireland road racing calendar. In perfect running conditions, Annadale Striders’ Eddie McGinley marked his return from injury with an excellent display, breaking the tape in 31:01. Gladys Ganiel O’Neill (North Belfast Harriers) continued her preparations for London Marathon with a comfortable victory in the ladies race crossing the line in 35:18. 

Springwell’s sole representative Jim Breen dipped under the 40 minute mark finishing 2nd MO55 in 39:18.

On Saturday, mountain runners from all over Northern Ireland gathered at St Patricks Primary School in Waterfoot, for the start of the Glenariff Mountain Race. The six mile race with a 1,100ft climb is affectionately known as ‘the spud race’ because each competitor gets a free bag of potatoes, courtesy of sponsors ‘Glens of Antrim’ potatoes.

As the runners set off on the two mile, fast and flat section towards Glenariff Glen, City of Derry AC athlete Allan Bogle moved to the front and led the men onto the mountain. The challenging climb and subsequent descent was made even more difficult because of the wet, slippy conditions. Allan maintained his lead and was first off the mountain and back onto the flat grassy section, en-route to the shoreline finish back at the school, breaking the tape in 44:39.

In the ladies race, Shileen O’Kane continued her dominance of the terrain; the strong, experienced international mountain runner sealed a comprehensive win, completing the course in 54:13. 

Springwell had five brave souls competing in the race for the first time. Thomas Moore was first home in 56:17 followed by Brain Scullion 1:02:46, Debbie Tutty 1:27:09, Caroline Taylor 1:28:20 and Caroline Taylor 1:28:20.

High tide at 9.10 am left very little sand for the 50 runners at the Portrush Parkrun on Saturday.

Springwell pair Chris Denton (20:48) and Karen McLaughlin (24:00) were the first male and female home.

Springwell Times - Bryan Edgar 21:16, Ailbhe Kendall 24:06, Nigel Armstrong 24:31, Jean-Claude Bourgeois 24:43, Mervyn Thompson 24:56, Hermione Skuce 26:58, Conor Kendall 30:13, Margaret Edgar 32:51, Jack Kendall 38:46, Ruari Kendall 42:46, Kay Hack 46:29.