Having competed at the Northern Ireland & Ulster Juvenile Even XC Championships in the Under 18 category a week previously at Coleraine University club junior, runner Jack Neeson was in action once again at the NI & Ulster Juvenile Uneven XC Championships in Killybegs, County Donegal where he was competing in the Under 19 category this time. Jack faired a bit better this time round despite being up against some older runners. Jack finished in seventh overall in 20 mins 38 secs with the winner Pauric Mclaughlin of Finn Valley taking the honours in 19 mins 16 secs.

The local cross country racing calendar continued recently with the McConnell Shield Cross country races. The event held in Sixmilewater Park in Ballyclare was as usual hosted by East Antrim Harriers. 
The atrocious weather conditions on the day didn’t deter the two hundred athletes who were competing throughout the various age classes on the day. Three Ballymena men were in action in the main McConnell Shield event over a lapped five mile course. Rodney Livingstone was the first of the three to finish in 32 mins 47 secs in 62^nd overall. Rodney was followed by Ryan Bankhead 34 mins 15 secs in 73^rd and Philip Smyth, 34 mins 59 secs, in 76^th. Overall winner was Joe McAllister of St Malachy’s in 24 mins 50 secs.
Brigid Quinn was the only Ballymena woman competing in the shorter three mile ladies race and once again took top honours in her age group when she finished in 25 mins 10 secs.

Three members of the club recently took part in a handicap race organised by Springwell Running Club. The North West club organised the novel event which took part in Springwell Forest near Limavady over a five mile course and invited some local clubs to take part in the small event. Here all competitors were asked to give their most recent five mile race times and their finishing times were adjusted accordingly to put everyone in with a chance of winning.

Of the three taking part John McGerty not only came out tops but also won the event overall with his adjusted time. With an actual finishing time of 36 mins 18 secs, John came away with an adjusted time of 28 mins 3 secs. Stephen Brown was next finishing in third overall with a time of 37 mins 1 secs adjusted to 29 mins 1 sec. Club secretary Peter Fleming was actually the fastest Ballymena man on the day with a time of 35 mins 58 secs adjusted to 31 mins 58 secs. 

The Local Running club also held their annual prize giving and dinner last week at the Old Schoolhouse restaurant in Gracehill. Once again there was an excellent turn out for the new format Awards night where the presentations were made.
For the main Athlete of the Year award the committee found it impossible to decide on one winner so in for the first time in the club’s history decided to split the award between two members, Alex Brennan and Noel Connor. Alex has performed very well this season on the mountain running front both locally and internationally and additionally has been selected for International representation in the cross country discipline. Like wise Noel has achieved International selection at International level and has also performed well over the roads this year recording a few personal bests for several distances.
The Club person of the year went to club secretary Peter Fleming who deserved the award for his efforts in taking the club forward with some new and exciting ideas. Jack Neeson was awarded the Young Athlete of the Year award following his rise in local running circles and also gaining International selection at Junior level. Robin Tate was awarded the most Improved Runners Award and Dyvonne Harris picked up the Best Female Athlete Award.
There were a few ‘tongue in cheek’ awards made on the night with Jonny Steede receiving a ‘wooden spoon’ award for his efforts at the Commonwealth Champs, John McGerty the ‘Joggers Nipple’ award, Robin Alexander the ‘Record Time Spent Lost in the Mountains’ award and Jonny Steede and Mark Alexander for their joint ‘Never take a Canoe on to a flooded Braid River’ Award.

Five Ballymena Runners have officially secured their places on the Northern Ireland Cross Country Masters team for the forthcoming British and Irish Masters International Cross Country Races in Birmingham next month.
Ray Curran, Noel Connor, Alex Brennan, James Turtle and Brigid Quinn will all be included in the 70 strong team who will travel to compete in the annual races which will include athletes from, England, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland. The five all raced at the Comber Cup Cross Country races which also served as trials for the team. Ray, Brigid and Alex all received immediate confirmation of their places on the day but James and Noel had to wait until later on in the week to have their selection officially confirmed.
The group of five will all travel to the annual event which will be staged at Alexandra Park, Birmingham on Saturday 14th November. The event will hosted by Birchill Harriers in association with Midlands Masters AC

Alex Brennan and Jonny Steede returned from representing Northern Ireland in the Commonwealth Mountain running championships last week after rubbing shoulders with some top class international athletes. The Championships held over a weekend were hosted in Keswick in the Lake District and took in four separate races; the uphill/downhill mountain race, uphill only mountain race, the 100km road race and the 24 -hour race – for the first time, and tested athletes to their limits of speed, endurance and mental strength.
Alex was in action first having been selected to represent N Ireland in the uphill only race which took in 12 km on the Friday afternoon. The route saw the runners start starting in Fitz Park, Keswick and finish on the summit of Skiddaw. Unfortunately the Northern Ireland team didn’t fare well against the other International teams but Alex put in a good performance to finish first of the four man NI team when he finished the tough event in 62 mins 16 secs. The overall winner was Kenyan runner Wilson Chemweno in 50 mins 42 secs.
Jonny had to wait until Sunday to compete in his event which again took in a 12lm course but this time runners climbed and descended during their race. It also started in Fitz Park Keswick heading up over Latrigg before returning back down to the finish in the Park. Jonny finished in 58 mins 41 secs with Chemweno repeating his win from the uphill event finishing in 47 mins 55 secs.

Ballymena Runners man Noel Connor was the pick of the bunch at the recent, well supported Bangor 10k road race recently.
Noel was amongst the eight strong Ballymena contingent and finished the race with a personal best time over the 10k distance and did enough to take first spot in his own masters category. The Saturday afternoon race saw a large entry of over 700 runners in the North Down town with a route starting in Castle Park, heading round the seaside town to the finish in Ward Park.

Noel was the first of the Ballymena bunch to finish crossing the line in 37 mins 14 secs in 32^nd overall. Noel was followed by ray Curran who recorded 37 mins 47 secs for the distance in 41^st overall. Ray had to settle for second spot in his age category, finishing just 5 secs down on Jim Newberry. They were followed by Neil Ramsey, 39 mins 26 secs, 58^th, Rodney Livingstone, 39 mins 30 secs, 62^nd, Ricky Weir, continuing his return to racing, 43 mins 58 secs, 146^th, Gerry McKenna, 45 mins 22 secs, 175^th, Phil Smyth, 45 mins 25 secs and Robin Tate, 187^th, 46 mins 5 secs.
Overall winner was Joe McAllister of St Malachy’s in 30 mins 6 secs, with Gladys Glaniel O’Neill winning the ladies prize in 36 mins 17 secs.

Four Ballymena Runners took the opportunity to compete in a somewhat different event when they took part in the spectacular Causeway Coast Marathon event. The  Marathon was an “out and back” route and followed paths, tracks, beaches and coastline of the Causeway Coast Way, between Portballintrae and Ballintoy Harbour - probably one of the most spectacular coastlines in the whole of the UK.
In addition to the Marathon there was also a Half Marathon and a 10k run/walk incorporated into the route – those races, like the Marathon, also finished in Portballintrae. The main event saw competitors race the Causeway Coast Way from Portballintrae to Ballintoy Harbour.  This route was an “out and back” route, almost entirely off road, passing The Giants Causeway, Dunseverick Harbour, White Park Bay, Ballintoy Harbour before turning at the quaint Harbour and returning along the same route. The scenery on the outward and homeward legs of the event is truly spectacular.
The runners split themselves between the three events with Brendan O’Boyle and Peter Fleming tackling the main marathon event, Jonny Steede in the half marathon race and Elle Forest the 10k event.
Brendan was the first of the Ballymena pair to finish in the main marathon event with around 100 competitors taking part. Brendan started off well and was lying in 8^th spot overall at the half way stage. Unfortunately he took a tumble on the rocks at the White Park bay section which knocked him off his stride for a while finally finsining in 15^th overall with a time of 3 hours 56mins 40 secs, still a very respectable time for the marathon distance on the road never mind over steps, grass, beach and rocks! Peter Fleming was next finishing in 65^th overall in 4 hours 45 mins 30 secs. Overall winner was Eoin Keith in 3 hours 16 mins 38 secs.
Jonny Steede was in action in the half distance 13.1 mile Half marathon race  which attracted the largest entry of the day with around 250 runners taking part. Jonny put in a fine performance but had to settle for second spot at the finish when he finished in 84 mins 20 secs just three and a half minutes behind the winner Karl Kidea in 81 mins 54 secs.
Also in action in the half marathon event were two runners who are soon to join Ballymena Runners, Emmet McAllister and Kevin O’Boyle. Emmet also put in a good effort to finish in 5^th overall in 1 hr 35 mins 48 secs with Kevin 18^th in 1 hr 41 mins 7 secs.
Elle Forest was the last Runner in action taking part in the shgortest race of the day, the 10km event . Elle completed the distance in 56 mins 15 secs in 31^st overall and the fifth woman to finish.

