NBH Race Report, 4th – 10th June 2018

NBH Race Report, 4th – 10th June 2018

Whether it was the flat Craigavon Lakes or the mountainous Hills and Dales, the hot weather made most races more difficult than usual. This didn’t deter the North Belfast Harriers from putting in a great performance. Well done to all our runners.

Wed 6^th June     Fairhill 5 mile Road Race

Congratulations to Mark McKinstry who retained his Fairhill 5 mile road race title this evening with an impressive performance. For good measure, Gladys Ganiel made it a North Belfast double claiming the ladies title.

Photo Credit: NI Running

Wed 6^th June     Craigavon Lakes 10k & 5k

Starting and ending at the front of Craigavon Civic Centre, this race took runners along the pathways around the picturesque Craigavon Lakes and City Park. The course was fairly flat – great for those pursuing a PB!

Thurs 7^th June    Hill & Dale Series (Race 8 – Loughshannagh)

This race series is definitely not for the feint-hearted. The 8^th in the series began at Ott car park (400m), ascending to the top of Carn Mountain (590m), before descending to the banks of Lough Shannagh. The route then took the runners up Doan (590m), followed by Slieve Loughshannagh (620m) and finally Ott Mountain (520m) before returning to the start – a gruelling 6.5 kms.

 Sat 9^th June        Mourne Way Marathon and Half Marathon

Whilst many of us enjoy a gentle ramble through the foothills of the Mourne Mountains, not so for these intrepid runners of the North Belfast Harriers, Thomas McKinstry and Sandy Carr, who ran a gruelling 26 miles through them!

Thomas (Tucker) remarked: “I have never drank so much fluids or ran in so much heat as yesterday at Mourne Way Marathon”.

I think we can all raise a glass to them!

Marstje Hell represented the club in the Half Marathon event. Marstje was the first lady home in 8th position with an outstanding result

Sat 9^th June        NI & Ulster Senior Track & Field Championships

Whilst many of us basked in summer sunshine, athletes at the NI & Ulster Senior Track & Field Championships braved torrential downpours in the Mens 5000m race. Weather aside, the Harriers claimed 5^th, 6^th and 7^th positions.

Photo Credit: NI Running

Sat 9^th June        PARKRUNS

Seventy North Belfast Harriers were represented in 12 parkruns, with six runners achieving PBs. Congratulations to Nat GLENN, Andrew MILLIGAN and Joe DRAIN who came first in their respective races. Philip McILWRATH takes the prize for the farthest Parkrun: Massachusetts, USA!

Waterworks Parkrun marked the 70^th anniversary of the NHS with NHS staff stepping into the volunteering role. Some volunteers and runners got into the spirit by donning NHS-themed fancy dress.