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Scullion selected for Commonwealth Games

"Runners to the line", "Toes behind the line"

31.07.10

On your marks, get set, go.... I find myself sprinting into the clear, arms up high defending position on the rail, and float around the bend, 3 laps later my heart is pounding in my chest, a weak athlete would slow, give in to the pain, I find myself questioning fate, one last effort to make the commonwealth games, I find another gear, im kicking hard, now im leading, but it's too early. Arms stephen arms, keep driving your arms.

I hear John Allen, "Keep working to the line", it wakes me up and I kick again, catch my balance at the line and its over. I've been running for 11 years now, and It all came down to running fast on my home track in Belfast. I've been lucky to find people to help me along the way, and provide the vital support required that got me both mentally and physically ready for Belfasts Grand prix.

It's been a really great and enjoyable last few months, which took me from the downfall in Marseille, to the fast tactical 1500m in Budapest, then to Sweden for a painful experience over 5000m, and back to London for Solihulls breakthrough, and finally the big one in Belfast. But the whole journey has been enjoyable and that all began under Coach John Moffett at the Mary Peters track in 1999. Since then ive changed coach a number of times, and continue to have contact with most. You have to learn how to use the people around you, and let their knowledge and experience help you push forward. North Belfast Harriers took me under their wing a few years back. under the guidance of Sean Mc Cafferty and Francis Mc Cafferty, we bonded as a team and worked together to improve. Francis would run the trail with myself Eoin Gill and John McKeown on Sunday mornings. At the beginning I would struggle to make it to the top of the hill without stopping, but that strength has stood by me. The club helped keep me of the streets, and instead I spent my days on trails and in parks training. Damian Gill started to looking after me, and his knowledge of training helped me push forward. We were rewarded with a 2nd place in the Schools international cross country in 2005.

When you start to perform well, its always great to look back and remember everyone who has impacted upon you.

I've just gotten word that im selected for the Commonwealth games in India, It hasn't completely sunk in yet. Im blogging from Belfast City Airport, before I board my plane back to London. A great place to base myself for the pre build up training. The commonwealth games will see me race hard in front of thousands, but for me its important to learn from the big occasion. Its an honour to represent the country that made me, the country that taught me to survive on the 1st three laps of my 1500m, and the country that taught me how to fight on the last lap.

For now, I will be enjoying a little lay off period for a week; however, I have some work to do if I wanna be ready for India. Were given these opportunities in life to test us, and see how good we can be. Its time to fight for Northern Ireland, and put our country on the map. Lets bring some pride back to Northern Ireland, someone has to take home glory, why can't it be the small team from Northern Ireland.

Stephen Scullion

Three in a row for Lisa

Excellent run of form

31.07.10

Lisa Sturgeneor continued her excellent run of form last week by winning the Cookstown Half Marathon to add to the earlier wins in the Portaferry10 and Ards Half. Breege Connolly also won the Dervock Half and Geraldine Quigly was third in the Bridges 10.

Matt Shields

Cathy Selected for Northern Ireland

High Class Race

31.07.10

Cathy McCourt continued her excellent season with selection to run for Northern Ireland in a home countries 5K in Blackburn. On a tough course she finished second F35. Following week she competed in the Raheney 5 in Dublin were she ran a pb of 28.39 behind Breege Connolly in 28.15 and Abbey's Gladys Ganiel in 28.07. Breege's time represents a welcome return to better form.

Matt Shields

Lisburn Half Marathon and 10K

Markers were confusing and seemed inaccurate

19.06.10

Wednesday last was the Lisburn Half and 10K which again proved worthy of its billing as the biggest road race in the Provence outside of The marathon. In all a total of approx 6000 runners participated in the three events on a warm and clammy night. The organization and marshalling was as ever excellent but the dual markers of miles for the half and kilometers for the 10K were confusing and seemed inaccurate. At times in each race the elite runners had to negotiate the slower runners in the other race. This unfortunately is unavoidable and part of the price you pay to participate in such a tremendous mass sporting event
In the 10K Eamon White 32.59 was second and first O/40 followed by Matt Shields 35.48 1st O/55, Eddie Burns 36.07, John Patience 36.30, Paul Jenkins 39.30 and local doctor Tony Forde 41.29.
Cathy McCourt won the woman’s event in 37.18 and the men’s team I think were third.
In the Half Marathon Conner Magill ran 1.12.51 a massive PB to come third while Michael Fitzpatrick ran 1.16.05, Greg McClure 1.26.59 and Robert Irvine 1.32.06 The team again I’m not certain but I think they won.
In the woman’s race Lisa Sturgeon was 3rd in 1.27.27 while Geraldine Quigley ran another PB 1.32.18

Matt Shields

Sharon selected for the Ireland Team

In at the elite end of Irish mountain running.

19.06.10

Small fields but high standard winners were the order of the day at the Trial for the European Mountain Running Championships in Crone Wood, Co.Wicklow.

Debutante Sharon Bird (North Belfast Harriers) ran an excellent race to beat Karen Alexander by 23 seconds. Given how well Karen has been running, this performance puts Sharon straight in at the elite end of Irish mountain running.
This result meant that Sharon was selected for the Ireland Team, to run in the European Championships on 4th July in Bulgaria.
American and soon to have Irish citizenship Gladys Ganiel O'Neill was third. Gladys ran 2 hours 41 minutes in London this year and has been training with North Belfast during her marathon build up

Gerry Brady Irish Mountian Running Association

East Antrim Harriers Trail Race 3 & 2

Times seemed slower than last year

19.06.10

East Antrim Harriers Trail Race 3 Tardree Forest Tuesday 8th June 2010

On a damp but warm evening some mad and crazy runners gathered in Tardree forest for a 3mile plus forest race. The course is one of the toughest with several leg sapping climbs and long decents. The race was won by David O'Flalerty from Newastle in 19.02, with Eddie Burns coming in 5th in 20.04, next was the long haired one...John Patience in 10th 20.38 closely (very close watch out next time) Paul Jenkins in 20.45 for 11th place.
Jim Newberry was out and finished 14th in 21.29, and Jennifer Bill was 30th in 23.57. All times seemed slower than last year for some strange reason.

East Antrim Harriers Trail Race 2 Tardee Forest Tuesday 26th June 2010

The second EAH forest trail race (New Line Carrick) is the shortest and is approx.2.78miles, the race was won again by Simon Seaton in 15.07, with Eddie Burns coming in for 6th place in 16.03, and Paul Jenkins 10th in 16.35, and a welcome return to racing after injury by Nelson Cahoon in 17.12 for 16th place, and Jennifer Bill in 36th place in 19.26.
Yet again slower times than last year, seem to be moving the start / finish lines somewhere longer!!!.

Paul Jenkins

Tardree Trail Race

Damien Marquess in his first race second

30.05.10

The Tardree trail race was held last Saturday 29th May. In the seniors John Patience ran with Malachy McKenna, Lauren O’Donnell Anderson and Rebecca Marquess finishing in the junior class. In the supporting fun run Damien Marquess in his first race finished second.

Jimmy Nolan

Spring Marathon Round Up

Greg McClure trio of marathons and over 50 champion.

30.05.10

The usual bout of marathons was held over the last two months and the club as always was heavily involved.
LONDON
First off was London which was run on a near perfect day with a light shower of rain just before the start to keep proceedings cool. Martin Rea was first home in 2.37.14 with Jim Benson who had ran most of the way with Martin finishing in 2.40.03. Gareth Grew who has had injury problems in the build up ran 2.47.13 and the author (Matt Shields) ran 2.54.37 to finish 4th in age group. Greg McClure started his trio of marathons with 2.59.43.
In the woman’s event Sharon Bird running her first marathon ran an excellent 2.51.44 to finish sixth and Ivana O’Neill ran 3.14.34.
Also training periodically with us Gladys Ganiel O’Neil of Abbey ran 2.41.45 to finish second and Stephen Walker ran 3.13.44
BELFAST
A week later attention switched to Belast. Michael Fitzpatrick was first home in 2.40.42 followed by Greg McClure in event two with 3.01.19 (first O/50). Jim Benson running his second marathon ran 2.48.19 and Lawerance O’Hara ran a first marathon time off around 2.58. Martin Rea, Stuart Kennedy and Stephen Walker all ran as pacers and met there target times. Gareth Grew’s injury problems meant he had to drop out and we would like to say that any reports that Gareth and the missing North Belfast bean stacker are the same is purely speculative.
Again in the womans event we had two good runs with Breege Connolly taking first local in 3.00.48 and Lisa Tracy taking 2nd local in 3.07.09.
Also training periodically with us Ciaran Dogherty of Beechmount ran 2.58.55.
We cant leave Belfast without mentioning Philips mixed relay team who won there category.
EDINBURGH & NEWRY
Conner Curran ran Edinburgh on a difficult and very warm day finishing in 2.49.12 and as I type this report Greg McClure is preparing to run his third spring marathon in Newry tomorrow.

Plans are already started to enter and train for the Autumn marathons with Dublin and Berlin being the main focus.

Matt Shields

Irish Masters Boyle Lough Key

A very good reward for the trip

26.02.10

Lough Key was the backdrop for the 2010 Irish Masters and North traveled south with three teams. The course was judging by times short and complicated with lots of different laps and combinations. First up was the women’s team reinforced by the return to competition of Mary Margrette Meade.
Mary finished 4th overall and 2nd O/35 with Cathy McCourt 4th O/35, Louise Smith 6th O/35, Amanda Perry 10th O/35 and Geraldine Quigley 14th O/35. The team was again easy winners. Unfortunately the coach got it wrong thinking it was six for the county when in fact it was four. They would also have been clear winners here if entered, enough said.
Second race of the day was the men’s event which encompassed two categories over and under fifty. In the under fifty race Neil Carty was first home followed by Paul Blaney, Jim Benson and Gareth Grew. This gave a placing of 6th out off twenty teams very creditable
In the over fifty event Matt Shields was first O/55 backed by Derek Donaghy, John Patience, Greg McClure and Victor Johnston they won silver team in the over fifties. In the county competition which takes in both age groups a hastily arranged team didn’t include the over fifties which if included would have won silver. Life’s a bitch.
On reflection North won two individual medals, two sets of team medals and missed out on two sets of county medals which thankfully wasn’t all my fault, a very good reward for the trip I feel.

Matt Shields

Pictures by Declan Rougan

East Down AC Rollercoaster 5K Downpatrick

5k course was well named

26.02.10

On a cold but bright day two brave atheletes from North Belfast headed to Downpatrick. The 5k course was well named, with plenty of hills. Phillp Goss ran really well for 2nd place out of 100 runners, in 16.37, and Paul Jenkins 18.40/13th and first M35. A well orangised and tough course, and something different.

Paul Jenkins

Trail race double for North

Double wins in Roe Valley and Rostrevor

26.02.10

Roe Valley Trail Race

Ballymena based atheletes, Gregory Walsh and Linda Petticrew, recorded a double success for North Belfast Harriers at Saturday's Five Mile Trail Race at Roe Valley Country Park. Gregory, making his first competitive outing after a six month lay off, claimed victory in the Male Open, with a 24 second advantage, finishing in a time of 27 mins 41 secs. Linda Petticrew recorded her first ever race victory, finishing a strong 1st in the Female 45 category, crossing the line in 40 mins 27 secs. Also in action was ex-footballer Sean Quinn who produced an excellent performance finishing in 34 mins 24 secs. Close behind was Ronnie Marshall in 35 mins 52 secs. John Dickie, in his first outing of the season, broke his 5 mile road race personal best, finishing in a much improved 36 mins 11 secs.

