Make Running a Regular Part of Your Life
County Antrim Harriers were delighted to again support the marvelous work of Belfast Homeless Services, by donating used trainers. The Club was able donate over 30 pairs. Carol Conn who, did all the heavy lifting and dropping off all the bags to the charity on the Club’s behalf, added another 20 pairs she had collected. Super teamwork.
Congratulations to Wendy Forsythe and Margaret Beattie who have been selected to represent Northern Ireland at the British & Irish XC International in Santry on 12 November 2022!
Well done to the County Antrim Harriers ladies, Sarah Kinnear and Suzanne Kennedy who gave great performances at the Berlin Marathon on Sunday, with Suzanne running a huge PB!
On Saturday twelve hardy harriers stepped up to run over all the distances on offer at the Causeway Coast Marathon from Ultra-marathon through to 10km. The course offered a range of terrain and obstacles including boardwalks, soft cliff paths, tall nettles, stone beaches, sand, road and scrambling over large slippy boulders. Weather conditions could have been said to be perfect in the earlier part of the day with a bit of sunshine and a stiff breeze. As the day progressed it got a tad warmer but thankfully there was plenty of water on hand at the aid stations.
Starting the day off at 7am were Claire and Aaron in the Ultra. They started at Portstewart Strand and made their way to Portballintrae along the coastal path to start the journey to Carrick-a-Rede and back again. Clocking over 39 miles over the day they both ran amazingly with Claire coming 3rd female.
Patricia, Suzanne andChris took part in the Full marathon event from Portballintrae to Carrick-a-Rede and back again. While Heather, Joanne, Rhonda, Darren, Patrick and Allen took part in the challenging Half marathon starting at Carrick-a-Rede and running uphill for the majority after a stint on White Park Bay beach. Everyone finished strongly up to the finish line at Portballintrae. There is a rumour than Patrick and his son missed the bus to the start…thanks to the good samaritan who gave them a lift. Our sole representative in the 10km was the invincible Wendy! Powering up from Dunseverick Castle she crossed the line with her usual enthusiasm and smile.
Thanks to David for the support and photos and thanks to John and Fiona for the finish line support.
A cheque for £250 was presented to Maggie Stewart and Gordon Harper from Cancer Lifeline Charity by Colin (Chairman) and Ruth (outgoing PRO) at our recent AGM. This charity was chosen in memory of our esteemed Club founder Greg Hopkins. Greg received great support from Cancer Lifeline during his brave battle with cancer.
Margaret (Asst Secretary) also had the great privilege of delivering a cheque for £500 to Marie Curie Charity in Belfast. This Charity was chosen in memory of our much missed CAH member Niall Robinson who sadly passed away in April this year.
As a mark of respect to Her Majesty the Queen there will be no club sessions on Monday the 19th.
The Club held another successful AGM on Friday evening at Parkview Hockey Club. Thank-you to all the CAHs who helped organise, attend and make it such a great occasion.
The Office Bearers and Committee elected for 2022/23 are:
Chairman – Colin Gilmore
Vice Chair – Johnny Loughead
Secretary – Roy Coulter
Assisant Secretary – Margaret Beattie
Treasurer- Rachel Lloyd
Assistant Treasurer – Alison Loughead
Public Relations Officer – Chris Dickey
Committee members:
Stu Gowans
Colin made small presentations to thank Irene Downey (past Secretary), Claire Oliphant (past Vice Chair), Ruth Morrison (past PRO), Louise Smart, Glenn Smart, Suzanne Kennedy and Ross McGowan for all their work on Committee for the past years.
Congratulations to Margaret Beattie who was again voted Club Person of the Year by members, and awarded the Niall Robinson Shield, kindly presented to the Club by Niall’s family.
All profits from the Clubs’ May Fair Races are donated to charity; and the Club is delighted that, thanks to members hard-work and running-community support, not only were we able to host a very successful return of the Races in May 2022 but also to donate £1,500 to charities.
This year, donations have been made to:
£500 to Marie Curie, in memory of our member Niall Robinson;
£250 to our 2022 May Fair race starter and Commonwealth para-triathlete, Oliver Gunning, to assist in his training;
£250 Cancer Lifeline, in memory of our previous Chair and Coach Greg;
£250 Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary; and
£250 Air Ambulance
Well done to fearless Harriers, Eileen Stewart, Louise Smart and Claire Oliphant who again took-up the challenge of the Quadrathon! This iconic four day festival of running, tests athletes resilience and determination, and takes place along the scenic Wild Atlantic Way. By Sunday Eileen had run four testing half marathons; and Louise and Claire conquered four marathons along the rugged coastal roads of the unspoilt Inishowen Peninsula.
Absolutely fantastic running by Chris Hopkins this morning, winning the Rock the Lakes & Lough 10K in a superb 35.10.