Ballymena Runners seem to be going from strength to strength lately with Neil Douglas taking top honours at the local ‘Run n’ the Bann 5K race last week as he led a large crowd of fellow club mates home in the race.
The local race is held at Portglenone and is a part of the Gig n the Bann festival week and the local running club had a great turn out of eighteen members turn up to compete in the race. The race continues to grow in popularity and this year the organising committee enjoyed a record turn out when just over 130 runners competed on the night.The 5K race itself starts on Ballymacomb road before heading down towards the side of the Bann where it takes a riverside route on trails through the forest before heading back out on to the Ballymacomb road once again. From there the runners can enjoy a road section to finish heading back into Portglenone over the Bann Bridge to the finish at the Community Centre.
With seventeen Ballymena Runners in action there were a few new faces making their racing debuts in the familiar navy and white vest. A special welcome back also went to Dyvonne Harris who was making her first appearance back after recovering from a recent operation. However the main man on the night was Neil Douglas. Neil took to the fore from the starters gun along with team mate Jack Neeson and Matt Wray. It as nip and tuck fro the trio throughout the race but Neil made his decisive move as they headed back into the village over the bridge with young Jack Neeson chasing. Neil had to use all his experience to ward off young Jack as he crossed the line in 16 mins 43 secs with Jack hot on his heels just one second down in 16 mins 44 secs. Next home for the club was James Turtle in fifth overall in 17 mins 31 secs. James was followed by Noel Connor, 10^th, 18 mins 17 secs, new recruit Stevie Wilson in his first race in club colours, 12^th, 18 mins 20 secs, Neil Ramsey, 14^th, 18 mins 31 secs, Rodney Livingstone, 16^th, 18 mins 59 secs, Jim Moore, 27^th, 20 mins exactly, Robin Alexander, 32^nd, 20 mins 27 secs, Patrick Millar, 43^rd, 21 mins 19 secs, Gerry McKenna, 47^th, 21 mins 26 secs, Darren Bridges, 48^th, 21 mins 27 secs, Philip Smyth, 51^st, 21 mins 35 secs, Robin Tate, 56^th, 22 mins 37 secs, Brigid Quinn, 79^th, 24 mins 18 secs, David strain, 85^th, 25 mins 15 secs, Mabel McFall, 91^st, 25 mins 31 secs and Dyvonne Harris, 100^th, 26 mins 34 secs.

Ballymena Runners Club secretary Peter Fleming recently took the opportunity to run alongside comedian Eddie Izzard for Sport Relief. The popular comedian has taken on the remarkable task of running around Britain with the aim of completing a full marathon, 26.2 miles each day. His aim is to run round the whole UK via the four capitals from London to Cardiff to Belfast to Edinburgh and back to London taking in as many parts of the UK between the capitals. He is attempting to raise as money as possible for the poorest areas of Africa.
 Peter had been following Eddies progress across Northern Ireland on his web blog and joined him on last Monday evening near Castledawson.  This was a thirty mile leg for Eddie who had set off on day two in Northern Ireland from Antrim to Maghera.  Eddie was very glad of the company and Eddie, Peter and another runner Mark from Antrim crossed the line just around a mile through Maghera.  It was a great chance to support Eddie in this amazing challenge and as a token of his appreciation the comedy star treated them both to ice-cream from his van which is following him around the UK! Certainly a pleasant way of replacing all those burnt calories after a long run!
If you wish to make a donation or follow Eddie on his remarkable journey you can do so through his website and blog at http://www.eddieizzard.com/blog/

Ballymena Runners reclaimed the East Antrim Inter Club Challenge Trophy when they came out tops amongst the four competing clubs last week.
The club had dominated the event for the first four years from its inauguration seven years ago but had lost their grip over the last two years. However they were determined to get their hands back on the trophy again from neighbouring club, Larne AC. The annual Challenge race sees four County Antrim running clubs compete in the event with Ballymena Runners joined by East Antrim Harriers, Larne AC and Glen Runners. The event attracted its largest entry to date with over 100 runners from the four clubs taking part in what is not only a competitive but social event. The Ballymena club fielded a strong team with seventeen members travelling to the event. The race was held over five mile course in the Carncastle area near Larne. As usual the course details remained a secret until the starters gun when the field was set off on yet another traditionally tough course in the hilly area.
Repeating his win from last year Jonny Steede ran the perfect race as he bided his time behind Justin Maxwell of Larne till just after the half way mark. From there the course became hilly and Jonny used all his mountain running experience to race home in first spot overall. Jonny completed the course in 27 mins 47 secs, eleven seconds ahead of his nearest challenger, Justin Maxwell of Larne. Hot on their heels were Neil Douglas who finished third in 28 mins 5 secs and Jack Neeson fourth in 28 mins 27 secs. Next home for the club was Alex Brennan who finished 11^th in 29 mins 46 secs. Alex was followed by James Turtle 13^th, 30 mins 7 secs, Ray Curran, 20^th 30 mins 42 secs, Noel Connor, 23^rd, 30 mins 57 secs, Rodney Livingstone, 34^th, 32 mins 10 secs, Tom Mills, 36^th 32 mins 26 secs, Jim Moore, 49^th, 33 mins 36 secs, Rodney Agnew, 58^th, 34 mins 26 secs, Stephen Brown, 67^th, 35 mins 20 secs and John McGerty, 75^th, 36 mins 20 secs.
Two of the club’s newest members Phil Smyth and Gerry McKenna were next in finishing close together in 83^rd and 84^th spot in 37 mins 22 secs and 37 mins 24 secs respectively. They were followed by Robin Tate, 90^th, 39 mins 46 secs with Trevor Brown, Stephen Brown’s father 99^th, 48 mins 46 secs.
Whilst the team standings were close Ballymena Runners came out tops by a mere three points from Larne AC.  

Ballymena Runners had a great turn out recently when eleven members of the club tackled the Scott and Gault Memorial 10 Mile Road Race in Ballyclare. The race was hosted by neighbouring club, East Antrim Harriers AC assisted by Newtownabbey District Council. This year's race was the 3rd event in a four race Grand Prix Series being promoted by Athletics Northern Ireland.
This year’s race saw a new but nevertheless tough course which started and finished at the Sixmile Leisure Centre with athletes completing a 2-lap course taking in the villages of Ballycorr and Ballynure. Over 150 athletes started at 11.00am in dry and warm conditions. The race attracted many athletes from the North as well as the South of Ireland.
First home for the Ballymena club was Neil Douglas in 11^th overall in 59 mins 30 secs. Ray Curran followed with an age category win in 27^th overall in 63 mins 48 secs. Ray was followed by, Noel Connor, 64 mins 22 secs, 32^nd, Tom Mills, 67 mins 55 secs, 45^th, Rodney Livingstone, 68 mins, 46^th, Jim Moore, 69 mins 34 secs, Neil Ramsey, 71 mins 18 secs, Colin Hoey back in action again, 71 mins 37 secs, 64^th, Robin Alexander 75 mins 55 secs, 83^rd, John McGerty 77 mins 11 secs, 91^st and Brigid Quinn with her customary age category win in 84 mins 10 secs in 108^th overall.
The overall winner of the men’s race was Robert Mallseed from Willowfield Harriers who completed the 10 mile course in an excellent time of 55 mins 10 secs. He was followed by Delfin Pimentel of Sperrin Harriers, third was Mark Wright of Annadale Striders.
In the ladies race the winner was North Belfast Harrier Sharon Trimble in a time of 62mins 04secs. Followed by Helen White of Sportsworld and taking 3rd was Janice White of Fitness First - Ballymena.
In the Team Event Larne Athletic Club quartet of Justin Maxwell, Nat Glen, Craig Hutchinson and Bernard Brady combined well to complete a popular victory for the East Antrim Club.

Two club members were at the lower key Desertmartin 10k race recently. Alex Brennan and Brigid Quinn were amongst the 30 odd runners who tackled the race near Slieve Gallion. Alex Brennan put in a good performance in to finish second overall in 39 mins 37 secs with Brigid finishing in 57 mins 25 secs.

Ballymena Runners mountain men took the opportunity for some action closer to home when they competed in the Lurig Challenge Race recently. The Runners had five men out on the day with three of the five finishing in the top ten.
The Ballymena club runners normally have to travel to the Mournes area to compete in mountain running fixtures but the Lurig Challenge race is one of the rare opportunities they get to stay in County Antrim. The race which is part of the Heart of the Glens Festival starts in the village of Cushendall before heading out of the village along a farm track for about a mile and then climbs up the increasingly steeper North face of Lurigethan Mountain. The descent is by the same route, with quite steep short grass over the first section. The race then traces its route to the finish back in the village square. The course is almost four miles long with a total of 375 metres of climbing. This year saw a record turn out of 192 runners. 
Jonny Steede was the top man for the Runners, but had to settle for second place behind Joe McAllister of St Malachy’s. Jonny finished in 30 mins 2 secs. Next in was Alex Brennan in 4^th, 30 mins 47 secs with Jonathan McCloy next just squeezing into the top ten in 10^th  spot in 32 mins 23 secs,  Brendan O’Boyle 31^st,  36 mins 7 secs and Robin Alexander 93^rd 45 mins 26 secs.

Five-mile road action continued last week when Sperrin Harriers hosted the ‘Sperrin Harriers Five Mile Classic’ last Friday evening. This was the fourth running of the event by the Mid Ulster club and they enjoyed a healthy entry on the night with 210 runners of all standards taking part.
In contrast to last week at Ballymoney weather conditions were excellent with temperatures high, dry conditions with a light, cooling breeze over the whole course. The race started and finished in the grounds of Loughry College on the outskirts of Cookstown. following a rural, undulating route before returning to the college via the main Dungannon Road.Ballymena Runners had six members out on the night with half of the group claiming age category prizes. Ray Curran was the first of the group to finish bettering his time from the previous week at the Riada 5 when he squeezed in under the thirty-minute mark in 29 mines 57 secs in 28^th spot. Ray also took first place in his age category. Next in, also improving on his Riada time was Neil Ramsey who finished in 30 mins 28 secs in 36th with Rodney Livingstone next, once again improving on last week in 31 mins 1 secs in 42nd. Making a rare race appearance, Stephen Armstrong finished next in 32 mins 5 secs in 60^th followed by Brigid Quinn, claiming yet another age group win in 39 mins 42 secs, 151^st and Mabel McFall taking second in her age group in 42 mins 18 secs in 178th.Overall winner was Joe McAllister in 24 mins 37 secs. The ladies winner was Julie Butler of Omagh harriers in 30 mins 46 secs.