Gregory Walsh

Rostrevor Trail Race

Just two athletes traveled to this event however they were good enough to win with Martin Rea in the open men's event and Sharon Bird in the open women's event

Matt Shields

North Belfast Senior Champions

Finished a dominant first team

26.02.10

The Northern Ireland Senior Championships were held at Stormont Estate on 13th February and North Belfast had 13 athletes competing. In the Men’s event Philip Goss and Conner Magill continued their recent good form by leading the team home in 25th and 31st place respectively. Behind these two Neil Carty, Martin Rea, Jim Benson, Adam Holland and Greg McClure all ran well to record a 4th team place just outside the medals. Our two strongest competitors were not available due to injury and illness otherwise we would have been amongst the medals.
In the Women’s event we had a full squad and finished a dominant first team with Breege Connolly 3rd, Sharon Trimble 5th, Cathy McCourt 8th, Louise Smith 13th, Geraldine Quigley 18th and Lisa Sturgeon 30th

Matt Shields

pictures by Declan Rougan

X-COUNTRY CHAMPIONS IN A SNOWEY DONEGAL

30th Janaury 2010
Ulster Masters/Junior Cross Championship Donegal

07.02.10

With the snow deep on the ground,the fearless North Belfast athletes headed for the Donegal hills. The race headquarters were at Finn Valley AC, a great facility, but the race was some 1.5 miles away!!!
The first race off was the Masters men with 4 laps/5miles over a wet and relatively flat course. First home was S Duncan 26.51, then P MCKinney 27.06 and then D Morwood 27.20. North's team consisted of N Carty 29.16/10th,P Blaney 29.16/11th,S.Kennedy/34th (in his first run for North, well done and welcome to the club) and finally P Jenkins 35.16/47th (I wasn't well!!!).

Next was the Womens race 4k and the performance of the day went to Cathy McCourt who simulated Haley Yelling's Santry run in the European Cross Country Championships, and lead from the gun, to win outright in 15.44, then L.Smith 16.12/4th,A Perry 16.38/8th,G Quigley 17.26/20th,P Jackson 19.11/27th. A fantastic run for the team, and what could this team do in other races, watch this space.

Finally the Junior, which was won by Micheal McKillop in 34.34, and for North was an amazing run by Phiilp Goss in 36.34 for 8th place!!! Then the ever improving newcomer Connor Magill 37.22/14th (I believe in his first Cross Country), and M Rea 38.16/20th, A O'Hara 40.06/28th, and P Hamill 41.54/35th..
A great turnout by the club and great result by all.

Paul Jenkins

Pictures by Declan Rougan

Scullion steps up at Antrim

McCain series International

07.02.10

Greenmount was the venue for the International this year and gave a welcome opportunity for competition after the inclement conditions encountered over the holiday period.
In the male masters Neil Carty was first home for North in 7th place followed by Paul Jenkins, Jim Newberry, Greg McClure and Drew Crawford. Unfortunately the author only reached the first corner and droped out, enough said.
In the female event the masters was run along with the open and junior event. Cathy McCourt and Geraldine Quigley both took part finishing 2nd and 6th respectively in the masters section.
In the final International race which also included a U/23 Celtic X-country section Stephen Scullion had an inspired run winning the Celtic competition and finishing 7th overall in a senior international field. Congratulations Stephen an excellent run

Matt Shields

Moira Cross Country - 16 January 2010

First Cross Country of the year

22.01.10

Following the incremental weather conditions the first Cross Country of the year took place on Saturday in Moira Demesne. Most of the races attracted very strong fields as many of our top local athletes were hungry for competition, particularly ahead of the Veterans and Junior XC Championships in the coming weeks.

In the male open Paul Blaney was our top finisher in 10th position followed by the emerging talent of Connor Magill only 12 seconds behind in 14th. Despite missing the start due to a stopwatch breakage Philip Goss managed to come through the field bravely to finish in 16th place. Peter Savage fought hard to claim third place in the vet 40 category while Jim Newberry was third over 50.

In the female race Louise Smith produced a gallant display to battle her way into second place behind the unstoppable Gladis O’Neil (Abbey AC) who was in fine form. Ballymena based North athlete Geraldine Quigley ran a very respectable 19:34 for 14th position.

Castlewellan Christmas Cracker - 28 December 2009

Despite the freezing conditions the event was a great success

22.01.10

The last race of the year was the annual Castlewellan Christmas Pairs race and it proved to be a big success for North athletes. The race is run in Pairs over a challenging 10 mile trail/mountain circuit much of which is threw the picturesque Castlewellan Forest. The two runners in each team must complete the last 200 meters of the race together before crossing the line together. As a result the most common tactic is for team members to work with and offer each other encouragement throughout the race. There are 3 team categories consisting of All Male, All Female and Mixed.

The Mixed category was won in splendid fashion by Cathy McCourt and Philip Goss. Cathy, an Irish mountain running international, demonstrated her outstanding ability in the fells producing some great descents and showing considerable strength on the climbs.

Second place in the mixed category also went to North Belfast with Sharon Bird and Jim Benson running well to hold off the substantial challenge from Abbey AC’s marathon champion Gladis O’Neil and her team mate Eddie Bell.

In the All Male category a strong North team of Paul Blaney and Neil Carty battled their way to second place with Paul continuing to show improvement following a long injury layoff.

Meanwhile Connor Flannigan, running with East Down favourite Brendan Teer, claimed fourth spot overall after a very fast start. Davy Wright and Grey McClure also ran well together in the All Male 90-99 class to finish 42nd overall.

Despite the freezing conditions this year’s event was a great success with a record 157 teams taking part.

Philip Goss

British and Irish Masters Birmingham

Best ever medals haul for Northern Ireland

21.11.09

The British and Irish Masters cross country international was held at Perry Park Birmingham with age groups teams from all of the home nations taking part. With our relatively small population it is impossible for us to compete as equals with the likes of England so any dent in the big fish dominance of this event is a major achievement for us minnows.
The day before the race was dominated by wind and rain and race day proved no exception as it started to rain again at the start of competition. The first race of the day was the woman’s 35-70 and men over 65. Our woman’s 35 team set the standard for the rest of us with Cathy McCourt (6th), Gillian Burns (10), Louise Smith (12) and Jill Dowie winning the Bronze Team award ahead of Scotland and Wales with England and Ireland the gold and silver. Individually Bridget Quinn from Ballymena won an excellent bronze in the woman’s 65 age group. We also provided the oldest competitor of the day in John McKeag age 86.
Second race of the day was the men’s 50-65 and by this time the course was starting to muck up a little. The race was individually dominated by 59 year old Mick Hager. The English runner born off Northern Irish parents led from early on beating all athletes some of whom were up to nine years younger. Behind Hager Matt Shields just managed O/55 silver beating Irelands Pat O’Shea literally on the line and in the O/60 age group Terry Aitken went one better than his O/55 bronze five years ago to get O/60 silver just eight seconds behind gold. Team wise we were hopeful of an O/55 medal but this wasn’t to be loosing out by one point to Scotland.
Third and final race in the International races was the men’s 35-49 and by this time it had been raining for over two hours and the event was getting more and more off a trial. Dave Morwood the previous winner was a doubtful starter due to a calf strain however thanks to some pre race treatment from Bangor’s Debbie Matchet he was able to run and after a cautious start managed to pull through for O/35 silver. Team wise we now had expectations and the O/40 team led by North’s Eamon White, in his first outing in this event, won bronze. The team was Eamon (7th), Mark Wright (9th), Steve McGory (16th), Matt Wray (19th), James Turtle and Oran McBride.
In total we won two team bronze, three individual silver and one individual bronze which is probably as many medals as I can remember us winning in the last ten years in total a great result all around and a message for the runners sitting at home who didn’t travel.
The North athletes who took part were Cathy McCourt, Louise Smith, Paul Jenkins, Eamon White, Eddie Burns, John Patience, Derek Donaghy, Jim Newberry, Matt Shields and Drew Crawford.

Matt Shields

photos by Declan Rougan

McConnell Shield Cross Country

A wet and wild day

21.11.09

What had promised to be a wet and wild day turned out cold , but great. North Belfast turned out some six runners for the 75th McConnel Shield. The race was won in a display of class running by J McAlistair in 24.50 , and a first ever team win for North Down in the McConnel Shield!!!
Neil Carty our champion fell runner ran well in 27.52, P Goss 28.03, M.Fitzpatrick 28.10 (1st M35), E.Burns 30.17, J.Patience 30.21 (1st M50), and P.Jenkins 31.01. The course was in fantastic condition despite all the rain recently, and in the womens race Kerry Harty made a welcome return from injury to win the womens race in 17.20, and Drew Crawford won the M70 title in a great 24.38.

Paul Jenkins

Bobby Rea Cross Country-Coleriane

True Cross Country course

21.11.09

One very wet and windy Saturday , John Patience and myself headed (I drove to avoid John getting lost and ending up in Letterkenny) to Coleriane for the Bobby Rea Cross Country. The Coleraine course is one of the best, and a true Cross Country course, with a great downhill, up hill and plenty of mud!!!
North Belfast had three runners, C Flannigan who was third in 27.15, John Patience (first M50) 31.57, and finally Paul Jenkins 33.26. Also running in the Ladies race and with a superb category win was Geraldine Quiley in 21.40.
The race was won by C Doherty in 27.14, just beating our own Connor, and in the ladies race Gladys Ganiel won, despite running a marathon only 6 days ago!!!
The only other disaster was John Patience hair got wet and Vidal Sasson had to fly in and re-style it for him, he was most upset!!

Paul Jenkins

Comber Cup Masters Selection Race

Firm and fast favoring the road runners

24.10.09

The Comber cup is the selection race for the British and Irish Masters International. Traditionally the course at the Billy Neill Soccer centre can be quite heavy going particularly the section around the lake. However with the recent dry spell and freshly manicured grass the circuit was firm and fast favoring the road runners. From the gun in the men’s race Dave Morwood made intentions clear opening a twenty meter gap during the first lap of the lake. This gap never diminished and he went on to win by a comfortable 35seconds from Paul Rowan. Behind this a lot of age group contests were being fought to gain selection for the Northern Ireland Team. For North Paul Jenkins was 7th O/35, Eamon White was 3rd O/40, Eddie Burns was 6th O/45, Derek Donnelly was 3rd O/50, John Patience was 4th O/50, Matt Shields was 1st O/55 and Jim Newberry was 2nd O/55. All these athletes gained selection. Ronnie Marshall running his first cross country race finished 10th O/45.
Prior to the Comber Cup the woman’s and men over 65 race was run again with selection as the prize. Cathy McCourt was 1st O/35 Louise Smith was 3rd O/35 and Drew Crawford was 1st O/70. Again all these athletes gained selection.
The final race off the day was the open race were North’s Paddy Hamill got caught out by an early start giving a two hundred yard start to the pack. Paddy ran well to catch the field and eventually finished ninth overall.

