NBH Race Report, 24th Feb – 1st Mar 2020

With the cross-country session finished and the road racing session beginning, it was time for the Harriers to swap their running shoes for their glad rags and pick up a few awards off-track.

Sat 29^th Feb        Spirit of Running Awards Gala 2020

As well all know, there’s a lot more to running than just running. There is a whole army of volunteers and people who inspire us all; the unsung heroes of our sport. To recognise this, the inaugural ‘Spirit of Running’ Gala Awards 2020 took place in the Armagh City Hotel. This was Northern Ireland’s first opportunity to bring together the ‘running community’ to acknowledge, celebrate, showcase and reflect on the phenomenal growth and impact of running. It is also a fantastic opportunity to raise money for our Charity Partner ‘Team Kerr’.

Nominations were invited for a range of categories including Most Inspirational Runner and Most Inspirational Female Running Coach.

North Belfast Harriers was successful in both categories with Rosy Ryan winning the Most Inspirational Runner and Margaret Stephens Most Inspirational Female Running Coach.

Both of these awards were well-deserved. Many congratulations ladies.

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Sun 1^st Mar         Back to Basics

If bling’s not your thing, then Back to Basics may be for you. Comprising three laps of Victoria Park, this fast 5k event tested the mettle of the five Harriers who took part. The race was won by Gareth Lyons with Mark McAvoy taking third place.

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Sat 29^th Feb        PARKRUNS

Over 60 Harriers took part in 15 Parkruns this week.

Sile HANNON completed her 50^th Parkrun at the Waterworks this week. Keep up the good work Sile. Meanwhile, Orán STEELE and Roy RAINEY both secured PBs at the same event. Well done.

Congratulation to Roisin Hughes for being the First Lady home in Colin Glen, and to Conor CURRAN, Neil CARTY, Mark McKINSTRY and Penny LINDSAY for winning Belfast Victoria, Stranmillis College, Sixmilewater and Larne respectively.

To add to the accolade, Mark and Conor were the 2^nd and 5^th fastest parkrunners in Ireland this week! Well done gents.