Author: Peter Graham

Congratulations to speedy Natasha Henderson who recently reset two more Club records!  First at the Furey’s 5k in Buncrana (19:44); and then at the Fairhill 5 Miler in Ballymena (32:44)!  

Over the weekend Louise Smart, represented Ireland in the 13th IAU World 24 Hour Championships held in Timisoara, Romania.  Running in high temperatures, both during the day and at night, Louise excelled; maintaining a consistent pace, and running her own race; to cover 204.57Km / 127.11 miles in the 24 hours; taking second in Ireland and 22nd in the World!  

The sun shone on the record numbers who took part in the fourth running of County Antrim Harriers annual May Fair 10k Road Race and 5k Fun Run.  Both races attracted a good mix of experienced, junior and novice runners representing a plethora of running clubs across the Province; while the 5k was also the graduation run for the Clubs Couch to 5kers, all of whom gave of their best and enjoyed their first race.

In the 10k, past winner and Northern Ireland International, Mark McKinstry (North Belfast Harriers) was first across the line in an impressive 33:06; quickly followed by Matthew Hewitt (East Antrim Harriers) in 36:37, and David Clarke (North Belfast Harriers) in 36:51.  The ladies race was no less exciting, with the European Athletics Championships bound marathoner and last year’s winner Gladys Ganiel (North Belfast Harriers) securing first place in 37:02; with Gemma McDonald (Ballycastle Runners), and Patricia Blair (Larne AC) claiming second and third podium spots, in 40:38 and 42:25 respectively.

The 5k attracted over 200 athletes and was won by up and coming Aaron Callaghan (East Coast AC) in 17:54 and Jana Ross (County Antrim Harriers) in 20:34.

The Club is extremely grateful to the main sponsor Abbey Autos who also provided a lead car for the 10K; as well as to the many local businesses, including Fred C Robinson, Fleming & Cuthbert; Production Services Ireland; O2 Junction One, County Estates Ballyclare; PFC Rainwater Systems; NL Rubber Ltd; SPAR at the Ballyclare Milestone; Haggan’s Fruit & Vegetable; Waites Warehouse; Livingwell Gym Templepatrick; and Move Right Therapy for their generous support.

Social Feedback:

Congratulations on another great event. Third year I’ve done it, always well organised and
marshalled. Thank you to all the volunteers. (W Bonar)

Super turnout today for the CAH May Fair Races. As always a brilliant event. (Mallusk
Harriers)

Thanks to CAH for a great event this morning. (Ballycastle Runners)

Thanks to everyone in CAH for organising this fantastic race, for the great support along the
route and for the best spread of food I’ve ever seen after a race! Definitely will be back again
next year. (Michelle Sweeney)

Really enjoyed the run yesterday. Fantastically organised from start to finish, super
marshalling all round the course & amazing post-run hospitality. Well done everyone.
(Denise Doherty)

Really enjoyed it and friendly support all the way round. Plenty of encouragement. (Jo via
Twitter)

Superbly organised by County Antrim Harriers as part of the Ballyclare May Fair Festival, the
annual 10k/5k took place on Saturday morning. Renowned also for the quality of the post-
race refreshments it was no surprise to see a good turnout of (North Belfast) Harriers to
contest this one.

Huge respect to Sam Todd who recently completed The Great Wall Marathon, China, which is widely considered one of the world’s most challenging marathons.

May Day (7th May) saw the sun shining and County Antrim Harriers out in force at the 37th Belfast Marathon; with eight Harriers completing the full distance; 25 members running in the Clubs five relay teams; Louise Smart taking part dressed as a super hero, as part of the EAMS (East Antrim Marathon Series) fundraiser for the Children’s Hospice; and many other members providing support and smiles around the course.  Special mention to Rhonda Barclay on her marathon debut (less than two years after graduating from the Clubs C25K programme), and The Green and Wine Army (Chris Hopkins, Claire Oliphant, Graeme O’Hara, Simon Caldwell and Natasha Henderson), whose impressive time of 2:54:22 placed them 18th of 2037 relay teams, and secured a new Club marathon relay record!