Armagh 10 mile race

The final race off the NIAF 10 mile series

24.10.09

The final race off the NIAF 10 mile series was the Armagh 10. The course is an undulating circuit through the Armagh countryside which started and finished at the Navan Centre. North had a good few athletes completing but they were not the pre start favorites.
From the start a break away bunch quickly established with Stephen Duncan doing a lot off the early pace work. Eddy McGinley Paddy Hamilton Paul Rowan and Brian Campbell were all part of this group. Duncan’s pressure was persistent and eventually he broke the group down one at a time to eventually win in a sprint in from Paddy Hamilton. Behind this the main bulk of North’s runners were in a chasing bunch led by Eamon White and Martin Rea with Michael Fitzpatrick, Jim Benson and Alan O’Hara in close contention. As the lead bunch broke up, this group started to give chase. Firstly Alan O’Hara came through breaking away with White and Rea in pursuit. Over the final mile O’Hara’s pace slowed and Eamon White and Martin Rea came through to finish White 7th 55.25, Rea 8th 51.28, O’Hara 10th 55.48, Fitzpatrick 11th 56.11, Benson 13th 56.19. These result represent four personal bests out of five finishers and gave North the team result by 3 points from Willowfield. Behind this group Peter Savage finished 21st Paddy Hamill 25th and Greg McClure was well placed in the O/50 age group.
In the woman’s race North’s Breege Connolly and Lisa Sturgeon finished 1st and 4th respectfully. This result should place Lisa well in the series having now scored in the maximum number of events.

Matt Shields

Caulfields Black Mountain Race

Ten in a row for Blainey

17.10.09

Paul Blainey showed his considerable fell running credentials to record his tenth straight victory in the annual Caulfields Black Mountain Race on Sunday. With his domination in recent years Paul was understandably the hot pre race favourite despite a recent return from injury.

However on the day Blainey face stiff competition from fellow club man Neil Carty who ran well to claim second spot. Philip Goss ran strongly in third position for most of the race before disastrously taking a wrong turn on the final decent, just as he was closing in on the leaders. After rectifying his 600m error Goss finished 5th to help the three man team to victory.

Highly rate juniors Malachy McKenna (14) and Aaron Croman (18) both had outstanding runs before Aaron was able to enjoy his free post race pint in the bar.

Having demonstrated immense toughness over a challenging mountain course the pair and can now surly look forward to the up coming cross country season with great optimism.

The charity event, in its tenth year, is organised by the West Belfast bar Caulfields in aid of arthritis. The event has grown from strength to strength every year and this year raised over £400.

Philip Goss

Commonwealth Demonstration Events

Keswick Lake District

26.09.09

In order to qualify for inclusion in the Commonwealth Games an event must first demonstrate its ability to hold a Commonwealth championship. In preparation for introducing Ultra and Fell running to the Commonwealth Games the demonstration events were held at Keswick in the Lake District on the 17th-20th September with full teams for male and female selected to represent Northern Ireland. Following on from her excellent run in the Irish trials Cathy McCourt was selected for Northern Ireland in the uphill only fell race and justified her selection by coming home as second finisher for the team. Teams from Australia, New Zealand, England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland took place.
The following week in the same venue but a different course Sharon Bird competed in a local Fell Race and finished second to good competition.

Matt Shields

Recent Events Post Laganside

Personal Bests all around

26.09.09

Over the last two weeks there has been a flourish of races as we approach the Dublin Marathon and the end off the road racing season. I have received no reports but I list some of the results known to me apologies for any omissions.

Waterside Half Marathon: - Matrin Rea was 10th in 1.13.51; Jim Benson was 12th and 5th O/40 in 1.14.45 and Greg McClure 1.24.41. Good runs but only a hint off better times to come see later.

Vets 5 Mile: - North had a total off 14 athletes running a great turn out and too numerous for detailed results so names only are as follows. Philip Goss, Gareth Grew, Paddy Hamill, Eddie Burns, Davy Wright, Louise Smith, Ronnie Marshal, John Lavery, Geraldine Quigley, John McCarton, William Armstrong, Catriona Quigley and Breege Lavery. Special mention to Philip Goss who found the Lagan Valley cross country series in Barnets on the way home ran again and finished second.

Felix McCullough 10K: - North supplied the double winners with Breege Connelly in 37.17 and Martin Rea in 33.29. Allan O’Hara finished 3rd in 34.10 and Jim Benson 4th and 1st O/40 34.39. We probably had other runners competing but these are all the results I’m aware off.

Bangor 10k: - The weather for Bangor was perfect with light winds and cool conditions this in turn was rewarded by a record entry of around 800 runners. The event was well managed and competitors had a rewarding experience. In the men’s event Joe McAlister displayed his recent good form with a winning time of 30.06 and a winning margin of 77seconds over veteran Dave Morwood in second which illustrates the absence of good aged 18-35 runners who should fill this gap. In the woman’s event pre race favorite and previous winner Pauline Curley was beaten into second place by Abbey's ever improving Gladys Ganiel O’Neill 36.12. North’s Sharon Bird finished 3rd in 37.10. Other North athletes competing were Jim Newberry winning the O/55, Greg McClure, Eoin McQuillan, Claire Conner, Ronnie Marshal, Geraldine Quigley, Frankey McGivern, William Armstrong, Linda Petigrew and Nuala Muldoon.

Dublin Half Marathon: - The penultimate race in the Dublin Marathon series was run today over the same perfect conditions as Bangor with similar good times. The men’s event was won by Brian Maher in 1.07.26. North had four male athletes running. Martin Rea was placed 8th 1.13.04, Jim Benson 3rd O/40 1.13.31, Gareth Grew 8th O/35 1.17.04 and Liam McGarry 1.31.19. In the woman’s event the winner was Annette Kealy in 1.18.29 with North’s Breege Connolly in 4th overall and 2nd open 1.20.55. Breege, Martin and Jim all ran personal bests which as I hinted earlier shows progress towards there approaching goals.

Berlin Marathon: - Finally I can report that Greg McClure ran 2.58 in the Marathon last week which if you combine this with his 1.24.41 in The Waterside Half the week before and his 39.28 in Bangor today I think merits special mention. Well done Greg on all three counts

Matt Shields

Race photos Bangor and Vets 5 mile by Tony Dalton

SPAR Laganside10K

Race was won by Kenyan Joseph Boit

North Belfast Harriers had 30 atheletes in action as the club hosted the Laganside 10k road race.
Showery conditions greeted the record 743 strong field along with a moderate breeze and mild temperatures.
The club recorded a double team success with the returning Conor Flanaghan 3rd 32.44sec, Eamon White fourth, and Ballymena’s Gregory Walsh 6th 33.13sec making up the victorious 3 man team. Martin Rea 33.26sec 8th just missed out despite running a personal best.
The clubs Ladies matched their male counterparts with a well earned victory with Sharon Trimble 3rd in 36.45sec, Breege Connolly 37.52sec 4th being joined by Ballymena’s Geraldine Quigley who recorded a personal best by 31secs to claim 9th in the ladies open in 42.58secs making up the trio. Lauren Odonnell-Anderson 45.18sec was first female junior.
Six other members of the Fitness First Ballymena based group were in action, with Sean Quinn finishing in 40.02 in 87th place setting a personal with a 28sec improvement.
Linda Petticrew was 268th place overall in 46.47sec. William Armstrong making his 10k debut was 283rd in 47.15sec. Charlie Winter recorded a personal best to finish in 333rd place in 48mins 29secs. New member Janine Fullerton was 652nd on her 10k debut in 652nd place in 60mins17secs.
The Clubs talented 14year old Catriona Quigley going in the junior race was a magnificent 4th from a 70 strong field.
Other North Belfast Harriers in action were:Jim Benson 14th 34.18sec, Gareth Grew 17th 35.05sec, Jim Newberry 1st M55 37.18sec, Eion Mc Quillan 63rd 39.05sec, Liam McGarry 39.27 secs, John Laverty 138th 42.08, John McCartan 207th 44.36th, Malachy McKenna 221st 45.16sec, Maura Corry 281st 47.15sec, Brian Corry 283rd 47.15sec, Donal Gargan 47.16sec, Holly O Donnell-Anderson 392nd 50.52sec, Caomihe Rea 410th 51.01sec, Claire Trainor 411th 51.01sec,Annette Blaney 451st 52.15sec and Owen McCabe 55.38th 550th.
The male race was won by Kenyan Joseph Boit of Cloniliffe Harriers in 31.55sec from Willowfield’s Brian Camphell in 32.07secs.
Gladys Ganiel ONeill of Abbey took the Ladies prize in 35.37sec from Finn Valleys Teresa McGloin 35.55sec.

race results

race pictures by Tony Dalton

Gregory Walsh

Newry 5k

Two North athletes compete

23.08.09

In the Newry 5k Eamon White returned to racing with an excellent 16.04 and second place while Eoin McQuillan also ran 18.29. These two were the only North entries in this event which seemed poorly advertised

Matt Shields

Ballyclare 10mile

Trimble led throughout

23.08.09

Connor Magil led home the men in 8th place marginally ahead of Jim Benson in 9th while Paddy Hamil 29th, Davy Wright 30th, Greg McClure 2nd O/50 and Ronnie Marshall returning from holidays finishing in 71mins 56th secs to claim 65th place, to completed the mens team.
In the womans race Sharon Trimble led throughout to win in 62.04
Ballymena’s Fitness First running club duo Ivana O Neill and Janice White were once again among the prizes after impressive performances at last Saturdays Ballyclare 10 mile road race. The pair ran and finished together in a time of 68mins 22secs which was good enough for Ivana to claim 3rd in the ladies open, with Janice recording victory in the ladies V35 category.
Also going in the ladies open and making her debut at the distance was Sherri Mc Crum who finished in 8th place in 76mins 13secs.
Phil Smyth was also in action finishing in 76mins 8secs in 85th place.

Photo Ivana O'Neil and Sherri McCrum

Gregory Walsh / Matt Shields

RGU Downpatrick 10k

Second race within seven days

23.08.09

On Wednesday Martin Rea won his second race within seven days with a clear victory in the RGU Downpatrick 10k. After a carful start Martin began to open up a substantial gap at about the 5km mark before crossing the line in 33:52 beating his nearest competitor by almost one minute.

It was a good night for North Belfast as we registered 4 runners in the top 6. Jim Benson had a solid run to finish 3rd in 35.15. Meanwhile Philip Goss (35.40) held of the challenge from Gareth Crew (35.49) for 5th place.

