Race Report 5 – 11 August 2019

Even right in the middle of the summer months the North Belfast Harriers still had a busy racing week; some competing for pleasure, others as target races and the rest included them as training runs as part of marathon plans. 

Broughshane 5 and 10K (Mon 5 Aug)

Organised by Ballymena Runners, this event does not list clubs and so no results available.

Crawfordsburn Trail 5K (Wed 7 Aug)

Neil Carty was the only club representative at the 5K trail race in Crawfordsburn mid-week.  Although listed as fourth, two runners crossed the line in the exact same time of 18.15!  Well done Neil.

Mallusk 5 Miler (Friday 9 Aug)

Hosted by our neighbouring athletics club, Mallusk Harriers, NBH turned out in force to support this fantastic event.  The ‘hill’ did not deter the thirty club members who were rewarded with 3 podium finishes and age category prizes, not to mention the post-race hospitality.

A special congratulations to Mark McKinstry, first home with a sub 27; Gareth Lyons in second position and Sarah Jane McFadden who was third lady home.

(Credit Facebook – Mallusk Harriers and NBH News/Events)

Lurig Run (Sat 10 Aug)

The Lurig Challenge Run is considered the highlight of the Heart of the Glens Festival. Participants are guaranteed an exciting off-road race, breathtaking views and a famously warm Glens welcome. The 3.8 mile race started at 1pm in the main street of Cushendall adjacent to the Curfew Tower. After a short dash down the spectator lined main street, there was a sharp incline and a set of steps up the Stony Lonan, followed by a mile along a farm track to the base of the mountain. Next came an assault to the top of Lurig (1073 feet), with spectacular views, before a fast descent back along the farm track for the sprint (or otherwise) to the village and the finish.

(https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?elid=Y&event_id=5600)

Nat Glenn won O/50 category with a sub 34 in the challenging run and finished 11^th overall.  Super running Nat.

Streets of Galway 8K Road Race (Sat 10 Aug)

2019 saw the 34th edition of the famous Streets of Galway 8km road race. Since its inception in 1986 the event has grown into one of the most prestigious road races in the country yet remains true to its original motto of Sport for All.

The race route started at Fr Griffin Road in the city and took in many of the sights of Galway city, including the Spanish Arch, Eyre Square, the landmark Galway Cathedral and NUI Galway, and out towards Salthill, past Pearse Stadium and then back in the ‘Prom’ along Galway Bay for a fast section into the finish at the historic Claddagh.

(https://www.myrunresults.com/events/galway_clinic_-streets_of_galway_8km_2019/3138/details)

Rock n Roll Series – Dublin (Fri 9 – Sun 11 Aug)

This Dublin event forms part of the road running series known for its live bands, cheerleaders and themed water stations along the route. 

Half Marathon

Four harriers travelled down to complete the 13.1 mile course.  Fantastic results from Conán, Philip Joe and Thomas, with a sub 69 for Conán.

Conán McCaughey finished in 7^th position overall with a chip time of 1.08:30.

Philip Goss finished in 16^th position with a chip time of 1.13:47.

Joe Malone closely behind with a chip time of 1.18:48.

Thomas Norton completed in 1.56:58.

Holly Bennett also finished the 13.1 miles in 2.23:10.  Well done to all.

10K

Our club member Joanne McGurk also took part in the 10K event on Sunday morning.  Well done on a great run, crossing the line in a time of 1.06:25.

Monaghan 10 Mile (Sun 11 Aug)

Described as “perfect for the more serious runner and … a good kick start for those training for the Dublin City Marathon” the Monaghan 10 miler took place at the weekend.  Kicking off at 12.30, “the course route is relatively flat with some rolling inclines.”  (www.myrunresults.com)

Pádraigín Bingeam achieved a new PB of 4 minutes, finishing in a time of 1.33:18.  Congratulations!

Parkrun

NBH members participated in seventeen different parkruns this weekend.  Congratulations to all but a particular mention to those with PBs and the following:

Paul Horan, second finisher with a new PB at Victoria; Paul Hutchinson, third home in Larne; and Lynn McKenna, first female home in Buncrana and Elaine Holmes, second female to finish at Colin Glen.