NBH Race Report, 27th Dec 2021 – 2nd Jan 2022

The Harriers saw out the old year and ushered in the new by doing what they do best: racing.

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Tues 28th Dec 2021:        Castlewellan Christmas Cracker

Those familiar with this race will know that it has two unique selling points. Firstly, you have to run with a partner and you are only ever as good as your other half. Secondly, and perhaps more uniquely only a select few know the course in advance and they are sworn to secrecy. This is unusual in that most of us go to a race knowing what to expect in terms of distance, terrain and elevation: not so with this one! The only information is that it begins and ends in Castlewellan and it is between 8.5 and 9 miles.

That didn’t stop the Harriers having fun (or not!)

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Fri 30^th Dec, Sat 31^st Dec 2021:    EAMS New Year Back 2 Back 2021

The traditional EAMS B2B event returned in 2021 and attracted regulars and newcomers alike. Taking place on the last 2 days of the year, runners had options for 10k, half marathon or marathon on each day.

Day 1: Carrickfergus Castle to Gideon’s Green

The route took runners around the marina, and via the Belfast Road and the Loughshore path to the turn point at Gideon’s Green. Two complete loops made up the marathon distance. Conditions were unseasonably mild and the outbound headwind became a nice tailwind on the return to Carrick. Greg McClure represented the harriers, completing the marathon distance in 3:53:58.

Day 2: Greenisland

Conditions were again mild for the tough Greenisland route on New Year’s Eve. The route comprised the 6.5m loop familiar to EAMS regulars, via Upper Road, Monkstown Road & Wood, the Shore Road and Greenisland Station Road, with the marathon runners completing the loop 4 times with the extra 0.22m added on at the start. Greg McClure again tackled the marathon distance, completing in 4:08:13.

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Photo credits: Dermot Boyd / Dawn McClure

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Sat 1^st Jan 2022:                Race over the Glens

Eleven members of North Belfast Harriers got the New Year off to a good start by competing in the six mile Race over the Glens. This iconic race took the athletes around the Glenariff Forest Park deep in the Glens of Antrim.

Organised by Ballymena Runners, proceeds went to Air Ambulance NI.

Martsje Hell was crowned Queen of the Glen by being the first female to cross the line. Well done Martsje.

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Sat 1^st Jan 2022 PARKRUNS

A total of 44 North Belfast Harriers took part in 15 parkruns this week.

Well done to Mark McKINSTRY on finishing first at Orangefield parkrun.

Congratulations to Alex REID, Matthew CARLETON and Sandy CARR, on achieving PBs this week.

Well done to everybody who took park in this week’s parkruns and a big thank you to the army of volunteers.

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