Liam McGarry (38.29) completed the team with a solid run on the tough undulating course. Overall it was a good work out for our athletes in the build up to the Laganside 10km on the 6th September

Philip Goss

Irish Trial for World Championship at Crone Wood

Two qualify for championship

14.08.09

The Irish trial for the first World Championships in Italy were held on the 8th August at Crones Wood Wicklow. Three North Belfast athlete's traveled south to compete. In the men's event Neil Carty and fells novice Stephen Scullion competed. From the start Scullion made his intentions clear pulling steadily away to eventually win setting a new course in the process. Unfortunately Neil Carty finished seventh with the selection being for six places so hard luck Neil. In the woman's race Cathy McCourt showed good improvement on her last trial race to finish fourth and qualify for selection. Stephen and Cathy both now have the offer of selection to run for Ireland on the 7th September in the World Championships in Italy. Well done and good luck on your travels

Matt Shields

Regent Business Equipment sponsored 5-Mile Challenge Ards

World Championship star Shireen Crumpton from New Zealand

14.08.09

Last Friday evening in Londonderry Park 100 runners came to the starting line for the Regent Business Equipment sponsored 5-Mile Challenge.
It was the 25th occasion for the Newtownards and District Committee’s annual event, and, in order to lend an extra touch of significance to such a memorable milestone, the organisers had donated the Dessie McGonigle Memorial Trophy as an added incentive for the winner.
This extension of the normal range of awards certainly did increase the profile on the evening, with the appearance of World Championship star Shireen Crumpton from New Zealand supplementing the occasion even further.
Dunedin runner Shireen Crumpton, who will spearhead the New Zealand women’s marathon team, at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin later this month, was in Northern Ireland for a family wedding, and was delighted to use the Ards event as build-up in her training programme.
The New Zealand international, whose mother competed in the Ladies Veteran class at the Challenge, blistered her way around the Newtownards course, and her finishing time of 29.55 minutes chopped 27 seconds off Suzanne McCormick’s record set back in 2002.
In the Mens race North Belfast Harriers’ Martin Rea was first to break the finishing tape and therefore claimed the Dessie McGonigle Memorial Trophy. He was joined on the podium by Jim Benson and Gareth Grew who has just returned from his training base in Holland. Liam Mc Garry made an excellent debut for the club finishing in 9th spot just in front of Frankie Davidson

Martin Rea

Sperrin Harriers 5 mile road race

The after race food was great

09.08.09

On a hot summers evening what else better to do....run a 5mile Road Race. Some 10..yes 10 North Belfast Harriers travailed to Mid Ulster to run the 4th Sperrin Harriers 5 mile Classic Road Race, and for some it was the first in the North Belfast vest.
The course was very well marshal led and lay out, and lumpy!! The race was won in 24.37 by Joe McAlister, with Jareth Falls in 25.02 and Kevin Seward 25.03. The female winner was Julie Butler from Omagh harriers in 30.46 amid Oliva Mullen was second in 32.06.
For North we had the following Gregory Walsh (1st M40) in 5th 25.58, and Matt Shields in (1st M50) and 18th 29.13, next was Paul Jenkins 29th in 30.03,David Wright 31st 30.09,Louise Smith (1st F35) 41st in 30.58, next was Greg McClure 47th in 31.22, then Sean Quinn (a new member I believe, great run and good to see) 32.00,also new member William Armstrong 147th in 38.29, next Steven Mulholland (first race in 6 years and just back from Canada) 168th in 41.20, and finally but least (I need to be really careful what I say here now) Pauline Jenkins in an excellent 197th in 47.40.
What a turnout from North and a testament to the strength of our club and credit to Gregory Walsh for bringing in so many new members!!
The after race food was great and one of the best run races and organised of the entire racing calender.

Paul Jenkins

The Riada 5 mile road race

Run on a blustery night with rain threatening

02.08.09

The Riada 5 was run on a blustery night with rain threatening but still managed a respectable entry of around 200 runners. The event, co hosted by Ballymoney council and Springwell running club, was well run with local youth development evident.
North had a good turn out with Stephen Scullion winning with a late run for home passing Willowfield's Allan McCullough with half a mile to go. Behind this Gregory Walsh was third, Martin Rea fourth, Allan O’Hara fifth and Jim Benson twelfth and 3rd O/40. Dave Wright was 3rd O/40 and Pat Doole 6th O/40. Eoin McQuillan, Liam McGarry, Mark Hall and William Armstong all also finished in the open event. In the O/50 age group Matt Shields won, Greg McClure was sixth and Charlie Winter was 12th
In the woman’s event Springwell’s International Triathlete Eimer Mullan was a convincing winner with North’s Breege Connolly and Louise Smith second and third respectfully. Louise also won the vets prize.

Matt Shields

Portaferry 10mile

Undulating and windy course

31.07.09

There was another good turnout for the Portaferry 10mile as North collected another four prizes in four different categories. Martin Rea produced a sound display of excellently paced running to finish in 4th place. For most of the race Martin worked well in a group of 3-4 runners before coming home in 56.55 shaving over a minute of his previous year’s time.
Over the undulating and windy course Lisa Tracey also produced an excellent performance to claim second place in the female open with a time of 1:05.14. Greg McClure was the 3rd male vet over 50 in a very respectable time of 1:06.22.
In the relay Philip Goss running with Eddie Cook from Abbey AC claimed top spot vending off the challenge from Willowfield.
Mark Sturgeon and Arran Rutgledge both continued their superb improvement by finishing in 1:04.53 and 1:07.07 respectively. Mark in particular will be immensely satisfied with his finish 4 places ahead of fiancée Lisa!
Overall the top honours in the event went to Simon Reede (54.56) from Raheny Shamrock AC and Gladys O’Neil of Abbey AC in 1:01.42.

Philip Goss

EMMA TAKES SILVER IN THE AVIVA WORLD TRIALS AND UK CHAMPIONSHIPS.

Broke her previous 5000m time by over a minute

25.07.09

EMMA TAKES SILVER IN THE AVIVA WORLD TRIALS AND UK CHAMPIONSHIPS.

Emma Doherty produced another PB in the 5000m on Sunday 12th of July at the Aviva World Trials and UK Championships in the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham on paper Emma would have been delighted to achieve at the best 4th place but on the day she took on the other competitors as her equal. After one lap she decided to push on after the leader Joanna Jackson, who broke the UK record in a time of 21.21.67. Emma was relaxed and her walking action perfect, this in turn won her the walking style award for both the men's and women's race.
She was congratulated by several walking officials who were very impressed by her performance, being the youngest competitor of the competition at only 16 years of age. Emma broke her previous 5000m time by over a minute in 25.15.23. She was informed by ex.N.B.H member, David Seatan that the last N.B.H member to stand on the rostrum, was in 1948.

Both she and Owen McCabe will travel to Tullamore to represent the club in the AAI championships this Sunday.

The best of luck to both of them.

Ards Half Marathon

race was surrounded in controversy

10.07.09

In very hot conditions this years Ards Half Marathon provided the usual tough course for the 800 plus competitors. In the women’s race Lisa Tracey continued her fantastic season with an impressive second place finish behind Ireland’s top marathoner and World Championship competitor, Maria McCambridge. Tracey was in 3rd place throughout but used her superior strength in the last 2 miles to beat Julie Balmer by 23 secs in the run in. Amanda Perry made a rare appearance in her injury hit season to finish in 11th place.

The men’s race was surrounded in controversy when the top three runners were diverted the wrong way by a police bike leaving the surprised Martin Rea and Micheal Fitpatrick to take 2nd and 3rd place behind the eventual winner Turlough Donnolly. Behind them Greg McClure reversed last weeks result in Limavady to beat Mark Sturgeon and finish 28th and 30th respectively. Liam McGarry guesting for the Harriers finished further down the field in 43rd place.

Martin Rea

Mary Peters 10K

wore the famous golden vest for the first time

10.07.09

Five of North Belfasts Ballymena’s Fitness First running club members took part in the 10k race held held to celebrate the 70th birthday of olympic gold medalist Dame Mary Peters.
The event was staged last sunday at Belfast’s Mary Peters track with hot balmy conditions greeting the 350 competitors.
Club coach Gregory Walsh claimed a fourth successive podium finish in 3rd place from the returning Neil Douglas of Ballymena Runners who was a good 4th. Walsh crossed the line in 34min’s 42 secs with Douglas a further10sec’s behind.
The race was won by Willowfields Paul Rowan from Abbeys Simon Taylor in 2nd.
The atheletes of the local club who will soon announce merger plans with top club North Belfast Harriers wore the famous golden vest for the first time last Sunday.
Mark Hall in his first outing since the Belfast Marathon finished in 51mins 24 secs.
Johnny McCrystal followed close behind in 53mins 32secs in 148th place.
Geraldine Quigley Going in the ladies open produced a strong performance finishing in 6th place from a 110 strong field in 45mins 4 secs.
Linda Petticrew followed closely in 12th place in 49mins 5 secs.

Gregory Walsh

Cathy makes Irish Fells Team

Selected to run The Snowden International

05.07.09

Cathy McCourt recently ran 6th in the European trials in Wiclow on the 13th June as a result off which she has now been selected to run The Snowden International on the18th July as part of the Irish team. She continued her preparation for this race with an excellent second to winner Charlene Haugh yesterday in the Sieve Donard race. Congratulations Cathy and good luck in Snowden

Matt Shields

Jude Gallagher Round the Bridges 10 mile

Too hot for distance running

03.07.0

"The annual Jude Gallagher Round the Bridges 10 mile Road Race was held on Thursday 25th June 2009 in Limavady. It was a glorious evening, with temperatures maybe slightly slightly too hot for distance running,, but this did not deter the 215 eager participants who showed up for the race. North Belfast had a number of members competing this year.
Making a welcome return to competitive racing after a short break, Martin Rea was first home, in a time of 57.37,to take 2nd in the Male open category and 3rd overall. Martin was followed home by Mark Sturgeon, with a pb of 65.37, Greg McClure, who was also first in the over 50 category, in 66.16 and Liam McGarry in 67.07.
Meanwhile, in the ladies race, Breege Connolly was 2nd, behind Olympian Maria McCambridge, in the female open category, in a time of 64.27. Lisa Tracey took 3.5 mins of her previous 10 mile time to run 66.02 and secure 3rd place.

Three members of Ballymena’s Fitness First Running Club were also in action. The Ballymena club who have been stringing together a relentless run of personal bests’ over the past four months continued the trend over the scenic 1 lap course.
Emerging talent Janice White took 4th place in the ladies open in a time of 1hr16min 16secs, taking over 6 mins of her previous best. This performance was good enough to give her top placing in her age category.
Phil Smyth kept alive his impressive run of improvement knocking 5mins 43secs of his previous best, claiming 95th place in 1hr 14min 17 secs.
Ronnie Marshall making his debut at the distance overcame an injury scare to make short work of the the course finishing in a promising 1hr 9mins 58secs in 63rd place.
Meanwhile the clubs 14 year old prospect Catriona Quigley emphasised her emerging talent with a richly deserved victory in the recent county Antrim schools 800 meters at the Antrim forum.

Randlestown 10 K

North plus Ballymena fitness first

03.07.09

Randlestown saw a good turn out off athletes. In the men's race Gregory Walsh finished 3rd and 2nd O/40 with the author Matt Shields in 11th and 1st O/50. However in the woman's event the combined team took the first five places. Louise Smith won from Cathy McCourt with Ivana Fairburn off fitness first third. Breege Connolly just returning from holidays was 4th and Janice White off fitness first was fifth.

For the 2nd successive week the rapidly developing atheletes of Ballymena’s Fitness First Running Club launched an all out assault on it’s record of personal bests.
The Ballymena based club who are set to merge with North Belfast Harriers had eleven atheletes in the 155 strong field at the Randalstown 10k, with seven of the group shattering their previous best times.
Defending champion Gregory Walsh continued his battle back from illness with a 3rd place finish in the male open, with the in form duo Paul Rowan of Willowfield in 1st and Ballymena and Antrim’s Jarlath Falls taking 2nd.
It was however the clubs athelete of the year Ivana Fairbairn going in the hotly loaded ladies open who produced the performance of the day. In her first outing since the Belfast Marathon she saw off the challenge of many top performers to cliam a fantastic 3rd place in 39min 2sec shattering her previous best by a massive 5mins 24secs in the process.
Janice White followed closely in 5th place with another big performance in 40mins 2secs clipping 4mins 8secs of her previous time.
Geraldine Quigley who was named the club’s most promising athelete of 2008 continued to show her growing prowess by clipping a massive 2mins 17 secs off her previous best time. This gave Geraldine a 9 th placing in 43mins 17secs.
The fast developing Sherri mcCrum continued her rapid run of improvement with yet another personal best finishing in 44mins 47secs in 11th place taking 1 min 55secs off her previous best.
The ever improving Linda Petticrew had double reason to be joyful claiming 3rd spot in her age category and taking a huge 2 mins 7secs of her old time.
Sean Quinn going in the male open produced a solid performance in 41mins 48secs taking 36th place.
Phil Smyth ran another much improved time taking 1min 52sec off his previous best to take 58th place in 44min 40secs.
Randalstown man Charlie Winter running on home soil finished in 98th place in 49mins 43secs.
Also in action was Fitness First member John Dickey who took a massive 7 mins of his Personal Best to finish in 77th spot in 46min 35secs.
Fitness First running club would like to give special thanks to Breda Mulvenna and the Randalstown Running Club for their kindness and hospitality at the event.

