County Antrim Harriers hosted yet another successful running of its May Fair 10k and 5k Race Day, on Saturday (25th). The popularity of the event continues to grow, and this year boasted a record number of entries, with over 525 toeing the line.
At 10am, the races were started by rugby legend, Willie-John McBride CBE, 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 293 10k runners turned left up challenging Rashee Road to cover the undulating loop though Cogry, Doagh and back. While those entered in the 5k ran down Main Street and into the Sixmile Park before heading back to the Rugby Club via Ollardale. 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.
The races lived up expectations, with many PBs, and exciting in-race races. In the 10k, Eric Koech (Project Africa), who podiumed at Belfast Marathon, and Mark McKinstry (North Belfast Harriers), and who had already had raced successfully at Buncrana 5k and the Carmen in the days before, kicked from the start. The pair kept pushing each other and were only seconds apart as they crossed the line in 31:06 and 31:15 respectively. Philip Goss (North Belfast Harriers) was third in 33:34.
For the women, it was Ballycastle Runner’s on-form Gemma McDonald who took first place, as she did in 2015, in 39:22; with Patricia Blair (East Coast AC) and Elisoa Crawford (Sea Park AC) claiming second and third podium spots, in 40:32 and 41:11 respectively.
The 5k, which was also the third race in the Baker McKenzie Super Fives, attracted over 230 athletes and was won by Gareth Lyons (North Belfast Harriers) in a new course record in 16:13, and Ann Terek (unattached) in 19:31.
After finishing, runners were rewarded much needed refreshments, and able to avail of a sports massage by Luc Bailie of The Physio Room before the prize giving.
The Club is extremely grateful to the main sponsor RB Automotive, who also provided the lead and tail cars for the 10K; as well as to the many local businesses who came on board: Amplifi Solutions; Production Services Ireland; Hanna Plastics Ltd; KDL Rainwater Solutions; County Estates Ballyclare; PFC Rainwater Systems; CIP Insurance; Ollar Hair; Dunamoy Cottages & Spa; Wilson Chiropractic; Sea Breeze Salt Therapy; Right Move Therapy; McGookin Electrical; Mango Bikes (who also provided the lead cycle for the 5k); Haggan’s Fruit & Vegetable; and Waites Warehouse.
Colin Gilmore, Race Director, paid tribute to everyone involved in making the event such a success, highlighting in particular the racers, without whom there would be no event, the generosity of race sponsors, the spectators and residents people of Ballyclare for their enthusiastic support (and patience), along with the efforts of Club members and their families and friends.
