Author: Peter Graham

Louise made Club history, yet again, by becoming the first Club member to represent Ireland as she competed in the IAU World 24 Hour Championships at Victoria Park, Belfast.  The prestigious event attracted over 300 top ultra athletes from over 40 countries.  In only her second 24 hour endurance event, she bettered the distance she covered at the 2016 Energia 24 Hour Race, completing over 124 laps, equating to a staggering 127.76miles / 204.11Km, in the 24 hours, to finish as first Northern Ireland Lady in the World Championships; Silver Medallist in the AAI National Championships; and 38^th in the World!  Her great performance aided the Team Ireland ladies to achieve a top ten position in the Team event.  The Club is extremely proud of Louise and her magnificent achievement.

Well done to Christine Murray for winning third in her age group, for her consistent performances over the 11 races of this tough series.

Harrier ladies proved they “don’t do easy”, as they took on the trails and mountain tracks of the Mourne Mountains, while experiencing less than perfect conditions, at the gruelling 26Extreme Mourne Way events.  Great performances by Louise Smart in the ultra (52 miles), claiming third Female overall for the second successive year; Jayne McKeever and Mandy Yau-Wilson in the marathon event; Ashleigh McMeekin in the marathon challenge walk; and Eileen Stewart in the half.

The Clubs triathlon enthusiasts, Helen Baird and Peter Graham, had a great outing at the Crooked Lake Sprint Triathlon in Camlough.  The duo completed the 750m open water swim; 20k cycle (which finished with a steep incline); and 5k undulating run, strongly.

Congratulations to Helen Collins on winning her age category at the Albertville 4 mile road race (27:08).