Matt Shields / Gregory Walsh

Stephen Scullion Runs Big PB

BMC meet in Trafford Manchester

28.06.09

Stephen Scullion Runs Big PB

Stephen Scullion continued to mine his rich vein of form when he ran 3:47:36 for 1500m at the BMC meet in Trafford Manchester ón Tuesday 23rd June. Stephen ran this race with support from North Belfast’s development fund, a thumbs up then for our club’s policy of supporting our developing athletes find quality races and competition.
Stephen.
Stephen will run again in Manchester on Saturday where he is looking to run the European U23 qualiying time of 3:45:00

Lisburn Half Marathon

Lisa continues to improve

19.06.09

On the same blustery but good night the club also had a number off excellent runs in the Half Marathon. Michael Fitzpatrick was first home in 5th place in what I believe is a PB time of 1.14.49. Behind Michael, Davy Wright was 23rd, Mark Sturgeon 57th, Greg McClure 2nd over 50, Damien Gill 61st and Vincent Bradley in his first outing in a while. In the female race Louise Smith was an excellent 3rd, the ever improving Lisa Tracy took 90seconds of her PB to finish fifth and Amanda Perry brought home the team despite an ongoing injury problem.

The team positions are uncertain since the results don’t have the club names for on the night entries but both teams should be well placed.

Matt Shields

Lisburn 10k Wednesday 17th June 2009 7.05pm

winners in both the male and female sections!

19.06.09

On a blustery but good night some 1917 runners gathered for the 27th Lisburn 10k and Half Marathon. North Belfast Harriers had some 10 runners out in the 10k, and winners in both the male and female sections!!!Stephen Scullion ran another fantastic race to win in 30.54, second was Stephen Duncan 31.27, third was Paul Rowan 31.31, seventh was Norths Eamon White and 16th Philip Goss completed the team. Cathy McCourt ascerted her dominance of the female race to win in 38.21 for 40th place.
Eddie Burns was 21st/36.34, John Patience on home turf was 31st & 1st/50 37.02 (and even had time to pop into the house to check his hair was okay). Paul Jenkins 34th/37.42 (taking another 32 secs off his PB). Jim Newberry 39th/38.11, Greg Campbell 70th/40.31,Dr Forde 76th/40.59, Sandra Harrison 1143/59.09, and Pauline Jenkins in her first 10k and first race in North colours ran a fantastic 59.14 for 1150 place. Annette Blaney (wife of Paul) completed the race to the delight three very enthusiastic juvenile supporters I am sure.
Yet again a number of runners complained about the course and having to weave in and out of slower half marathon runners and fun runners and parking etc, but great to see nearly 2000 people running, maybe some of these will join North Belfast Harriers.

Paul Jenkins
Sorry if I missed anybody!!!

Junior Walkers win Senior titles

Another 2 gold medals at the NI and Ulster Championships

19.06.09

Another 2 gold medals at the NI and Ulster Championships for Owen McCabe and Emma Doherty in the 3000m Walk. Although Owen and Emma were walking in their 1992 age group they took the lead at the start of the race and they increased on this throughout the race. They finished in 1st and 2nd places respectively beating the senior field of men and women. Owen's time of 14:01 and Emma's of 14:55 became a PB for both of them.

Double at Northern Ireland Championships.

Stephen Scullion Wins 5000m and 1500m

19.06.09

Stephen Scullion pulled off a rare double when he won both the Senior Mens’ 5000m and 1500m gold at the Northern Ireland Track and Field Championships, which were held at the Antrim Forum on Saturday 13th june.

Having just ran 8:18 for 3000m in England, he had already shown that he was in shape to achieve a difficult task. With four hours between the 5000m and the 1500m there would at least be some recovery time.

The later 1500m race would offer stiffer opposition so Stephen had to bide his time in the earlier 5000m before making his move with 2k to go. He quickly established a race winning gap and finished a comfortable 9 seconds clear of the rest of the field in 15.00.66 to retain the title for North Belfast, which was previously won by Connor Flannigan in 2008.

A light jog plus scones and jam was the recovery fomula. The 1500m was always going to be a much more difficult task with the in form James O Hare looking for a 3:51 junior qualifying time. James had already run 3:54 the previous week.

James led from the gun with the intention of getting his time and went through in 62ses for the first lap with Stephen keeping an eye on the front from halfway down the field. The pace that James was setting quickly split the group and four runners with Stephen in their midst moved clear. At the bell Stephen and James had moved clear and with just under 300m to go Stephen kicked for home winning by two secs in 3.51.49.

The new Ecos 5 mile road race

The fledgling athletes of Ballymena’s up and coming Fitness First

19.06.09

The fledgling athletes of Ballymena’s up and coming Fitness First running club used the new Ecos 5 mile road race course to produce another string of blistering performances.
They had 15 athletes in the 158 strong field which included 5 debutants and a massive 8 personal bests performances.
It was however club coach Gregory Walsh representing his club North Belfast Harriers who Lead by example to romp home in 1st place and claim a first ecos victory. He was made to work for it all the way having to claw back an early 50 yard deficit to overcome Abbey’s top International Paul Pollock. Gregory crossed the line with a 21sec advantage in a time of 26mins 42secs.
Breege Connolly made it a North Belfast double sweeping round the 2 lap course in 30mins 30secs, some 50 secs clear of Abbey’s Gemma Turley.
Bright prospect Janice White claimed a magnificent first podium finish in the sport taking 3rd spot in the Ladies race and shattering her previous best by a massive 4mins 40 secs.
Evergreen Ronnie Marshall was richly rewarded for his dedication when he swept round the course in 32mins 40secs knocking a huge 2mins 55secs of his previous best finishing in 41st place.
Birthday boy Paul Tilson celebrated in fine style with yet another personal best taking 52secs of his old time claiming 48th place.
Geraldine Quigley continued her rapid rise up the rankings claiming 7th spot in 34mins 30 secs destroying her previous best by a massive 2mins 1sec in the process.
Geraldine’s training partner Sherri McCrum Was another rewarded for her commitment eclipsing her previous best by a colossal 1min 23secs finishing in 35mins 37secs. This was good enough to give her a top 10 placing in the ladies open.
Phil Smith continued his rapid run of progression with another huge personal best clipping 3mins 9secs of his old time and crossing the line in 35mins 9secs in73 place.
Linda Petticrew produced another big performance in the ladies race finishing in 14th position in36mins 14secs taking a massive 1min 59sec of her previous best.
Charlie Winter was rewarded for his hard training this year with a personal best coming home in 38mins 58secs
Gerry Mckenna continued his season of racing and took 66th place in 35min 30 secs.
Of the club’s 5 debutants 21 year old Ricky McAleese was first to finish in 59th place in 34nins 43secs.
Other debut performers were Ricky Dunbar 36min 11secs, 79th place. Nadia Shannon- King 36 mins 39secs, 15th place. William Armstrong 38.46, 92nd place.Sammy Lamont 39mins 54secs 102nd place.
The members of Fitness First running club would like to convey their thanks and gratitude to race the host club Ballymena Runners for their superb organising, support and hospitality at the event.

Round up of recent results

Dromore 10K, Enniskillen 10K, Ecos 5, Balancing lakes 10K

19.06.09

Quite a few races have went unreported recently. In the Dromore 10K Co Tyrone Philip Goss was 3rd and Angela Burns 10th. This is the first running of this event. In the established Enniskillen 10K there were over a thousand finishers and North had Allan O'Hara 8th, local Victor Johnston in the 50's age group and Sandra Harrison in her first outing back for North. In the Ecos 5 I know we had the male and female winners in the form of Gregory Walsh and Breege Connolly, and i'm sure others ran that I a'm not aware off. Reports have also been heard that Michael Fitspatrick ran the Craigavon 10K arround the balancing lakes and I believe some people ran Annaghmore 10K (no details). If you have any news or details of these or other missing races e-mail me and I will update the report.

Matt Shields ( ruthshields30@googlemail.com )

East Antrim Harriers Trail Race Three

Tardree Forest
Tuesday 9th June 7.30pm

14.06.09

What a glorious night to race, and for the numerous flies, what a feast of flesh!!!

The third instalment of the East Antrim Harriers trail race was approx 3.4miles and featured a number of serious led sapping hills. First home again was Ian Bailey from East Antrim Harriers in 18.14, followed by Simon Seaton from North Down, first lady again was Roberta Dornan from North Down in 21.31.
From North Belfast we had three runners, John Patience was 20.29 for 13th place, and Paul Jenkins was 20.41 for 15th place, and Greg Campbell was 21.44 for 23rd place. Total runners were 70, down on the previous highs of some 90 runners.
A great night with sunshine and warmth, next and final race on 23rd June at 7.30pm at Woodburn forest approx 4.3miles.

Paul Jenkins

British Masters Relays

Sutton Coalfield 16th May

14.06.09

As usual, Sutton Park on the outskirts of Birmingham supplied the venue for both the 6-leg 50-59 men's category, and the 8-leg40-49 category, on Saturday 16th May.
Once again North fielded teams in both categories, coming up against very strong English opposition.
Over recent years, the over 50's have competed with consistency and distinction in both the relay and cross-country events, both individually and as a team. In 2006 at Mansfield, in the British club cross-country championships they scored gold. This sets a very high standard in terms of committment and consistency, an example to younger North athletes.
In fielding a squad for this year's event unfortunately illness and injury prevented a normally top 10 finishing place. Both Dessie Martin and Nelson Cahoon, significant members to the recent successes, were unavailable, undoubtedly big losses to team.
Matt Shields(17mins:55secs)clearly hampered by an ongoing and niggling injury (Matt ran an exceptional 16mins:06, on same course, 2 years previous), the consistent Derek Donaghy (17mins:40) and the returning Jim Newberry and Franky Davidson completed the trio's sub-18min effort.These solid runs were helped by spirited runs from Victor Johnson and Marty Murdoch. Murdoch, a regular sub 2hrs:30min marathoner in his heyday, was making his return to competition after a 20 year absence to see North home in a respectable placing. Although the level of competition is as always of a very high standard, a depleted North squad acquited themselves reasonably well placing inside the top twenty of a total of over 40 teams.
Again, in the40-49 category, North were hampered by injury and illness. The absence of marathon legend Tommy Hughes (work committments) was an undoubted loss to the squad. Top veteran Brendan Dumigan, despite recent family bereavement, made the trip, and although lacking (race) fitness recorded a time just outside 17mins. David Brady ran a solid 1st leg of 16mins:30sec. Peter Smyth and Eddie Burns, both returning to competition after enforced lay-offs, recorded times of 16mins:45sec and 16mins:35sec respectively, again solid enough runs to maintain a respectable placing. John Patience (17:32) put in good efforts also, with Damien Gill bringing the team home in a determined 18mins:30mins.
Again the over 40's finished mid-table of the 49 teams completing the 8 legs similar to the over 50's. A lack of strength in depth counted against the North men. Hopefully over the winter months and next year North will be able to field stronger and injury free squads to take on the best British clubs, in both road, relay and cross-country.
Finally, just to say that all the athletes involved had an enjoyable week-end. The hotel accommodation in Birmingham was first-class, accessible to all amenities; restaurants, nite-life, and transport to and from locations went without any problems.