Jonny Steede is fast becoming a major contender within mountain running circles mirrored by his excellent performance in the recent ‘ Seven Sevens’ race. Following on from his efforts at the International Snowdon Mountain race Jonny put in an excellent performance at the Northern Ireland Mountain running event to come in fourth place overall.
The event is the toughest race on the NI Mountain running calendar with the record time around the four-hour mark. In total the race covers 19 miles and a total of almost 9,000 feet of climbing in the Mournes area. The route start in Donard Forest Car park and climbs seven hills including Slieve Donard, Slieve Commedagh, Slieve Bearnagh, Slieve Meelmore, Slieve Meelbeg, Ben Crom Dam, Slieve Binnian, Slieve Lamagan. This year’s race saw a record turn out of 65 runners on the day with a walking option for those wanting to tackle the event at a different pace. In the days leading up to the race there were heavy rainfalls making conditions underfoot in the hills very soft indeed.
Jonny was holding a good pace as the race reached the fifth peak with him in third overall, however as they tackled the last two climbs he slipped back to fourth which was where he was to finish at the end in 4 hours 32 mins 54 secs, an excellent finish amongst some quality opposition. Next in was Jonathan McCloy. Jonathon also secured a top ten finish when he came home in 4 hours 54 mins 28 secs in tenth spot overall. Further down the field was Peter Fleming, 9 hours 11 mins 31 secs in 58 secs, Jim Moore, 9 hours 26 mins 8 secs, 60^th and Robin Alexander, 9 hours 26 mins 13 secs, 61^st. Remarkably this trio had never completed a full blown mountain race before and had jumped in at the deep end opting to tackle the toughest race on the calendar as their first venture into the discipline. They decided to approach the event with respect, working at their own pace and did well to complete the tough event.
Overall winner was Gary Bailey of Mourne Runners in 4 hours 2 mins 40 secs.

Ballymena Runners mountain running specialists, Jonny Steede and Alex Brennan both earned International selection once again when they were selected to represent Northern Ireland at the Snowdon International Mountain race.
The pair were selected as part of a four man team to represent the Province in the race which is contested by all the Home Countries.  One of Europe’s toughest endurance challenges, the 10-mile race involves running from the edge of Lake Padarn in the village of Llanberis to the highest summit in Wales and England and back down.
The first ever race was held on 19 July, 1976 after Ken Jones, a native of Llanberis put forward the idea to the village’s Carnival Committee. Eighty-six runners turned up for the race and it was won by Dave Francis from Bristol who completed the course in 1 hour 12 minutes 05 seconds.
Jonny was the first of the two to finish, but the pair were in close contention for the duration of the race. Jonny finished well up the field of 500 runners coming home in 78 mins 31 secs in 27^th overall, Alex was only five places further down in 32^nd in 79 mins 18 secs. Jonny was the second man of the Northern Ireland team to finish.

James Turtle repeated his win from last year when he was first to cross the line at the Smak Beverage Dervock 10k road race which was the supporting race to the Kennedy Kane McArthur Dervock Half Marathon. In fact it was a one two for Ballymena Runners with James taking first spot in 39 mins 9 secs and Jack Neeson second in 39 mins 50 secs. Jim Moore was the only other Ballymena man competing in the 10k event finishing in 43 mins 53 secs.
The main event saw only two Ballymena Runners in action with Rodney Agnew and Brigid Quinn competing. The 13.1 mile race in the North Antrim village follows a tough course which takes in Stranocum and Mossside before heading back to Dervock. The event promoted by Dervock Community Association hopes to develop the race into a full marathon to coincide with the 2012 Olympic games coming to Britain.
Rodney was the first to finish in 14^th overall with a time of 1 hour 35 mins 53 secs. Brigid finished in 1 hour 53 mins 10 secs in 30^th and once again claimed a first spot in her age category.

Two days later action switched to Belfast with the Mary Peters/ Lagan Towpath area playing host to Mary Peters Birthday 10K race.
Dame Mary Peters got her 70th birthday celebrations up and running with the special 10K road race, sponsored by Linwoods Foods. The Mary Peters Trust 10k Road Race event took place on Sunday 5th July and included a ‘Run a Mile for Mary’ Fun Run.
305 participants took place in the 10K with Paul Rowan of Willowfield emerging as the clear winner in a finish time of 33.12. Gladys Ganiel was the first female. The charity 10k run started and finished at the Mary Peters Track, Northern Ireland's premier athletics track on the outskirts of Belfast and also includes a ‘Walk a Mile for Mary’ around the track. It was sponsored by Linwoods, organised and promoted by Athletics Northern Ireland and supported by Sport Northern Ireland.
Ballymena Runners only two competitors in the three hundred strong field performed well  with Neil Douglas fourth and Ray Curran 9^th. Neil was continuing his comeback with a time of 34 mins 51 secs with Ray finishing in 38 mins 47 secs.

Three days later it was back to the roads as Ards hosted a longer distance half marathon event. This was race five in the CHAMPIONCHIP GRAND PRIX HALF MARATHON SERIES which takes in six half marathon throughout the year with Larne, Omagh, Newry and Lisburn having already been contested. Competitors are expected to complete four half marathons from the series in order to record an overall series position. James Turtle cemented his position at the top of the MV40 group when he competed in his fourth event and took a top ten position with a finishing time of 82 mins 59 secs. This was his slowest time form the four but with only one race to go at Cookstown he has set him self up in pole position and looks set to take the overall title in his age group. Other Ballymena finishers were Chris Magill in 229^th in 1 hour 50 mins 16 secs and Sandy McDermott 312^th in 1 Hour 55 mins 40 secs.There was a huge entry of 660 runners for the Friday evening race with Turlough Donnelly taking top honours in 75 mins 30 secs.

Action was then back to off road as members of the local club took the chance to compete nearer home when Antrim Borough Council promoted the Tardree Trail race. The low key race had an entry around the fifty mark and was held over a 5.5 mile course in Tardree Forest with Ballymena Runners fielding seven members on the night.  It was a one two for the Ballymena club with Jonny Steede a clear winner ahead of young Jack Neeson who finished in second spot. Jonny finished in 32 mins 40 secs and Jack clocked 33 mins 55 secs. Next in was Alex Brennan in 34 mins 22 secs in fourth spot with Noel Connor fifth in 37 mins 22 secs. Neil Taylor was 13^th in 45 mins 32 secs, Robin Tate 15^th, 47 mins 45 secs and Dyvonne Harris 17^th 49 mins 14 secs.

Two days later it was back to the roads once again when Springwell Runners Hosted their Jude Gallagher Round the Bridges Memorial 10 mile road race. The race itself starts in Limavady and heads out on a fast flat course in the surrounding countryside before leading the runners back to the finish at Limavady Bowling club. The race was well supported with well over 200 runners competing in the Thursday evening race. Ballymena Runners were represented by six members on the night with Rodney Agnew the pick of the bunch finishing in 68 mins 38 secs in 52^nd spot. Rodney was followed by Paddy Millar, 131^st, 78 mins 9 secs, John McGerty, one of the club’s newest members, 150^th, 81 mins 34 secs, David Strain, 169^th, 85 mins 41 secs, Brigid Quinn, 179^th, 86 mins 48 secs and Mabel McFall, 191^st, 90 mins 16 secs. Brigid and Mabel performed well in their age groups finishing first and second in their respective age categories. Overall winner was Declan Reed, City of Derry, 55m mins 50 secs.

Next up for the club was some off road action when East Antrim Harriers hosted the last round of their Trail Race Series at Woodburn Forest near Carrickfergus. Two of the club mountain runners Jonny Steede and Alex Brennan were in action over the four mile course. Unfortunately Jonny narrowly missed out on first spot by two seconds when he finished behind Simon Seaton of North Down AC, who won in 25 mins exactly. Alex was next in finishing in seventh place in 26 mins 6 secs.

First up on the calendar was the Randalstown 10k road race. The local running club had seven members amongst the 150 strong entry for the Sunday afternoon event. The race is a popular event with local runners and follows a course on road and off road through the grounds of Shane’s Castle finishing close to the Randalstown Arches. Leading the Ballymena Challenge and making a welcome turn to racing after a long injury lay off was Neil Douglas. Neil proved he had lost little ground when he secured a top ten finish coming home in fifth spot overall with an excellent time of 34 mins 8 secs. Next home was Ray Curran finishing in 15^th in 37 mins 52 secs. Ray also took place in his age group. Ray was followed by Colin Bridges 48^th, 43 mins 33 secs, Sandy McDermott, 65^th , 45 mins 58 secs, David Strain, 111^th, 51 mins 6 secs, Brigid Quinn, 119^th, 52 mins 28 secs and Mabel McFall, 122^nd, 53 mins 11 secs.Brigid Quinn secured yet another win when she took top honours in her age group. Overall winner was Paul Rowan of Willowfield in 31 mins 46 secs.

Once again there was a huge turn out at the popular Coca-Cola sponsored Lisburn Half marathon and 10k Road races. There were eleven Ballymena Runners in action amongst the 4,000 strong entry, with all opting to compete in the longer 13.1-mile distance half marathon event. It was quite a successful night for the runners with three claiming personal bests for the distance and an age category win for one of the group.Leading the Ballymena club home, and setting the bar for all his club mates was James Turtle. James recorded a personal best with his efforts when he finished well up the field in 17^th spot with his time of 79 mins 42 secs. James was followed by Noel Connor in 54^th in 85 mins 46 secs, Rodney Agnew, another man with a personal best in 105^th, 90 mins 56 secs, Jim Moore 114^th, 1 hour 31 mins 37 secs, Stephen Brown, 206^th, 1 hour 37 mins 37 secs and Robin Alexander, 226^th, 1 hour 38 mins 1 secs. Robin Tate was next and also clocked a personal best in 1 hour 45 mins 49 secs in 448^th, followed by Roy White, 700^th, 1 hour 54 mins 5 secs and Davy Strain, 759^th, 1 hour 55 mins 17 secs. Once again Brigid Quinn won her age category in 1 hour 56 mins exactly and Mabel McFall completed the group in 2 hours 1 min 57 secs. Overall winner was Brian MacMahon in 69 mins exactly. The ladies race was won by Pauline Curly in 76 mins 28 secs.
Ballymena Runners wheelchair athlete, Darrell Erwin was also competing in the shorter 10k event and finished the distance in 42 mins 9 secs.

