Author: Peter Graham

Seven Harriers headed to Dervock 10k and Half Marathon with tremendous successes.  10k – Christine Murray 1st FV45; Irene Downey 2nd FV50.  Half – Kim Gleeve 2nd FV55; Marion Morrow 2nd FV55; and Eileen Stewart 1st FV60.  Well done ladies.

Christine Murray and Russell Hughes, pairing for a third time at the event, pulled out all the stops, to secure first Mixed Team in 1:06:07; while Tanya Smith and Brian McFall, recent C25k graduates, in their Relay debut, ran strongly.

Christine Murray wins FV45 category with Helen Baird 2nd at the Lough 10K (July 2016)

 

In June Christine won her age category at the Loughinisland 5.05 ml race; and achieved 2nd Female overall at the testing Pure Running 10 mile Divis Challenge.

Louise Smart, made club history in her first attempt at a 24 hour endurance event, when she became Irish Champion, at the prestigious Energia 24 Hour race held at Victoria Park.  The event, which is Irelands only 24 hour race incorporated Athletics Ireland National 24 hour Championship, (and awarded a Silver Label from the International Association of Ultra Runners), attracted a large international field.  Each lap of the Park is just over 1 mile and the winner was the competitor who recorded the greatest distance in 24 hours.  The gruelling event pushes competitors both physically and mentally, and Louise excelled, completing over 123 laps, equating to 126.3 miles / 204Km, between midday Saturday and midday Sunday.  Not only was Louise first female, but overall she finished in the top 10.  Her outstanding win also qualifies Louise for international try-out.  The Club is extremely proud of Louise and her magnificent achievement.

 

Sunday 5th June saw eleven Harriers (including 3 marathon debuts), at the SSE Walled City Marathon, Londonderry.  Well done to Ross McGowan, Peter Graham, Andrena Berry, Louise Smart, Christine Neeson, Marian Hayes, Marion Morrow (debut), Diane McCartney (debut), Kim Gleave, Martina Toal, and Eileen Stewart (3^rd F60 debut).