David Brady 10/06/2009.

Albertville Ballysillan 5k

Ballysillan Wednesday 3rd June

08.06.09

The Albertville Ballysillan 5k took place on Wednesday, on what was an excellent summers evening. As you would expect the club was again well represented in its local area.

After a dual between club men Philip Goss and Alan O’Hara in the latter stages, Philip lead the team home in a time of 16:47 to finish 4th overall and 3rd in the male open. Having run a large part of the race in third position, Philip was overtaken by Alan and Brain McKee (Dromore AC) on the Old Park Road with about 800 meters to go. However he was able to find a sudden burst of pace with 600m remaining to vend of the gallant challenge from Alan, who was returning from holiday, and from the Dromore athlete.

Garath Crew (17:55) and G Campbell (19.03) both also run well on the difficult course to finish in 11th and 19th positions respectively.

In the female open Claire Connor had a strong run finishing in just under 20 minutes (19:59).

Overall the male event was won by Paul Pollock (Abbey AC) in 16:30 as he successfully continues his recovery from injury. While Judi Graham, also of Abbey AC, was first to cross the line in the female event in 18:36.

Newry City Marathon and Half Marathon 25th May 2009

Greg makes it three in a row London, Belfast and Newry

08.06.09

Before the torrential down pour of rain on bank holiday Monday (25th May) the Newry City Marathon and Half Marathon took place. In the full marathon, Peter Savage was second overall and 1st over fourty while marathon man extraordinaire Greg McClure recorded another impressive victory in the MV50 category. He completed the challenging course in 3:07:46 and finished in 9th position overall.

Like the full marathon the half marathon course was made up of a combination of road and toe path. The first few miles on the road circled the city centre before heading onto the toe path. After about 5 miles the route emerged back onto the road to produce the toughest section of the course, a long uphill drag.

In the race itself the club was well represented by 5 athletes. Louise Smyth ran a courageous 1:26:14 to deservedly win the female race for the second year running while Amanda Perry won the female over thirty fife event. Despite being well outside her pb for this distance Louise showed great strength to push herself all the way to the line despite illness.

In the male half marathon Eamon White was second overall and first over fourty while Michael Fitzpatrick ran a consistent race in 1:16:36 to finish first over thirty five. Philip Goss, in only his second half marathon, came through the field strongly in the latter stages to record a time of 1:18:47. This was a solid display and secured a place inside the top ten.

East Antrim Harriers Trail Race Two

Ballybolley Forest Tuesday 26th May 7.30pm

01.06.09

Another great turnout of approx 85 runners braved the steep start of the 4.2miles course. The course started on a steep incline and then flatened out to only rise again twice and then a long downhill towards the finish line.First home in a blistering was current race series leader Ian Bailey from East Antrim Harriers in 22.56. First lady was Roberta Dornan from North Down in 27.13 , and she also leads the female leaderboard.
North Belfast Harriers had five athletes taking part, first home was Brendan Drumigan in 25.13, next was John Patience 25.28, Paul Jenkins 25.43, then Jim Newberry in 26.17, and finally Greg Campbell in 27.12.
Next race in the series is Tuesday 9th June at 7.30pm in Tardee Forest , approx 3 miles.

Paul Jenkins

Norths Young Walking Star

EMMA DOHERTY SELECTED FOR IRELAND IN EUROPEAN WALKING CUP

23.05.09

The 8th European Cup of Race Walking takes place on Sunday 24th May in the town of Metz in north eastern France and, for the first time ever, a Northern Ireland female walker has been selected for this International meet as part of the Irish team, 16 year old Emma Doherty from North Belfast Harriers.

Emma, who is a pupil at Malone Integrated College, has been noted as one of the brightest prospects on the Irish and UK walking scene. Her breakthrough came in August when she won the 5K at the AAA Championships in Birmingham in a time of 26.23.72 to take the Gold Medal. Her performance was pretty amazing considering this was her first competitive 5K which catapulted her to the top of the UK ranking list where she has remained.

It also broke the NI 5K walk record which adds to her previous 3K record achieved at the All Ireland Juvenile Championships in July (15.20). Emma finished third in the Senior Indoor Championships at the Odyssey earlier this year. Speaking exclusively to Athletics Northern Ireland, Emma gave her thoughts on being selected for her first international:

“I am honoured to be a member of the Irish team competing at the European Cup especially as I have been race walking for only three years and I really appreciate the opportunity presented to me by the selection committee.

I am excited about the opportunity which it presents, especially the experience of competing at international level and the confidence which it will provide for future events. My goals have completely changed now that I have made it to the next level of competition something I was not expecting to happen so quickly”.

Doherty’s original training regime was preparing for 3K and 5K distance, however as she will be competing over 10K in Metz she has had to adapt to include more stamina and speed work.

She is coached by former race walker Ray O’Gorman who is a caretaker at Malone and in her club Jimmy Nolan. She is grateful to Owen McCabe who is her training partner especially during sessions over the cold winter nights as well as the support from her parents.

Emma has a bright future ahead of her and hopes to win an Irish Schools title at intermediate or senior level along with improving her times over the 3K and 5K distance. She plans to get to as many races as possible over the summer but unfortunately this means quite a bit of travelling as there aren’t too many race walking events in NI.

For now though she relishes the opportunity to compete at such a prestigious event, especially with Ireland’s top race walkers including Olympians Robert Heffernan, Colin Griffin, Olive Loughnane and Jamie Costin.

“It’s an honour to be competing with other international athletes at this level. This is my first international event and for this reason my goal would be to finish and to do the best I can”.

Emma was delighted to finish in a time off 55.54 in extremely high temperatures she finished second off the three athlete selected for Ireland

Busy Week for Harriers

Club results from Les Jones, Sutton Park, Banbridge and Monagan

23.05.09

North’s athletes had a busy week competing across a number of events.
Friday 15th May
Cathy McCourt traveled south to run the Monaghan 10K trail race were she continued her recent good form by winning the event outright in a new course record. Meanwhile back in Belfast several athletes competed in the Les Jones 10K. First home was Michael Fitzpatrick 3rd and 1st O/35, followed by Philip Goss 7th, Tony Forde 5th O/45 and John McCarton returning to competition in his first race. Michele Gorman also ran the female event
Saturday 16th May
North’s masters team returned to Sutton Park to take part in the prestigious British Masters Relay Championship. In the six man O/50 race the team weakened by injury finished a credible 23rd while the eight man O/40 team finished 15th. In addition to this there were enough eligible runners, who didn’t travel, to finish three more teams. It would be good if we could manage to get our best teams in all categories next year particularly since there are some key birthdays in the next twelve months.
Wednesday 20th May
The Bann 10K proved a challenging course with North’s athletes showing well. Eamon White and Peter Savage were 1st and 2nd overall while Peter Smith and Tony Forde were 1st and 2nd O/45. In the Female race Breege Connelly won the open event with Louise Smith in 2nd place and 1st O/35. In addition to this it was great to see Angela Burns returning to competition finishing 3rd female open.

East Antrim Harriers Trail Race 1

Tuesday 12th May 2009 7.30am

On Tuesday 12th May some 85 hardy athletes turned out at Woodburn forest , just off the New Line Road outside Carrick.
The course was approx 2.73miles and consisted of forest tracks, with two climbs and a long downhill at the end. Liam Gray was first home for North Belfast Harriers in 15.20, followed by Paul Jenkins 16.09 (1st M35) and Greg Campbell in 16.44.
The race was won by East Antrim's Ian Bailey in 14.11, and Roberta Dornan from North Down was first lady in 16.44.
A great and well organised race, next race in the series is on Tuesday 25th May at 7.30pm at Ballybolley forest, approx 4miles this time, with plenty of climbing again!!! See you there!!!

Paul Jenkins

Tickets on sale for world champioships

Santry 13th December

The 16th SPAR European Cross Country Championships take place on the 13th of December in Santry Demesne, Dublin. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster outlets nationwide or through www.ticketmaster.ie . More information on the event can be found on www.dublin2009.ie

Club Condolences

The members of North Belfast Harriers would like to express their heart felt condolences to the family of long serving member Norman Ritchie, who passed away earlier this week. The club would also extend its sympathy to current member Brendan Dumigan and his family, whose brother also passed away this week.

To all members

No funeral arrangements are known at present and the club AGM planned for 12 o'clock on Sunday will still take place. If it is decided to cancel we will communicate by this forum.

Matt Shields

Belfast Marathon 2009

Lisa Tracey and the Relay Team lead the way

4th May 2009

Belfast Marathon Pictures

Monday saw the 28th Annual Belfast City Marathon take place and despite the somewhat cold and blustery conditions North were again well represented across a variety of categories. In the senior male event Martin Rea recorded a very impressive time of 2:44.0 and was the clubs first athlete home finishing in 11th place. Despite this seemingly strong showing the ultra marathon athlete was disappointed as he is in excellent shape and was expected to smash his marathon PB of around 2:39. Also in the senior male event was Patrick Hamill, who looked strong throughout and put in an excellent performance to cross the line in 3:03.38 finishing in 51st.

The performance of the day however was in the senior female category where Lisa Tracy produced an outstanding display to finish second in Northern Ireland with a new PB of 3:04.34. In an excellent demonstration of marathon running Lisa got of to a good start and was able to maintain the pace throughout the race. In the latter stages she went on to pick up the pace and finished the race strongly only a few minutes behind eventual Northern Ireland winner Suzanne McCormick.

In the veteran Ladies (35-39) Amanda Perry also had a superb run finishing in a time of 3:22.53. While in the vet men 50-54 Greg McClure was third in his category in a time of 3:05.16. This was a remarkable performance by Greg on the tough Belfast course, especially considering the previous week he ran 3:03.31 in London. Joining Greg in London was James Benson who ran a very composed 2:38.48 after going through the half way point in 1:19.30.

The club was also represented by a very strong mixed relay team who were the clear winners of the mixed relay event. The first leg (6 miles) was run by Stephen Scullion in an extraordinary time of 30.50. Startling the foreign athletes Stephen instantly took to the front of the field and after going through the first mile in 4.40 handed onto Connor Flannigan in first position. Connor maintained the sub 5 minute pace and embellished the lead during his 3.5 mile section. Next Philip Goss performed well on the challenging 7.1 mile Antrim Road section before handing over to Cathy McCourt at Gideon’s Green. Following a good run from Cathy, Breige Connolly brought the team home to a considerable victory in 2:30.05. The team will now be presented with their prizes at a reception in the Premier Inn Belfast on the 28th May.

In other news Philip Goss and Mark Sturgeon both ran well in the annual Millisle 10k race on Saturday 25th April. The undulating coastline of County Down was awash with sunshine providing excellent conditions for running. In the senior open Mark recorded a new PB of 38:29 while Philip came 3rd with a time of 34.46.

Irish 10k Championship Navan

3rd place in the Ladies Team event."