Despite not competing on the local mountain running circuit for some time mark Alexander was in action once again at the 2009 Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon recently in Scotland.
The tough endurance event is held over two days with competitors having the choice of various levels of challenges suited to their experience. All competitors however are expected to be self sufficient over the weekend and camp out over night in the mountains.This years event was held at Morvich in Kintail in the Scottish Highlands with around 1,000 competitors, competing in teams of two, all ready to spend the next two days, running and walking in the hills to the north of Glen Shiel. The total area of the event was approximately 400 square kilometres and included 14 Munros and The Falls of Glomach, which at 370 ft are among the tallest in Britain. To the south west of the area in particular the hills are very steep with lots of rock, and overall the various courses are a little shorter, but with more climb than usual.Mark, who has competed at the event before was once again paired with his normal mountain-racing partner, Jim McCormick of North Belfast harriers. The pair were tackling the mid range event which saw them complete 24 kilometres on the Saturday followed with another 20 kilometres on the Sunday. With over 100 competitors competing in their class Mark and Jim finished well up the filed in 17^th overall. They completed the first day in 5 hours 55 mins and finished the second in 5 hours 42 mins.

Ballymena Runners AC new look ECOS Five mile road race course received a thumbs up from competitors and organisers alike when they staged their annual event last Saturday.
The local club had to come up with a new course this year when during the race preparations it was discovered the wooden bridge between Ballykeel and St Patrick’s barracks would be closed. Race directors Robert McGaughey and Stephen Armstrong came up with a new route which saw the runners start in the main showground arena, head out to the ECOS park and then back through the Showgrounds again for a second lap to repeat their tracks to the finish line once again in front of the main stand. This provided popular with the spectators who could see their relatives and friends throughout the race and was also warmly received by the actual runners competing.Race numbers were slightly down this year with the club sharing the date with three other race promotions throughout the Province but their was still a healthy turn out of around 160 runners competing in the Saturday morning event. Conditions remained favourable throughout the event with a light shower after the bulk of the racers had finished.
With the defending Champion, Jarlath Falls competing at the Northern Ireland Track Championships, local runner Gregory Walsh made sure the title stayed in Ballymena when he made sure of his win over second place man Paul Pollock of Abbey AC. The personal trainer who represents North Belfast Harriers ran the perfect race letting the Abbey man take the initiative in the early stages but began to move ahead as they started the second lap. By the time they came back to the arena heading for the finish line Gregory had made his decisive move and edged ahead to win in 26 mins 42 secs with Pollock close behind in 27 mins 3 secs and James Brown of Larne third in 27 mins 21 secs. Breege Connolly made it a North Belfast double as she claimed top spot in the ladies race in 30 mins 29 secs.
With the host club runners heavily committed to organising the race only four Runners had the opportunity to compete. Young Jack Neeson led the Runners challenge putting in an impressive performance when he finished in 27 mins 38 secs. This saw the seventeen year old take first place in the Under 19 section, almost a minute ahead of his nearest rival. The Ballymena Academy student has already earned an International Vest and his future within the sport looks bright if he continues in this form. Next in exactly one minute down on Jack was James Turtle. James finished in 28 mins 38 secs in 7^th overall and claimed second spot in his age category. Next was Rodney Agnew who finished in 33 mins 2 secs in 45^th spot. Returning from university was Alistair Black, racing in home colours once again and finished in 39 mins 41 secs in 100^th.The club would like to thank all those runners from Fitness First Ballymena, Larne AC and Springwell Runners who all fielded large teams on the day which greatly bolstered the race entry. The club would also like to thank Ballymena Borough Council for providing grant support, Mizuno sportswear for providing race equipment and winners prizes, Ambutran, paramedic support and all the Showgrounds and ECOS staff who all cooperated well with the club in making the event a success. The club would also like to thank all its members and family who turned up ion the day to help with organisational duties.

The marathon racing season continued recently when the City of Newry was the venue for the second Northern Ireland Marathon of the year on the late May Bank holiday Monday.
Five Ballymena Runners travelled to the race with Rodney Livingstone taking part in the full marathon and Roy White and Robin Tate competing in the supporting half marathon race. Conditions were reasonably good for the race with overcast conditions giving way to a few sunny spells throughout the race. The full marathon distance race attracted an entry of around 250 competitors whilst the supporting half distance race attracted the biggest entry of the day with just over 800 runners competing. The race route was an out and back affair with a few testing climbs between miles six and thirteen. Rodney was completing his second marathon of the month having completed the Belfast event on May Day. Rodney was only slightly slower than his Belfast finishing time crossing the line in 3 hours 19 mins 8 secs. This saw Rodney finish well up the field in 20^th overall and sixth place in his age category.Overall marathon winner was local man, Don Travers in 2 hours 46 mins 21 secs and ladies winner Helena Crossan of Inishowen in 3 hours 4 mins 14 secs.
The half marathon saw four Ballymena club runners in action. Robin Tate was the first of the group over the line finishing in 1 hour 50 mins 3 secs in 204^th spot. Robin was followed by Roy White, 225^th, 1 hour 52 mins 1 sec, Brigid Quinn, 295^th, 1 hour 56 mins 24 secs. Remarkably Brigid has completed five races this month alone with one marathon, one half marathon and three 10K races under her belt. Once again Brigid took first place in her age category. Mabel McFall was next in 2 hours 9 mins 7 secs in 439^th spot. Overall half marathon winner was Richard Turkington of Armagh AC in 72 mins 25 secs, with Louise Smith of North Belfast Harriers taking the ladies title in 86 mins 15 secs.

Ballymena Runners had an impressive turn out last week when eleven members of the club competed with some success at the Maghera 10k last Tuesday night. The club came away with four members in the prize list and a couple of personal bests recorded along the way. Despite the showery weather, conditions were excellent for road running with the rain staying away for the duration of the race and temperatures remaining mild. There was a large crowd of over two hundred competitors assembled for the event which followed a rural circuit of the town taking in two loops passing though the town centre after three and a half miles and returning through the town to the finish at the Maghera Leisure Centre. There were some testing climbs in the course just when you don’t need them, with competitors facing two long inclines in the last two kilometres.Leading the Runners challenge were James Turtle and Alex Brennan. Alex who usually competes on the mountain running stage switched back to the roads and battled with James throughout the race. As the pair came through the town the first time the pair were neck and neck with Alex just running on James’ shoulder. By the time they came back into the town approaching the finish James just managed to stay ahead and was the first of the pair to finish in 35 mins 25 secs in fifth overall, taking a personal best for himself, with Alex only 11 secs further back in 35 mins 36 secs and 6th overall. Alex also took top spot in his age category. Next in was Noel Connor. Noel finished in 37 mins 45 secs in 12th spot and took second in his age category. Noel was followed by Stephen Armstrong, 39 mins 7 secs in 24^th, Rodney Agnew, 43 mins 12 secs in 67^th, Paddy Millar, 45 mins 58 secs, 92^nd,  Sandy McDermott, 46 mins 21 secs, 95^th, David Strain, 50 mins exactly, 122^nd,  Dyvonne Harris, 50 mins 6 secs, 127^th, Brigid Quinn, 50 mins 14 secs, 128^th and 1^st in her age category and Mabel McFall, 53 mins 56 secs, 167^th and 2^nd in her age category.Quite a successful night for the Ballymena contingent with both Alex Brennan and Brigid Quinn won their respective age categories and both Noel Connor and Mabel McFall came second in their respective age categories.Overall winner was Stephen Duncan of Omagh Harriers in 31 mins 46 secs. Ladies winner was Olivia Mullin in 39 mins 54 secs.

Last Friday saw the Mary Peters Track play host to the Les Jones Memorial 10k Road Race. Ballymena Runners had only two members in action with Brigid Quinn and Mabel McFall taking part.The race attracted a large crowd of 190 competitors and followed a route around the Mary Peters track, along the Lagan Towpath, through Barnett’s Demesne to the finish back at the track.  Brigid Quinn was the first of the pair to finish in 53 mins 30 secs in 151^st overall. Brigid’s efforts once again saw her take first spot in her age category. Mabel McFall finished in 56 mins 31 secs in 165^th overall. Also travelling with the Runners was American visitor Dave Alderman. Dave, who was in Ballymena in business had met up with Ballymena Runners on one of their weekly training runs and the club agreed to take him to sample a Northern Ireland road race. Dave finished in 47 mins 18 secs, 101^st.
Overall winner was David O’Flaherty of Newcastle AC in 34 min 43 secs.

 This season’s usual pairing of Jonny Steede and Alex Brennan were in action once again in the Hill and Dale Series. The pair were also joined this time by one of the clubs newest members, Jonathan McCloy. First up was the Moughanmore race which is over a three mile course with 1,500 feet of climbing. Once again the pair took top ten finishes with Jonny to the fore this time finishing in 7^th spot in 33 mins 52 secs with Alex in tenth spot in 34 mins 19 secs. Jonathan finished in 21^st spot in 37 mins 1 sec. Overall winner was David O’Flaherty of Newcastle in 31 mins 30 secs.
Next up was the ‘Hen and Cock’ Race with only Alex and Jonathan in action this time. The race was another short, sharp affair over a 2.5 mile route with 1,500 feet of climb once again. Alex put in another consistent performance with another top ten finish when he came home in 7^th spot in 30 mins 48 secs. Jonathan was 11^th overall in 32 mins 1 secs. Overall winner in this race was Stephen Cunningham of Mourne Runners in 28 mins 4 secs.
Sandwiched in between the two Hill and Dale events was a new race on the Mountain Running Calendar, the Donard Downhill. As the name suggests the race was all downhill from the summit of Donard to the finish in the car park below. Runners were set off in 15 second intervals making the race a time trial format. Jonathan was the only Ballymena Runner there and took second spot with a time of 17 mins 1 secs ten secs behind the winner Kristopher Muldoon of Armagh AC.

