North Belfast Harriers storming ahead

RACE REPORT Week Ending Sunday 9th February 2020

Saturday 8th February 2020
Everyone was holding their breaths on Friday night and Saturday morning to see if Storm Ciara would do her worst and cause the cancellation of races across the country. Thankfully the expected storm was a little later than forecast and the races took place as planned.

Stormont Cross Country
It was a most successful day for the runners who represented the North Belfast Harriers in the annual event which is hosted by the NI Civil Service Athletic Club and takes places in the grounds of Stormont Estate. Philip Goss was in majestic form as he finished first, 23 seconds ahead of his nearest rival. Whilst the individual victor in the men’s race was a North Belfast Harrier, it was the ladies who secured the top team result in a very closely run race. They secured victory thanks to the herculean efforts from all who participated. This fantastic performance saw the team pip their nearest team rival by 1 point. With a fantastic turnout of ladies maximum points were secured in this race. Congratulations to all involved. There is no time to rest up as our focus is now on the next race in the cross country league takes place in 2 weeks’ time in Coleraine. 2 strong teams are needed to ensure that we finish highly positioned in the cross country league.

Irish Masters Cross Country, Wicklow
North Belfast Harriers continued to show their prowess as they headed south to Avondale Forest Park, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow to compete in the challenging 7km cross country course. Eamon White secured Silver in the M50 category whilst Neil Carty took bronze in the same age category. Laurence Johnston also represented North Belfast Harriers in this Masters’ event.

Irish National 50km
Louise Smith took part in the gruelling National 50km race which took place in Donadea Forest Park, Co. Kildare. As is normal in these events, the 50km consisting of 10 x 5km laps, had to be completed within 5 hours. Louise’s lap times were amazing as 4 of the 5km laps were completed in under 21 minutes. The time limit meant little to Louise as she finished as 3rd lady and in 14th overall position. Her finishing time for the 50km was 03:39:52. What an amazing achievement.

parkrun results (Saturday 8th February 2020)
Congratulations to Mark McAvoy who was first home in the Waterworks parkrun and his mum, Lucinda who achieved a PB. Joining her in the Waterworks with PBs were Eimear Cash, Eileen Keenan, Oran Steele. Gemma Lowe travelled to Ormeau parkrun on Saturday to run her fastest time to date.