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.