Three members of the club were also in action at the inaugural Termoneeny 10k recently. Stephen Armstrong, Brigid Quinn and Mabel McFall were all taking part in the new race on the calendar which was promoted by Termoneeny Community Group in Guladuff.
The race was held over a tough one lap course with some sharp testing climbs starting in Guladuff and followed a route through Knockloughrim and Rocktown before finishing back at Lavey GAC in Guladuff. The race was well organised by the community group and attracted a large crowd of 120 runners for the Sunday afternoon event. There was also a 5k Fun Run/walk which was also well supported.
Stephen was the first of the three to finish in his first race since the London Marathon. Stephen finished in 7^th overall in 39 mins 50 secs. Brigid was next, having just completed the Belfast Marathon only six days earlier and finished in 51 mins 30 secs in 67^th overall. Once again Brigid claimed the lady vets prize. Mabel was next crossing the line in 54 mins exactly in 93^rd spot. Overall winner was Matt Wray of Ballymena and Antrim in 34 mins 28 secs.

 Brigid Quinn was the pick of the bunch on May Day last week when she took top honours in her age category in the 2009 Deep River Rock Belfast Marathon. Brigid was the most notable performance from the nine strong Ballymena Runners contingent with James Turtle and Brendan O’Boyle also impressing by finishing in sixth spot in their respective age categories.  Three other Ballymena runners also recorded personal bests for themselves.
Unlike the London Marathon a week previously, there was no early morning sunshine to greet the runners for the 9am start at the City Hall. This time the competitors had to battle against wet and windy weather with temperatures reasonably cool. This year saw one of the largest crowds assembled for the Belfast spectacle with 18,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair users making their way round their respective routes. An impressive 2,900 runners took part in the main marathon - more than a third than last year. More than 2,150 five-person relay teams, 2,300 walkers and 1,300 fun runners joined them.
Brendan O’Boyle and James Turtle led the Ballymena challenge with the pair running close together for the majority of the race. Brendan had edged ahead by the time they had reached the Antrim road but James moved ahead when Brendan was forced to stop at the top of the climb to treat foot blisters. James’ was now in the lead but Brendan made a quick descent catching up on James’ group as they approached the cycle path leading into Duncrue Street. Brendan then moved ahead once again only to suffer in the closing stages allowing James through to finish as the first Ballymena Runner home in 30^thnd overall. James’ time was good enough to record a personal best for himself and also finish in sixth spot in his age category. Brendan also clinched sixth in his age category finishing less than a minute behind James in 2 hours 54 mins 26 secs in 32ndThey were followed by another personal best time when Noel Connor took a whopping eleven minutes off his previous best when he finished in 3 hours 10 mins 7 secs in 91^st spot. Close behind Noel was Rodney Livingstone who also recorded a personal best, this time by a much smaller margin of three secs. Rodney finished in 3 Hours 11 mins 30 secs in 103^rd spot. Next in was Colin Hoey in 3 hours 15 mins 42 secs in 142^nd spot followed by club secretary, Peter Fleming, who recorded a Pb for himself finishing in 3 hours 41 mins 31 secs in 488^th spot. Peter was followed by Robin Alexander in 3 hours 46 mins 59 secs in 587^th and Brigid Quinn who put in a super effort to finish in 4 hours 14 mins 5 secs and take first place in her age category. Having completed the London marathon just a week earlier, Jim Moore was also in action as he guided his friend Allan McCullough around the distance helping him to finish in 4 hours 46 mins 5 secs. overall in 2 hours 54 mins 53 secs.
The marathon title was won by Kenyan athlete John Mutai for the third year in a row. The 42-year-old finished the race in an impressive time of 2 hours 17 minutes and 35 seconds. The winner of the women's race was fellow Kenyan Joyce Kandia, who finished the marathon in 2 hours 47 minutes and 44 seconds.

 The mountain running season continued with the Hill and Dale Series the first on the calendar. Alex Brennan was the sole Ballymena Runners man making an appearance at the third race in the series at Slieve Martin. This race was over a 4.3-mile with around 1600 feet of climb in the Rostrveor Forest area of the Mournes. Once again the race was well supportd with around 160 runners taking part in the mid week event. Alex Consolidated his position in the series with a good performance to come in  5^th overall in 36 mins 3 secs. Alex was the first placed man in his age category.
Likewise, Jonny Steede was operating on his own when he competed two days later at the P&O Irish Sea Knock Dhu Mountain Challenge Race at Cairncastle.
The race was the fourth round of the eleven race NIMRA Grand Prix Series. The Larne Athletic Club promotion has been a regular mountain running fixture since 1991, with P&O Irish Sea providing valued sponsorship. This year's race was on a new 4 mile course with three climbs totalling 1,200 feet for seniors, while the junior championship race covered 3 miles.  The course included previous sections on Knockdhu and the Sallagh Braes and took in Robin Young's Hill for the first time.
Jonny Steede had to settle for second spot, despite a valiant effort as Stephen Cunningham of Mourne runners powered home to win in a time of 34:16, one minute and forty one seconds ahead of Jonny with Emmet McAlister of Glens Runners third in 36.42. Karen Alexander clocked an impressive 37:58 to make it three wins from three starts in the Grand Prix and move to the top of women's rankings in the Series. The pair were reunited when they competed against each other at the fourth Hill and Dale race the following mid week. The pair were competing at the ‘Binnian to the Top’ Race which although is one of the shortest races on the circuit at two miles it is all climbing, all 2000 feet of it! This time round  Alex got the better of Jonny has he came home first in 7^th overall in 24 mins 35 secs with Jonny hot on his heels in eight spot in 24 mins 47 secs.

 Four Ballymena Runners were in action at the last Flora Sponsored London Marathon recently when they were amongst the 35,000 field of runners who were tackling the 26.2 mile event. Club Chairman, Stephen Armstrong, Ray Curran, Rodney Agnew and Jim Moore all travelled to the English capital to take part in one of the World’s major marathons. Although no strangers to the marathon distance, for Rodney and Jim it was a new experience with both making their London Marathon debuts. Stephen and Ray had a few more appearances between them having competed in nine and seven London Marathons respectively. Whilst the sunshine and warm temperatures were great from a spectators perspective, the hot conditions were less than ideal for the marathon runners with many struggling in the heat as temperatures approached the 20C mark. Ray Curran was the first of the Ballymena group to finish despite suffering from stomach problems in the latter stages. Ray had set out brightly going through the halfway point in a very respectable 88 mins 16 secs and looked good for a finishing time around the three hour mark. However Ray developed his problems around the twenty mile mark and this took its’ toll forcing him to a walk in places but he still managed to push himself on to finish in 3 hours 13 mins 36 secs still a very respectable time for the 26.2-mile distance. Ray finished in 2049^th overall and 36^th in his own age category. Stephen Armstrong was next in suffering in a similar fashion to Ray. Stephen went through halfway in 91 mins 7 secs but just before the twenty mile mark he too fell victim to cramps and came home with a finishing time of 3 hours 22 mins 12 secs. Stephen finished 3014^th overall and 608^th in his age group. Jim Moore was next to finish. Jim and Rodney were competing in their first London Marathon but were no strangers to the distance with Jim having completed eleven and Rodney four spread between Dublin and Belfast. The pair who had trained together over the winter months ran the majority of the race together with identical splits going through halfway in 1 hour 47 mins 08 secs. They remained together right up to the 35km mark and with Jim feeling stronger he began to pull away. Jim only dropped two minutes over the second half of the distance finishing in 3 hours 36 mins 32 secs, finishing in 5213^th overall and 2384^th in his age group. Rodney finished slightly behind when he crossed the line in 3 hours 41 mins 26 secs. Rodney was 6083^rd overall and 1076^th in his age category.  The pair both thought the race was a great event with incredible organization.
The winner was Olympic champion Sammy Wanjiru with a finishing time of 2 hours 5 mins 10 secs. The ladies winner was Germany’s Irina Mikitenko 2:22:11.Next years London Marathon will see a new sponsor after Flora stepped down as the main race sponsor after 16 years. Richard Branson’s Virgin will be next years sponsor.

 Two of Ballymena Runners mountain runners got off to an excellent start when Jonny Steede and Alex Brennan recorded two top ten finishes in the first two races of the popular Hill and Dale Race Series.The races, promoted by Newcastle AC, are intended as an introduction to mountain running are generally short and sharp affairs with the series lasting for eleven races in total. The series is hugely popular within the mountain running fraternity and regularly attracts 150 to 200 runners for each mid week event.The first race of the series this year was the McVeigh Classic. This is held around the Castlewellan Forest Park Area taking in climbs of Sleivenaslat and the lake area over a five-mile course with 1200 feet of climbing.It was a cold, wet evening for the race with 189 runners braving the conditions. Jonny was the first of the Ballymena pair to finish in sixth overall in 35 mins 29 secs. Alex was only two places adrift of Jonny in 8^th spot in 36 mins 15 secs.
The overall winner on the night was Noel Collins of Omagh Harriers in 33 mins 28 secs.

