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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).

Saturday 27th May, saw over 420 athletes taking part in County Antrim Harriers, third annual May Fair 10k road race and 5k fun run.  Both races attracted a good mix of experienced and novice runners representing many running clubs across the Province; and 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 expectations, with many PBs, exciting in-race races, and in the 5k both the male and female course records were broken by up-and-coming athletes Ethan Dunn (Ballydrain Harriers) in 17:29, and Laura Maxine (East Down AC) in 19:29.  In the 10k, last years winner and course record holder Dan Tanui (Project Africa) was again first across the line in 30:33, while in the ladies race Commonwealth marathoner, Gladys Ganiel (North Belfast Harrier) won in 37:14.  The Club is extremely grateful to all the local businesses for their generous support of the event in providing race and spot prizes.

 

Congratulations to Roy Coulter, on completing the Club’s ParkRun Challenge (running all Northern Ireland ParkRuns and volunteering at 3 events) in record time!

Natasha Henderson took second place in the Female Open, at the NI Running Mile Event, at Mary Peters Track, clocking an impressive 6:01:72

May Day saw the Club out in force at the 36th Belfast Marathon; with three Harriers completing the full distance; 20 members running in the Clubs four relay teams (The County Antrim Painkillers (3:04:33), Marty’s McFlyers (3:20:37), The GI Janes (3:44:17), The Conn Artistes (4:17:06)); three taking part in the full dressed as Smurfs, as part of the East Antrim Marathon Series fundraiser for MENCAP; and other members providing support and smiles around the course.

 

Smart (BQ), Cathy Hopkins and Martina Toal ladies dug deep and performed well.

Then on 24^th April, it was the turn of Jayne McKeever, Martin Graham and Andrena Berry to run the 37^th Virgin Money London Marathon.  All gave their best, with special mention to Martin Graham on his excellent marathon debut.

Also 24^th April, the Club was represented at the Connemara International Marathon, billed as one of the world’s most scenic races.  Louise Smart, only 6 days after running Boston marathon, finished the ultra distance (39.3 miles); Lyn Hardie and Ashleigh McMeekin took on the full distance; while, Irene Downey, Lisa Montgomery, Marion Morrow, Marian Hayes, and Eileen Stewart ran the half marathon.

Superb performances by all the Harriers!