Author: Ruth Morrison

Congratulations to Laurie and Regan our Hai and Dry May Fair 5k Mystery Finishing Time Competition winners! Both ladies received a fab toweling robe from Hai & Dry.

Big Congratulations to Louise Smart, Sarah Kinnear and Wendy Forsythe who respectively took part in the We Run Wild NI Norn Iron 100 miler; the Lionsgate Backyard Ultra (as part of Team Ireland in the third race of the Four Nations Trophy); and the Ballymoney Sprint Triathlon over the weekend.

Men

Peter McGarry, NBH (new record)

Brandon McKeown, Annadale Striders

Jack McCausland, City of Lisburn

MJ – Tom Fleming, Mallusk Harriers

BT39 – Lewis Kitson, UA

Ladies

Rachel McClosley, Beechmount Harriers (new record)

Patricia Blair, East Coast AC

Hannah O’Toole, East Coast AC

FJ – Joy Chestnutt, UA and Emily Murphy, Mallusk Harriers

BT39 – Sophie Jenkins, UA

Men

James McAlary, City of Derry Spartans

James Hamilton, Ballymena Runners

Ricky Johnston, Jog Lisburn

M35 – Oliver Cooke, PACE

M40 – Thomas Steele, Scrabo Striders

M45 – Colin James, East Antrim Harriers

M50 – James Kitchin, East Antrim Harriers

M55 – Bernard Brady, BAAC

M60 – William Jenkins, Seapark AC

M65 – N/A

MJ – Sam Russell, UA

BT39 – Aaron Bell, PACE

Ladies

Gemma McDonald, Ballycastle Runners

April Clarke, NBH

Natasha Henerson, NBH

F35 – Nena Cormican, UA

F40 – Ruth Maltman, East Coast AC

F45 – Melissa Grimes, UA

F50 – Janice Plumb, NBH

F55 – Pamela Davis, Ballymena Runners

F60 – Claire Forth, PACE

F65 – Ann Magee, UA

FJ – Hannah Leetch, BAAC

BT39 – Kerry Knipe, CAH

Congratulations to our new record-holders:

Peter McGarry, NBH, 15:17

Rachel McClosley, Beechmount Harriers 19:24

The sun shone on all those who travelled to Ballyclare, on Saturday (28^th), for the much anticipated return of the County Antrim Harriers May Fair 10k and 5k Race Day.  The popularity of the event (last run in 2019) was evidenced by the large number of entries, with almost 400 runners taking part including participants from Canada and Australia!

At 10am the races were started by local Commonwealth Games-bound, Para-Triathlete, Oliver Gunning, and a sea of runners streamed up the lane from the Rugby Club, before proceeding along the Doagh Road, which was lined with cheering supporters, towards The Square.  At The Square, the 10k runners turned left up challenging Rashee Road to cover the undulating loop though Cogry, Doagh and back.  While those in the 5k ran down Main Street and into the Sixmile Park by Centenary Way before heading back to the Rugby Club via Ollardale.  As in previous years, both races attracted a terrific mix of experienced, junior and novice runners representing 25 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.

The races lived up to expectations, with many PBs, and exciting in-race races.  In the 10k, it was Steven McAlary (City of Derry AC), who represented NI & Ulster at the 2022 Antrim Coast Half Marathon and Leeds Abbey 10k who crossed the line first in a superb 31:01; quickly followed by James Hamilton (Ballymena Runners) in 32:35; and Ricky Johnston (Jog Lisburn) in 34:06.

For the women, it was Ballycastle Runner’s on-form Gemma McDonald who took first place, as she did in 2010 and 2015, in 38:40; with North Belfast Harriers pair, April Clarke and Natasha Henderson securing the remaining podium places in 40:24 and 40:52 respectively.

The 5k, which was also the sixth race in the Fibrus Fives Grand Prix, was no less thrilling Peter McGarry (North Belfast Harriers) and Brandon McKeown (Annadale Striders) battling for first place, with McGarry taking the win in a new course record in 15:17.  In the ladies, Rachel McCloskey (Beechmount Harriers) just pipped Patricia Blair (East Coast AC), who has previously podiumed in the May Fair 10k, to the line in course record breaking 19:24.

After finishing, runners were rewarded much needed refreshments, and able to avail of a sports massage by Natalie Davidson of ALIVE Massage before the prize giving. 

The Club is extremely grateful to the main sponsor Hanna Plastics Ltd, who also provided the lead car for the 10K; as well as to the many local businesses who came on board: Amplifi Solutions; Wilson Chiropractic; Dennison Commercials; Abbey Real Estate; CIP Insurance; Ollar Hair; Hai & Dry; AG Bespoke Kitchen Fitter; TDR Academy; Jackson’s Butchers; NEST Estate Agents; Stephen Mawhinney Motors; SPAR Doagh; Haggan’s Fruit & Vegetable; Balloo Hire; Sixmile Leisure Centre and Waites Warehouse.

Colin Gilmore, Race Director, commented “I would like to sincerely thank everyone who made the return of the Races such a success, particularly all the racers, without whom there would be no event, the generosity of our race sponsors, the spectators and residents  of Ballyclare for their enthusiastic support (and patience), along with the efforts of Club members and their families and friends.  The Club looks forward to welcoming everyone back to our 2023 Races.”

County Antrim Harriers are looking forward to welcoming hundreds of athletes from across the province for the post-covid return of their annual May Fair 10k and 5k Races, on Saturday (28^th May) morning.  The popular races, held in conjunction with the Ballyclare May Fair, will again start and finish at The Cloughan, home of Ballyclare Rugby Club. 

Colin Gilmore, Club Chair said “the Club is delighted that, Hanna Plastics Ltd is this years’ main race sponsor and is also providing the lead race car.  Without sponsorship we would be unable to host the race, and are sincerely thankful to the many other businesses who have come on board: Amplifi Solutions; Wilson Chiropractic; Dennison Commercials; Abbey Real Estate; CIP Insurance; Ollar Hair; Hai & Dry; AG Bespoke Kitchen Fitter; TDR Academy; Jackson’s Butchers; NEST Estate Agents; Stephen Mawhinney Motors; SPAR Doagh; Haggan’s Fruit & Vegetable; Balloo Hire; SIxmile Leisure Centre and Waites Warehouse..  As well as Natalie Davidson from ALIVE Massage who will be providing post-race sports massages.”

“The Club would also like to take this opportunity to encourage the public to take to the streets of Ballyclare from 10am to watch, clap and cheer to support the May Fair racers; and also to thank them in advance for their patience for any disruption.”

Online race registration has now closed but on the day entries will be available on race morning between 8.00 – 9.30am at the Rugby Club, and also, on Friday evening between 6.30 –  8.30pm during race pack collection.  All information can be found on www.countyantrimharriers.co.uk