Next up for the pair was the Tollymore Mountain Centre race where they were amongst the even larger entry of 193 runners who entered exactly one week later. This weeks event was slight shorter at 4.5 miles with similar climbing of 1200 feet.Jonny bettered his finishing time this week by one place moving up to fifth overall with a finishing time of 38 mins 17 secs. Alex repeated his finish from the previous week in eight spot with a time of 39 mins 53 secs. This week’s winner was Des Woods of Mourne Runners in 36 mins 16 secs.

Ballymena Men Battle for Top Honours.
Two Ballymena men battled it out for top spot at the first race of the University of Ulster 5K race series when Ballymena Runners man Jack Neeson and Ballymena and Antrim’s Matt Wray were involved in a sprint finish for first place.
The race was the first of a three race series, which was held on the Coleraine Campus with the remaining two being staged at Jordanstown and Magee. Conditions were excellent o the night as the day’s showers and the sun came out to greet the runners. A field of 111 runners took to the line for the senior 5K. With the conditions nearing perfect ANI President Brian Downing officially started the race.
After his recent impressive form young Jack Neeson led the way for the eight Ballymena Runners who were competing as he went head to head with Matt Wray of Ballymena and Antrim around the course resulting in a sprint to the finish line where the clock couldn’t split them as they finished with the same time of 16 mins 19 secs as they both dipped for a photo finish with Wray just clinching the win. Third finisher was Brian McKee from Dromore AC with club mate Nigel Grier in 4th.
Also finishing in the top ten was James Turtle who churned out a personal best for himself when he dipped below 17 minutes for the first time finishing in 16 mins 57 secs in 6^th overall. Ray Curran was next in when he took second place in his age category in 17 mins 57 secs in 19^th overall. Ray was followed by Noel Connor, 18:02, 21^st, Rodney Livingstone, 18:12, 23^rd and Alistair Black, 20:26, 45^th. The first of the two Ballymena Runners ladies to finish was Sarah Hewson who showed improvement in her running recording a personal best finishing in 21 mins 17 secs in 5^th overall. Dyvonne Harris also reaped the benefits of joining a running club when she too recorded a personal best finishing in 23 mins 3 secs in 63^rd spot overall.
Teresa McGloin took top honours in the ladies race finishing in 17 mins 45 secs with Ann Paul, City of Derry second in 18 mins 12 secs. Gillian Burns of Dromore AC was 3rd finisher with Ruth Magill running strongly to finish in 4th.The Junior (U18) male winner in the 5K race was Roddie Craig from Springwell running club and the female junior was Aislinn Kavanagh of Beechmount Harriers.

Eight Tackle Jordanstown 5K
Once again Ballymena Runners had eight athletes on show at the second of the three 5K races in the series of the University of Ulster Challenge which took place at the Jordanstown Campus with the rain just about holding off for the race as the record field of 152 runners took to the line in blustery conditions.The route was over three laps and a quick one at that, despite being hampered by the wind, although the traffic calming humps kept everyone on their toes.With no Neeson or Turtle in action it was left up to Brendan O’Boyle to lead the Runners home as he was the first of the Ballymena group to finish in 17 mins 20 secs in 19^th overall. Ray Curran was next in in 18 mins exactly in 34^th overall and second again in his age group. Ray was followed by Noel Connor 18:16, 40^th, Rodney Livingstone, 18:48, 50^th, Colin Hoey, 19:01, 58^th, Sarah Hewson, 21:54, 98^th, Dyvonne Harris, 23:20, 106^th and Robin Tate, 23:24, 108^th. In the main race early on it was a group of four runners that took on the pace with Eddie McGinley and Dave Morwood for Annadale Striders and Ryan Faulkner and Stephen Rooney in the St.Malachy’s vests. McGinley made a decisive break for home on the last lap and edged away bit by bit from Faulkner and Morwood, to come home in 15 minutes and 12 seconds, in the end only 2 seconds from Faulkner with Morwood (first V35) a further two seconds back again.
Gregory Walsh (NBH) was the top V40 in 5th position in 16 minutes and 14 seconds and in 6th in his second 5K road race was 16-years-old Eoghan Totten from Newcastle AC a further 6 seconds back. Top V45 was Dennis Kerr from Armagh in 17 minutes and 9 seconds; top V50 was City of Derry’s Sammy McAnaney for the second week in a row and top 55 was Jim Newberry, just one second ahead of Ray Curran. Finally, the top V60 was evergreen North Down stalwart, Davy Seaton.There was a group of three at the head of the ladies race at the end of the first lap with last week’s winner Anne Paul (City of Derry) alongside Gillian Burns and Geraldine Branagh, both of Dromore AC. As the race developed, first Branagh was dropped and finally Paul slipped away from Burns to come home in 18 minutes 18 seconds, some 6 seconds ahead of Burns.

Runner’s mountain man, Jonny Steede took the chance for some Championship action when he competed in the opening round of the British Mountain Running Championship in the Mournes recently.
There was a record entry of around 230 for the NI Mountain Runner’s Association event which was the first of four races in this year’s British Championship.  Although the 4 mile race is a “short” category event it climbs 3 major peaks; Meelbeg, Bearnagh and Meelmore with a total climb of 2,700 feet.
With Mark Alexander sidelined with injury problems and Brendan O’Boyle concentrating on MarathonNorthern Ireland man to finish. training, Jonny was the sole Ballymena man in action. The quality of the field was evident with Jonny finishing 54th overall in 50 mins 6 secs. Jonny was the eighth Northern Ireland runners to finishReigning British Champion Rob Hope (Pudsey & Bramley AC) smashed his own course record in this the opening race of the British Mountain Running Championship. Pippa Jackson (Keswick AC) had a clear win in the women’s race while Borrowdale Fell Runners were men’s team winners and Mourne Runners were top women’s team.
The Mournes again provided a quality mountain course of championship standard and the large number of clubs represented demonstrated the popularity of the Northern Ireland British Championship opener.  The overall series is sponsored by Pete Bland Sports & Walsh Sports with the next in the four race series being Stuc a'Chroin in Scotland on 2 May.

With many Ballymena Runners concentrating on their Marathon preparations and many having competed at the Omagh and Larne Half marathons, only two members of the club turned out at last weeks Titanic 10k.
There was a huge turn out for the main 10K which is billed as an official warm up race for the May Day Belfast Marathon. The entry was around the nine hundred mark with a few more hundred in the supporting fun run.
Representing the Ballymena club were Angela Faulkner and Colin Bridges who were amongst those tackling the 6.2 mile event.
Colin was the first of the two to finish in 44 mins 53 secs in 212th overall with Angela finishing in 47 mins 56 secs in 332nd overall and ninth in her age category.
Once again the action was dominated by Kenyan runners Simon Tanui took the winner's prize in the Men's race in a record time over the Titanic course, while the 2006 Belfast Marathon winner, Joyce Kandie, was first female in a time which was over two minutes faster than her last year's runner-up spot.
Tanui in particular made it clear from the gun that he was intent on leaving the opposition in his wake. After the first kilometre he had a 50 metres lead over the rest of yet another record field, in excess of 1,000 runners, with only fellow Kenyan, Zach Kihara, for company. However, it was clear even from this early stage that Kihara, who was runner-up in the Belfast Marathon three years ago, would struggle to stay with the pace.

Tanui made a number of breaks which Kihara struggled to cover. Tanui's final burst with a kilometre to go proved decisive, with the result that he had a 6 secs winning margin at the tape in a time of 29 mins 45 secs — impressive running given the windy conditions.

Keeping up a hectic racing schedule last Friday at the Bellaghy 10k was James Turtle. James was competing in his third race in three weeks having completed the Omagh and Larne Half Marathons. The low key event in County Londonderry produced a small turn out but this didn’t stop James pulling out all the stops to get a finishing time of 36 mins 20 secs to finish second behind Larne Runner Nat Glenn by only 10 secs. Runners Lady Mabel McFall was also competing in the event.

The evening race season got under way last Wednesday when Queens University staged their annual Queens 5K ‘ Round The Bridges’ road race.
Conditions were excellent on the night for the short two and a half lap race which was held along the Stranmillis and Ormeau Embankments. Home from university was Runners man Alistair Black who was taking the opportunity to race on home soil again. Alistair was the only Ballymena Runner in action and finished the short, fast event in 190^th overall in 20 mins 27 secs. There was a huge crowd of well over 600 taking part in the event.
Gareth Turnbull was the overall winner as he eased clear to win in a time of 14:44. An outstanding run by the 18-year-old James O’Hare who is the All-Ireland Schools XC Champion saw him finish second in 14:51 .
In the ladies race, Kerry Harty was a clear winner for the second year in a row. Harty finished in 16:37, bettering her 2008 time by 12 seconds, with nearest rival Finn Valley’s Teresa McGloin just under a minute back in 17:29.
North Belfast Harrier Breege Connolly followed up her victory at the Larne Half Marathon just four days earlier to take third in a time of 17:52. 

Travelling away from home, Ballymena Runners man, Ray Curran made his trip worthwhile when he comfortably won his age group at the 2009 Reading Half Marathon.
The event was in its 27^th year and followed a route around the town before finishing in the magnificent backdrop of the Madejski Stadium, the home of Reading Football club. Ray was amongst the huge crowd of over 12,000 and finished in 230^th overall with an excellent time of 83 mins 12 secs. This was good enough to see him take first spot in his age category. Ray will now concentrate his efforts on toeing  the line at the 2009 London Marathon.
Kenyan athletes took both the male and female titles, with Kiplimo Kimutai, 25, winning the men’s crown in a time of one hour and two minutes.
Countrywoman Joyce Kandie, 28, came first among the women, in one hour and 12 minutes..

