The sun shone on all those who travelled to Ballyclare, on Saturday (28th), 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.”