27.04.09

The Woodie's DIY National 10km Road Championships took place on Sunday 26th April in Navan, County Meath. Unlike the heat of London, the conditions were almost perfect for running with temperatures perfect and only a slight headwind. The 2 lap course was relatively flat allowing for good times. The North Belfast Ladies team consisted of Breege Connolly, Cathy McCourt and Lisa Tracey. Breege, who has only recently returned to competitive racing, was first home for the team, in a time of 36.50, Cathy ran 38.20 (and secured the title of 3rd female over 35) while Lisa ran a pb of 39.26. The girls also took 3rd place in the Ladies Team event."

Flora London Marathon 2009

Jim and Greg beat the heat

26.04.09

The marathon season came into focus today with the running off the London Marathon. The early start meant a relatively cool first few miles but as the race proceeded temperatures soared and causalities were evident. North had two athletes in the race Jim Benson and Greg McClure. Jim had a cautious start after which he settled into his pace running a negative split and a personal best time of 2.38.48. He was placed 23rd in his M/40 age group. Greg who normally runs five to six marathons a year ran 3.03.31 finishing 56th in his M/50 age group. Both athletes did well to adjust to conditions on the day by copping with the heat.
A few other local Athletes were Richard Turkington Armagh 2.31.21, Steve Cairns Bog Trotters 2.42.58, Turlough Donnolly Abbey 2.38.31, Sam Crawford East Antrim 2.43.29, Duncan Bell 2.43.30 and Gladys O’Neil Ganiel Abbey 2.47.53 (4th female).
Joe McAlister of St Malachey’s also ran 2.24.46 in the Hamberg Marathon today.
Now attention turns to next week and The Belfast Marathon lets hope for more moderate weather.

Harriers impress at Armagh

Eamon White and Martin Rea excelled in the sunshine at Run Armagh 10k. 19.04.09

By Niall O’Neill

Willowfield Harrier Brian Campbell was undoubtedly the class act in the 500-strong field, taking victory in a time of 32:40, but both White and Rea impressed in the cathedral city to follow Campbell home in 2nd and 3rd respectively.

The undulating circuit seemed tailor-made for White, who has performed well in cross country and mountain races in recent months, and he finished just under a minute behind Campbell in a time of 33:33.

Rea, who is renowned for his success on the ultra running circuit, has been showing great form over the 10km distance lately. The Belfast school teacher ran a personal best time of 33:14 in the Titanic Quarter 10km a fortnight ago and although his finishing time at Armagh was a minute off that pace, a third place finish gives him great encouragement as he finalises his preparations for next month’s Belfast Marathon.

Michael Fitzpatrick rounded off an excellent day for the North Belfast club by finishing 6th in 34:53.

Lagan Valley’s Catriona McCorkell took victory in the ladies race, finishing in 19th place overall in a time of 38:46.
Dromore’s Julie Turley was second home in 39:15 with Donna Evans of Monaghan Phoenix finishing 3rd, just under the 40 minute mark.

North Belfast’s Louise Smith marked her return to racing with a 4th place finish (40:51).

Armagh 10km results
Mens
1st Brian Campbell (Willowfield) 32:40, 2nd Eamon White (North Belfast) 33:33, 3rd Martin Rea (North Belfast) 34:16

Ladies

1st Catriona McCorkell (Lagan Valley) 38:46,2nd Julie Turley (Dromore) 39:15,3rd Donna Evans (Monaghan Phoenix) 39:56

The University Challenge 5k

A great turnout from NBH

20th April 2009

The University Challenge 5k Series is three 5K road races , Coleriane 8.4.09,Jordanstown 15.4.09, and Derry 22.4.09. these are organised by Kerry Harty and University of Ulster.

Coleriane 8.4.09

It had been a windy and cloudy day,then the evening suddenly turned sunny and the wind died. Some 113 runners made the journey to Coleriane from NBH Liam Gray, Jim Newberry and Paul Jenkins.
The course was great starting on the Portstewart road,then turning left and up over a long climb and then descending onto the road back into Coleriane. it was a fast course and Liam Gray was just about first NBH man home in 17.31 for 13th place, Jim Newberry has hot on his heels at 17.32 for 14th place, with Paul Jenkins 18.01 for 20th place. Jim Newberry was first M55 and Paul Jenkins first M35, and took another 17 secs since QUB 5k race last week. Although there were problems with the official clock on the line being some 5/6secs different to the official chip times. the race was won by Ballymena and Antrim's Matt Wray with a photo finish with a very young Ballymena runner Jack Neeson in 16.19, and Teresa McGloin from Finn Valley wining the ladies race in 17.45.

Jordanstown 15.4.09

What a difference from last week, windy and cold at Jordanstown.Some 152 runners braved the elements for 3 laps plus. A great turnout from NBH with no less than 10 athletes running the fast and challenging course.
It was great to see three faces back rcaing again, and these three took the first NBH slots Gregory Walsh in 5th and first M40 in 16.14,Glenn McKendry (back to great form) 14th in 16.53, Brendan Dumingan (in a vest that must have come from when NBH was first formed in 1896) 22nd in 17.33. Next was Liam Gray 29th in 17.50, Jim Newberry again first M55 in 33rd and 17.59, hot on his heels was Paul Jenkins in 36th in 18.04, Fra McCaffertry in 66th place in 19.24, and out two walking aces Owen Mcabe in 129th place and 26.18, and Emma Doherty 138th place and 27.50.Finally our newest member (I think) Pauline Jenkins in only her 3rd race in 140th place and in 28.27,not bad for first real 5k road race (hopefully she will borow Brendan's vest for the next race).
The race was won by Eddie McGinley in 15.12, and Anne Paul from City of Derry winning the ladies race in 18.18. In the kids races we had two new members (have they paid their dues I wonder) Joshua Jenkins and Rebecca Jenkins ran 1km , and did very well for their first race, hopefully they will keep it going in the future.
Yet again there were problems with the timings with some 7 secs were added to all runners times,despite the first offical results being shown on the wall!!! Several runners , including myself who thought they had broken PB's (in my case sub 18mins) were brought back to earth the next day with a bang when they saw the internet results on the NIAF website. That being said it was a great race and next stop Derry on 22.4.09. Only Jim Newberry, Paul Jenkins, and Liam Gray have done the first two, there are prizes for the various age groups for those won run all three races.

Derry 22.04.09

Yet another fine night and the troops headed to Derry for the final leg of the University Of Ulster Challenge, with some old faces making a welcome return.

Once the race started the wind calmed down and it was a 600mtrs dash along the cycle path behind Sainburys on the Strand Road, then 3 laps of the Bay Road industrial estate / park. The course was pan cake flat and great times were experienced.
First home for NBH has Jim Newberry in 26th place, 1st M55 in 17.33 not bad for a 57 year old (nearly). Next was a blast from the past making a rare outing....yes John Patience in 29th place, 5th M45 (soon to be M50 in 4 weeks), in 17.48. Next was Paul Jenkins (despite his laces coming undone) broke 18Min's (at last) and ran 17.59 for 3rd M35 and 36th place.
Fantastic to see the great Matt Shields coming back after a very bad injury running 18.08 for 38th place and 5th M50. Next was Cathy McCourt taking the 3rd Female place and 53rd place in 18.46.
The race was won in a blistering 15.16 by Greg Roberts from City of Derry, and Kerry Harty in an amazing 16.11.
A long drive for all NBH members, but very worthwhile great to see Matt and John back racing, this series continues now for the Furey Insurances 5k over the next few weeks.

Paul Jenkins

Titanic 10k 05/04/09

Record entry for Titanic event

9th April 2009

There were many North Belfast Harriers among the 900 finishers,who ran the Titanic 10k on Sun 5th April, in very windy conditions.

In the mens race, Martin Rea was the first North athlete home and continued his excellent form this season with a new personal best of 33.14. He was followed by Jim Benson in 34.25 who is also running well and preparing for the marathon. Michael Fitzpatrick was just behind in 34.41 and Glenn Mc Kendry in 36.09. Other solid performances included David Wright in 39.31, Mark Sturgeon in 39.32 and Ciaran Hunter in 43.11

The winner of the mens race was Simon Tonui of Kenya in a fast 29.45,just ahead of Zac Kihari in 29.51.

In the womens race, Cathy Mc Court finished 4th overall and first female 035 in 38.01, behind Kelly Mc Niece in 37.20. The race was won by Joyce Kandia of Kenya in a classy 34.06. Claire Connor had a good run in 39 mins.

North Belfasts Senior 5K Champion

Connor Flannigan's 2008

29 March 2009

Connor has not missed an appearance in an Ulster vest at the Celtic International Cross Country for the past seven seasons. This is some what of a record. He also ran for Northern Ireland at the Home Countries International.
Connor lowered his PB for 5K to 15:06 at the Armagh International Road Race and he lowered his PB for 1500m to 3:54 later in the year at Irishtown. He finished off a successful track season by winning the Northern Ireland Senior 5K Championship at the Antrim Forum.

Larne Triumph for Connolly

Breege Connolly returns to winning form at Larne

29 March 2009

North Belfast Harriers won the team race last Saturday in the Larne half marathon with Martin Rea, Jim Benson, Gareth Grew, Micheal Fitzpatrick, Mark Sturgeon and Paddy Hamil. Both Martin and Mark ran personal bests and Michael was 3rd O/35. Outside of the team Greg McClure was 2nd O/50 and Davy Wright also ran well.

In the Woman's race Breege Connolly was a clear winner from Karen Alexander of Sperin and Suzanne McCormack of Lagan Valley. Sharon Trimble in her first half finished fourth and Amanda Perry, also north, won the O/35 category.

North Belfast's Walkers

Emma and Owen win Ulster Schools

29 March 2009

At the Ulster Indoor Championships Owen McCabe and Emma Doherty again dominated their event which was the 1500 metres walk. They now qualify for the All Ireland Championships which will be held at the Indoor Arena at Magherafelt on the 4th April. Congratulations to both young athletes

North Belfast's Mothering weekend

Reports from Omagh Half, Glasslough, Rutland and Wexford

29 March 2009

Over the weekend members have been involved in various races. Firstly Jim Newberry and Paul Jenkins traveled to Rutland in Wales for the British Master Cross Country Championship. Jim finished 6th in the over 55 age group while Paul finished 11th in the over 35 age group.
Next up Philip Goss and Ciara Largey running for their universities finished 3rd and 1st respectively in the Irish Universities Fell Championships in Wicklow.
The largest turnout of the weekend was at the Omagh Half Marathon were Martin Rea finished 9th, Jim Benson 3rd over 40, Micheal Fitzpatrick 3rd over 35, Greg McClure 2nd over 50 with Mark Sturgeon and Lisa Tracy both running PB’s
Finally Stephen Scullion continued his recent good form by traveling to Glasslough in Monaghen were he won the 5K race on Sunday.

Jimmy's 10 Downpatrick

report on Downpatrick 10k 2009

15 March 2009

A blustery wind welcomed the 9 Harriers who travelled to Downpatrick for the popular Jimmys 1okm road race. In the mens race Jim Benson and Gareth Grew started steady and looked stromg staying within touch of the leading group of 5 or 6 which included Steven Scullion until 5km.

The in form Scullion managed to stay with McAllister but the St Malachys athlete used his superior strength to run clear of the group with Scullion finishing well to hang on to second place.

Next Harrier home was Benson who battled hard with World Class Vet Dermott Kerr to finish under 34 mins for the first time with Grew not far behind him. Martin Rea and Micheal Fitzpatrick sprinted it out for the places with Rea just holding out.