Ballymena Runnners Junior runner, Jack Neeson got his first taste of International action when he recently made an appearance in a Home Countries Cross Country International race in Bangor, North Wales.
Jack’s event was one of four that the Welsh Athletics and the Welsh Schools Athletics Association hosted along with the prestigious Aviva SIAB Schools Cross Country International and also an Under 20, Senior and Celtic Universities Match.
The venue at Faenol Estate in Bangor was a testing parkland course, made sticky in places by  overnight rain, backed by the snow-touched peaks of the Snowdonia range.  The afternoon conditions were dry and bright but the north wind kept temperatures down and made life difficult for the athletes, officials and spectators.
Jack was competing in a 7000m course in the under 20 section despite his age and performed well finishing in 13^th overall in the Home Countries event and finished ahead one at least three athletes who were ahead of him at the All Ireland Schools Cross Country Champs. Jack finished the course in 26 mins 11 secs.
The young Ballymena Academy pupil is showing great promise and this looks to be the first of many International appearances.

No less than thirteen Ballymena Runners tackled the second local half marathon of the year when they travelled to the East Antrim Town to compete in the 2009 Larne Premier Power Larne half marathon.  

Promoted by Larne Athletic Club and sponsored for the sixth year by Premier Power Limited, the event was also raising funds for the RNLI and Roddensvale special school, this year’s race charity partners. The popular thirteen mile event which takes in some breathtaking views along the North Antrim coast attracted a record entry for the promoting club with over 700 runners turning out to compete. Conditions were bright but cold and runners had to endure a tough headwind as they started out on the first half towards Ballygalley. 

First home and competing in his second half marathon in as many weeks was James Turtle. James was made to work hard for the top club slot by Brendan O’Boyle as they vied for position throughout the race. James finished in 80 mins 43 secs, slightly faster than his Omagh effort in 29^th spot overall. Brendan was hot on his heels as he finished in 80 mins 49 secs in 30th overall. Next home was Colin Hoey in 91 mins 10 secs in 98^th spot. Colin was followed by Rodney Livingstone in 94 mins 10 secs, 136^th, Neil Ramsey, 96 mins 1 secs, 152^nd Peter Fleming, 96 mins 29 secs, 160^th, Robin Alexander 98 mins 46 secs, 199^th and Stephen Brown 1 hr 41 mins 26 secs, 235^th.  Next in and competing in his first ever half marathon was one of the club’s newest members, Robin Tate. Robin finished in 1 hour 50 mins 13 secs in 364^th. Brigid Quinn was next and her finishing time of 1 hour 53 mins 33 secs was once again good enough to see her claim first spot in her age category. Brigid was accompanied by Roy White who had the same finishing time as Brigid. Both had competing the week previously at Omagh. They were followed by Mabel McFall who also had competed at Omagh and finished in 2 hours 3 mins 59 secs. The final member of the Ballymena Group was Dyvonne Harris, who was also competing in her first ever half marathon and finished in 2 hours 14 mins 32 secs.
The overall winner was Joe McAllister of St Malachy’s in 69 mins 8 secs with Willowfield athlete Brian Campbell second. The ladies race was won by Brege Connolly North Belfast Harriers 1:22:53, with Karen Alexander of Sperrin Harriers second and Suzanne McCormick of Lagan Valley AC third in a time of 1:24:03. Fresh from his win in the Omagh Half Marathon, Paul Hannon won the wheelchair event in a time of 1:16:48.
North Belfast won the Half Marathon team race with six to count, with East Antrim Harriers second and Larne Athletic Club third.
Around forty participants took part in the walk, starting at mid-day, and thirteen teams competed in the relay race, incorporated into the Half Marathon with three in each team and changeover points in Ballygalley.  

The James Turtle, Sandy McDermott, Roy White, Brigid Quinn and Mabel McFall were amongst the record turn out of 930 Runners in the main half marathon event with well over 600 competing in the supporting four mile fun run. The event which was celebrating its 20^th anniversary was promoted by Omagh Harriers and sponsored by Spar. Marie Curie Cancer Centre Northern Ireland benefited from the event with £1 of every competitors entry fee being donated to the charity. Champion Chip timing was also in operation at the event. 

Conditions were bright and dry on the day if a little windy over the tough undulating County Tyrone course. James Turtle was the first of the Ballymena Bunch to finish in 40^th spot overall. James was narrowly outside his personal best for the distance finishing in 80 mins 56 secs. Next in after James was Sandy McDermott in 1 hour 47 mins 44 secs in 451^st spot. Sandy was followed by Roy White, 1 hour 52 mins 36 secs, 538^th, Brigid Quinn, 1 hr 53 mins 10 secs, 550^th and Mabel McFall, 2 hrs 8 mins 45 secs, 792^nd. Brigid once again claimed first spot in her age category. 

Richard Turkington of Armagh AC was the overall winner in 70 mins 15 secs from Pauric McKinney of Letterkenny. The ladies race was won by Maria McCambridge in 77 mins 2 secs. 

Runners man, Roy White was on his travels once again when he crossed the Irish Sea to compete in the 2009 Press and Journal Inverness Half Marathon. The annual Half Marathon and Fun Run which takes place in the Capital City of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness was in its 25^th anniversary year. The route for the race, must be one of the most beautiful and most scenic for any Half Marathon, running alongside the meandering River Ness and below Inverness Castle before continuing along towards the famous Loch Ness. Roy was amongst the 1100 strong entry who not only had to battle against each other but also against the bursts of rain, sleet and snow which gave participants an extra challenge along the 13-mile course. Roy finished the course in 1 hour 52 mins 36 secs in 608^th spot and 43^rd in his age category

Ray Curran brought his winter season to and end when he competed at the recent Northern Ireland Civil Service Cross Country Races. The day saw no less than seven races with all ages catered for from primary school children right up to the male and female open and veterans races. Conditions were excellent on the day with temperatures mild and the going underfoot relatively firm. Ray was amongst the ninety odd runners who were in action in the combined male open and vets race. Ray finished in 36th overall in 31 mins 8 secs and second overall in the MV55 category behind Jim Newberry of North Belfast Harriers who was only three places and thirty seconds ahead. Overall winner was Stephen Scullion of North Belfast in 25 min 53 secs. Ladies winner was Louise Smith also of North Belfast. This race was the last in the NI Vets Winter league series of ten races where athletes best six races are taken into account for their overall position. Unfortunately for Ray, through injury he had only been able to compete in five of the races. He had recorded four age category wins and one second and had he been able to compete at one more would most certainly have claimed his age category win for the series.

Ballymena Runners member Jack Neeson booked himself a place at the All Ireland Schools Cross Country Championships with an impressive appearance at the Aviva sponsored Ulster Schools Championships last week. 

Jack, the youngest member of the local distance running club was representing his school; Ballymena Academy at the Ulster’s which were staged at Mallusk Playing fields over a 6400m course. Jack featured well in the Boys Senior section finishing well up the strong field of over 80 runners in 13th  overall with a finishing time of 21 mins 52 secs. The overall winner in Jack’s section was James O’Hare of St Patrick’s Grammar in 20 mins 20 secs. Jack performance was good enough to see him qualify for the All Irealand Schhols Cross Country Championships which will be staged on home soil with The University of Ulster at Jordanstown playing host to the championships this year

Last Saturday saw the start of the Northern Ireland Mountain Running season when Pegasus AC hosted their annual Binevenagh Mountain race.

 The race was the first event in the seven race NIMRA Grand Prix series.

The race, on Binevenagh Mountain and Forest area near Lough Foyle was about 7.1 miles in length, just into the ‘medium’ category with about 530 metres of climb.  The route was over a mixture of forest tracks, paths on the open hill side and grass and occasional patches of heather.   

Jonny Steede and Alex Brennan were the only two Ballymena Runners in action, with both performing well to finish in the top ten in a field of over eighty runners. Jonny was the first to finish in 58 mins 7 secs in seventh overall with Alex only two places adrift in ninth overall in 59 mins 3 secs.Overall winner was Des Woods of Mourne Runners in 55 mins 8 secs with Karen Alexander of Sperrin harriers the first lady home in 61 mins 36 secs

Ballymena Runners man Mark Alexander got his mountain running season off to a start when he travelled with a group of Northern Ireland Runners to take part in the Carnethy Hill Race in Scotland. Mark joined 34 other athletes from Northern Ireland with other clubs represented including Mourne Runners, BARF, Glens Runners, Lunchtime Legends and Lagan Valley.  The classic midwinter Carnethy Hill Race, over five hills in the Pentlands, Edinburgh boasted a record field of 499 runners this year for the midwinter race, on a six-mile course over five hills in the Pentlands and including 2500 feet total climb. The hills were covered with snow giving a beautiful if chilly run for most competitors, some using the snow cover to slide down the steeper hills.   

Despite carrying an injury Mark was the eleventh Northern Ireland runner to finish completing the course in 68 mins 35 secs in 118^th spot overall.

Ballymena Runners took the opportunity for some off road racing last weekend when five members of the local club competed in the Roe Valley Country Park Trail Races last Saturday afternoon. 

The club enjoyed moderate success on the day with club supervets, Ray Curran and Brigid Quinn yet again claiming first place in their respective age categories.  The races attracted over 120 runners on the day with athletes competing in all age groups from primary school right up to the adult veteran’s races. The races were promoted by Springwell Running club and held at the excellent venue of the Roe Valley Country Park over a 6500 meter route around the trails and pathways which crossed the River Roe several times. Temperatures were mild on the day although some of the going underfoot was quite heavy in places on the course. 

The ladies were in action first as Sarah Hewson, Brigid Quinn and Angela Faulkner all competed in the well supported race with around 30 lady competitors taking part. First home for the Ballymena girls was Sarah Hewson who finished in 10^th spot in 36 mins 59 secs. Next in and making her first appearance after a long lay off was long time club member, Angela Faulkner. Angela finished in 14^th overall in 38 mins 51 secs. Angela finished second in her age group. Brigid Quinn completed the Ballymena group finishing in 16^th overall in 43 mins 12 secs; good enough to see her once again claim first spot in her age category. Overall Ladies winner was Karen Alexander of Sperrin Harriers in 29 mins 50 secs. 

