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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
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
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