Further down the field David Wright and Greg McClure ran well after the recent Barcelona Marathon with Eoin McQuillian and Mark Sturgeon finishing under the 40 min mark

In the ladies race Cathy McCourt continued her recent excellent form to hang on for first place. With a steady 8km behind her she had to battle strong in the last 2 km to win by 4 seconds.

Steven Scullion Junior Champion

Steven reflects on his running career to date

29 March 2009

Experience at World Cross?

I was very young when Ireland took me to World Cross Country; however, I had an excellent trip. The biggest problem for many distance athletes is realising what it takes to become one of the best athletes in the world. For me world cross country ended up an experience which made me drop out of the sport for almost 2 years, I went of the radar and lost a lot of spirit and hope. My biggest problem was growing up in a country were Middle distance running has fallen backwards. Gone are the days when Dermott Donelly and John Mc Gloughlin would create quality races every week. I lost interest in the sport and became a sociable athlete; as a result, Friday, Saturday and sunday became nights for my friends. When I returned home from World cross country I got a lot of emails from Coaches in USA, this disrupted my relationship with My coach Mick Woods. I immaturely decided it was no longer necessary to be coached by Mick and started thinking about the prospect of heading to USA. This caused me to lose focus and not being in contact with Mick no more definately resulted in some poor under par performances.

World cross opened my eyes to more training, better lifestyle, patience and how tough it was gonna be; however, although this experience did scare me it opened my eyes to how possible it was to compete. It just scared me a lot and I panicked, in a short period of time I picked up a sponsorship deal with Brooks made World Championships cross country and had developed into a young hot talent. But I was still only 16-17 and had a lot of running left to do, running is not a sport where the hard work can be replaced by anthing.

Training now your home?

Things started of relatively easy in December, I wasn't in great shape and was very overweight. We used December to get back in shape and training was fairly comfortable around 40MPW. Now that things seem to be moving forward im trying not to get to excited in training, I got carried away before in preperation for races and tried to run hard all the time instead of fast or efficient at a good level of effort. I have started to run twice a day again and regulary rise at 6AM to ensure maximum recovery between my runs.

Former Wellington College?
Other famous past pupils?

John McLaughlin 3 x winner of the Ni Senior cross country championships and definately an athlete I respect and will always look up to. Its important to realise your not alone when your out running the miles on the toepath I regularly still see John running and talk to him on a regular basis. I think we both share a positive attitude about the sport and have a hard working mentality.

Go West Young Man -

I decided to head of too America as a good opportunity to get away from the poor culture in Northern Ireland that was leading my athletics career astray. My mum and Dad have always stuck by me and my running career, they talked with me alot and we decided America was a great opportunity to try and resurect my career to perform at the top level. In 2006 I had offers and interest from some of the biggest schools in USA teams like Notre Dame, Villanova, Iona, North Carolina, and believe it or not Harvard University. I seen myself as huge prospect in distance running and had recieved some very impressive results in 2005 and 2006; however, in 2007 my running went backwards my aims were to move forward and reach my potential but I suffered from a poor lifestyle, gained weight and I was being self coached before USA. I got a phone call from Brendan Gilroy of McNeese State, at first I wasnt sure but some other coaches from the bigger schools gave some good advice. Either stay home and get my running career back on track or take the offer if I felt more confident about the opportunity in USA. Which I decided to do.


American dream went wrong? Why?

America will never be ruled as a failure it was an opportunity to move forward again; however, If only I could have realised what I had in 2006 I could have been much further ahead in my athletics career. It was my parents and coach Mick Woods at home who helped me through my time in USA, I trained too hard and demanded too much from my body which prohibited my potential and performances. Its only now that I have returned home and Mick is back coaching me I have realised I love the sport and I will be as patient as I need to be in order to rise up again. I missed the hills in USA, at home my running club North Belfast Harriers is located right beside the Cave Hill. An excellent spot to test your lungs, my old coach Fra Mc Caferty showed me excellent routes over the trails where he himself used to bring us on Sundays.

Going to run Downpatrick? Goal?

I have decided to target some road races this season including Downpatrick and Phoenix Park both 10k Races. Mick had advised me to approach Sundays race in Downpatrick with one thing in mind and that was to win the race. Mick has always guided me to great success and are recent conversation talked about is it possible to move forward living in NI and training much by yourself. To build a great pyramid you need an excellent Architect and alot of hard work, I believe to build a great distance runner you also need a great Architect/Coach, Mick has done wonderful things with several athletes in GB and explained if I listen and do what im told I can achieve great things. Its my duty to do the hard work and build the pyramid, its Micks duty to design the perfect program for my progression.

Season's targets?

For cross country the targets were simply. None to be honest, Mick told me not to get carried away with setting targets as we weren't sure how fit I was or how my body would react to the new training set up; however, as the season progressed and we realised things were moving forward I set some short term goals. I missed out on two great opportunities which I feel would have rounded of a perfect XC season and that was securing the double NI junior and Senior xc titles and a medal at the English National Championships which I was definately capable off. I think my performance in Nottingham definately proved this to myself. I have one more cross country race for NI the home countries International I hope to run fast and end xc well.

For road and track season im just gonna take the advice im given from Mick and try to utilise this and not set any limits. On recent years I will set times and targets but I feel this holds me back in trainin and racing. This year im concentrating on running fast not hard, I dont want to strain in workouts in order to reach targets I just want to run as fast as possible and become more efficient and consistent in the process.

Its the European U 23 Championships in July that will keep my mentality focused in Training. Several races will play a key part in that, these are key races that I will most likely target and taper training in order to get my best result.

Loughborough International
Bedford Intercounties
BMC Manchester
NI Senior championships
AAI U23 Championships


Long Term goals?

I spoke very recently with My mum about quiting athletics, we talked about how possible is it to reach the olympics and world events. My view point on athletics is basically I will be going to University to provide money in my future, I dont run or compete for money, I do it because I love it. The conversation lead me to believe it may not be capable to make a living out of being a full time athlete; however, I believe until I have reached my full potential, I wont be able to direct my focus, courage and dedication from my sport to a job. Below is a basic outline of what it would take to make London 2012.

2009-Euro u 23s-8.55 3k Steeple
2010- Commonwealth Games India/8.40 3k Steeple World University Games. 8.45 3k Steeple
2011- World Championships 8.32 3k Steeple B standard
2012- London 2012. 8.22 3k Steeple A standard.
2013- TBC

Being a distance runner requires a lot of training and hard work, I believe without a good support system this can be very difficult. I have alot of friends and support at my running club North Belfast Harriers they have a great tadition in Long distance running. I will speak on behalf of my parents in saying in 2006 I was lucky to have support from Brooks running company; However, It was my own laziness and lack of dedication that let that opportunity slip away. My parents have always supported my career and pay for most of my belongings. I do some part time work with a modeling and promotional company in Northern Ireland and also some work through Ni Athletics Mary Peters track.

Famous sporting relative - past or present?

Everybody must have a role model in and out of sport, My role model in Northern Ireland is a man like John Mc Gloughlin, he spoke to me before heading away to Parliament Hill and we laughed about the quality of the field and the event itself. We also sat down and discussed a more important matter like Belfast Cross country and the lack of not only quality but quantity in that field. John has had a huge amount of success and from conversations with John I know sessions like 10x1 mile during cross country may have helped him along the way. Theres no short cuts in Athletics its want it and work for it, or dream about it and lose it.

My Role Model outside of sport is definately My mum and dad. My dad for his long stories about training for Table Tennis which he competed in the Common wealth Games, Stories which dont compare to my 1 hour runs. Walking 1 hours to training and home reminds me of the dedication shown by athletes from all over the world in Kenyan and Eithiopia. My mum for her hard work throughout everyday and never complains.

Victories 2008.09 Cross Country & Road

Irish Mile IMC pb 4.08
3rd in Alabama 5k cross country 15 minutes and only beaten by two kenyan athletes.
Back with Mick Woods moving forward,
GreenCastle 5 mile 3rd,
Won Moira cross country,
Won Ni Junior cross country,
5th at Southern Cross country dissapointed not to medal was 3rd with 50m to go and judged the finish wrong,
3rd at Ni Senior Championships again not my greatest result but did alot of the running to make it a half descent paced race,
Won Ni Civil Service Cross country Race,
41st at Nottingham Intercounties- possibly my smartest race all year.
DownPatrick 10k 2nd 31.09

Honours all-time

Won AAA U 17 Steeplechase by 7 seconds 2nd steeple race that year and broke NI record 4.20.1
Won AAI junior steeplechase 3k, front ran 9 minutes 12 won by 30 seconds narrowly missed 9.10 Euro junior mark
Bronze Medal at AAI Senior championships 2007,
Ran fastest leg at Southern Road relays,
Ran fasted leg at National Cross country relays Mansfield,
Won Irish Schools 2k Steeplechase by over 6 seconds,
Won Many NI schools, junior and age group championships,
Ran 8.30.1 in 2006 Irish Indoor championships very young talent,
Won Armagh road race 3k beaten several africans and running sub 9 minutes 8.53 U17,
3rd at Irish Schools cross country championships Inter boy,
2nd at schools international in Denbeigh Fantastic run.

Cross Country Season 2008-09

North Belfast Harriers most successful season ever

19 March 2009

North Belfast Harriers won an unprecedented number of local championships medals in the this season's cross country events.

The club had their best performances of the season at the Intermediate and Master championships held at Stormont. Despite the horrendous weather conditions and the threat of the event being abandoned at one stage, North came out on top with some notable performances on the day.

It was a double Gold victory for the club in the major female individual races. The woman’s Intermediate event was won by Claire Connor and this was also equalled in the women's Master event with Cathy McCourt taking the top honours.

Claire's win in the Intermediate event was backed up with a team silver. Amanda Perry, Lisa Tracey and Nuala Muldoon put in a credible performance to secure silver medal in the Intermediate team race. Again this was equalled in the Masters team event with race winner Cathy McCourt leading Louise Smith, Amanda Perry and Anne Marie Moore to take team silver in the Masters race.

Defending champion Dave Morwood did not disappoint in the Master's competition. This turned out to be the race of the day with Dave moving clear over the final lap to retain his title. The team also struck gold with Neil Carty, Eamon White, Davy Brady, Paul Blaney and Brendan Dumigan leading the charge.

Last race of the day was the main event - The Junior Championship. North's Steven Scullion made clear his intent from the start by going straight to the front and controlling the race. Scullion held this position to the finish with an ever increasing margin.

In the worsening weather conditions a battle ensued for the remaining medal positions.

In the team competition early leaders St Malachy’s and Sparta faded in the later stages and North came through to take second team by a whisker. Martin Rea, Andrew Doherty, Allan O’Hara, Philip Goss, Lawerance O’Hara, Paddy Hamil and Dave Wright lead the way to secure the silver medal.

To summarise one of the most successful day's in the club's history, North triumphed with gold in all four individual events and won silver in three team races.

Super Times at the SPAR 10k

Pollock and Harty Take Top Honours

08 September 2008

There was a record entry turnout for the annual SPAR 10k run alongside the river Lagan. Ideal conditions ensured personal best performances for many of the competitors. The main events were won by Paul Pollock from Abbey A.C. with a super fast sub 30 min run from St. Malachy's Joe McAllister. The senior female race was won by Kerry Harty from Newcastle A.C. followed by North Belfast Harrier Breege Connolly.

Full results to follow.

Click Here to view pictures from the event