Next up were the men’s races with around seventy athletes competing in the open, vets and junior sections. Ray Curran and Rodney Livingstone were both competing in the veterans section and Ray was the first of the two to finish when he came home ninth overall in the veterans section in 31 mins 24 secs and 12^th in the overall male standings. Ray also came away with his age category win. Rodney finished 15^th overall in the veteran’s stakes in 32 mins 28 secs and 24^th overall in the male rankings. Overall male winner was Colin Loughery of host club Springwell in 29 mins 2 secs, despite being a veteran. In fact the first four male veteran finishers were ahead of the leading male open finisher!

Ballymena Runners youngest member, Jack Neeson booked a place at the Ulster Schools Cross Country Championships with an impressive performance at the District Championships last week. 

The Ballymena Academy student was in action at the District C Championships which were held at Coleraine University. Jack was competing in the Senior Boys Race over a 6400 metre course. Jack finished fifth overall in a time of 25 mins 2 secs. Overall winner was Dan King of St Eunans College in 24 mins 4 secs. Jack’s efforts were good enough to earn qualification for the Ulster Schools Cross Country Championships which will be held at Mallusk later this month.

Only three Ballymena Runners were in action recently at the recent Northern Ireland and Ulster Junior/Intermediate and Masters Cross Country championships at Stormont Estate in torrential conditions. James Turtle, Rodney Livingstone and Robin Alexander all braved the elements on what were atrocious conditions in the famous estate grounds. 

The three were all competing in the largest race of the day which was the veteran’s race which had over a hundred runners competing over all the age categories from MV35 right up to MV60. The race took in a 8000 metre  course over four 2000 metre loops in the estate grounds.

 First of the three to finish was James Turtle who came home in 31 mins 47 secs in 47^th overall. James was followed by Rodney in 36 mins 17 secs in 93^rd and finally Robin in 38 mins 49 secs in 104^th spot.
Overall winner in the vets race was Dave Morwood who retained his masters title after a spirited challenge from 2006 winner Pauric McKinney. Morwood spearheaded the North Belfast team which took team gold from Annadale and holders Letterkenny. 

In the Junior race Stephen Scullion gave one of the most impressive performances on record to win the NI & Ulster Junior/Intermediate Cross Country championships. Gale force winds and rain lashed the athletes throughout but from the gun there was only one winner as Scullion blasted straight into the lead. Scullion crossed the finish line a massive one minute and forty seconds before Faulkner and Hamilton led St. Malachy's team to success from City of Derry and North Belfast.
Cathy McCourt gave a strong front running exhibition to win the Ladies Masters title while Claire Connor (NBH) took the Intermediate and Susan Smyth (Beechmount) the Junior title.

Only two days after their annual New Years Day Race four Ballymena Runners took the opportunity to compete alongside some International athletes at the International Athletics Federation Cross Country International at Antrim.
The annual event is now in its 32nd year and has been hosted at many different venues in the Province with Mallusk and Stormont two of the main venues. This years event was held over a new course in Antrim at the CAFRE campus at Greenmount. The promotion was supported by Antrim Borough Council and sportswear firm, Mizuno.
The event is one of the largest and most popular events in the Northern Ireland athletics sporting calendar with more than 1,000 competitors taking part in 12 races throughout the day. It is one of eleven IAAF permitted cross country races in the world and is part of the UK Cross Challenge Series.
All four members of the Ballymena Group were competing in the men’s veteran’s race over a 6.4 kilometre parkland course. James Turtle was the first Ballymena club man to finish in the hotly contested race when he crossed the line in 28 mins 5 secs. Next in was Rodney Livingstone in 30 mins 25 secs with Peter Fleming next in 31 mins 53 secs with Robin Alexander making up the group in 33 mins 55 secs.

Ballymena and Antrim Athlete, Jarlath Falls enjoyed success in Glenariff Forest for the fifth time when he was crowned ‘King of the Glen’ at Ballymena Runners New Years Day promotion, The Race Over The Glens. 

The race, which is the first event of the year on the Athletics Northern Ireland Calendar produced a record turn out for the Ballymena Running club this year when a bumper entry of 225 runners turned up to compete on the day. This year’s event was once again sponsored by Mobile Choice Retail, Ballymena, PowerAde and Michelin Tyre Company PLC who provided the perpetual winners trophies. Despite the bitterly cold conditions on New Years Day, the ground remained dry and running conditions proved to excellent for the large gathering of competitors from far and wide. The race itself was over a five and a half mile course in Glenariff Forest Park, following the various roads and trails in the picturesque forestry commission site.  

Jarlath Falls made his intentions clear right from the start as he lead the field deep into Glenariff Glen and up the infamous ‘heartbreak hill’ and tough steps section. Spectators watched the proceedings from the comfort of the Visitor Car Park on the opposite side of the Glen. From there along the top ridge they saw Jarlath Falls lead out former Track Olympian and one time winner, James McIlroy with his team mate Gareth Hill close behind in third spot. Lying in fourth and leading the promoting club challenge was international mountain runner Jonny Steede with another Ballymena and Antrim athlete, Matt Wray hot on his heels. This was the way it was to finish with Falls stretching out a 29 second gap between himself and McIlroy to finish in 32 mins 49 secs with Hill third in 33 mins 35 secs. Steede managed to hold off the challenge of Wray to come home fourth in 34 mins 53 secs with Wray finishing in 35 mins 8 secs.

In the ladies event former winner, Ann Paul from City of Derry recorded her sixth win over the course when she led from start to finish crossing the line in 38 mins 57 secs. Her nearest challenger was Karen Alexander of Sperrin Harriers in 39 mins 30 secs with Shirleen O’Hare of Lunchtime Legends third in 40 mins 43 secs. 

In the team standings Larne AC were determined to regain their team title from Ballymena and Antrim with a large turn out, being able to field two competitive teams. Their efforts paid off when they reclaimed the team prize with their b team second and Ballymena Runners third.  

Despite being heavily committed to the organisation of the race, Ballymena Runners were able to field nine runners on the day. As mentioned previously Jonny Steede was the first Ballymena man home in 34 mins 53 secs. Jonny was followed by Alex Brennan, 21st, 38 mins, Brendan O’Boyle, 23rd, 38 mins 6 secs, Colin Hoey, 60th, 41 mins 43 secs, Rodney Livingstone, 66th, 42 mins 25 secs, Peter Fleming, 75th, 43 mins 41 secs, Alistair Black, 98th, 45 mins 53 secs, Ricky Weir, 126th, 48 mins 26 secs and Stephen Brown, 166th, 52 mins 8 secs.

 Full results can be found at the race website – http://www.raceovertheglens.co.uk/. 

The race attracted both local runners and those from further afield and all hailed the race as a great success, impressed with both the race organisation and club hospitality.  

Ballymena Runners would like to pass on their thanks to race main sponsors Paul Steede proprietor of Mobile Choice Retail, Powerade and Michelin Tyre Company PLC. They would also like to thank Ambutran Paramedics, The Forestry Commission, Raynet, Glenariff Tea Rooms, the lone piper Mark Osmer and all those club members who turned out on the day to help with organisational duties.

Three Ballymena Runners tackled something completely different last weekend when they entered The Man Horse Bike event at Cam Forest near Ringsend, Limavady.
This traditional highly enjoyable event is in memory of David Armour who was a keen member of the Triangle Triathlon Club and the Roe Valley Cycling Club. David Armour cycled around the world before dying far too prematurely. He achieved more in his short life than many people could in several life times. Every year the Triangle Club hold this race in his honour. It's on the track through the Cam Forest. The runners do 10 miles, the bikers and horse riders do 15 miles. All proceeds are for the Matthew & Ellen Armour Trust - David and Clare's twins. The unusual event sees runners not only competing against fellow runners but also against mountain bikers and horse riders over the forest trails.
 Conditions were less than ideal with low temperatures and driving rain to contend with. The course took in a two lap course with some testing climbs and fast downhill sections for the bikers to tackle.
Jonny Steede and Alex Brennan opted to compete in their normal running discipline however Mark Alexander decided to switch when he opted to compete on two wheels in the mountain biking section. Jonny came out tops overall when he not only finished as the first runner to cross the line but also finished ahead of both the mountain bikers and horse riders. Alex also faired well in the running section finishing third and Mark acquitted himself well on the bike finishing as the fifth biker home.

 The local cross country racing continued last weekend when Belfast Club,  Annadale Striders hosted the Malcolm Cup promotion.The races were held at the familiar venue of Six mile water Park in Ballyclare where there are three events in total over the winter season. Conditions were bitterly cold but relatively wind free with conditions underfoot surprisingly firm for the Saturday afternoon races. 

Ballymena Runners youngest member, Jack Neeson put in a fine performance and produced the result of the day for the club when he raced home as the winner in the under seventeen race. The Ballymena Academy pupil came out on tops over his three mile race finishing in 17 mins 22 secs, just managing to stay ahead of nearest rival Neil Johnston of Pegasus by one second! 

Next up was Brigid Quinn in the ladies race. Once again Brigid won her age category when she finished in 25 mins 22 secs. Ballymena Runners other competitor was noel Connor who was in action in the three mile vets race. Noel finished 24th overall in 18 mins 45 secs. Noel finished eighth in the MV45 category.

Action switched back to the roads last weekend when the Northern ireland Veterans Assosiation hosted their annual five mile road race. The race was held over two laps of the Ormeau Park area in Belfast on what was a cold but dry day for racing. There was an entry of almost 130 runners on the day.     

Ballymena Runners had four members taking part with Brendan O’Boyle, Ray Curran, Neil Taylor and Brigid Quinn all competing. Brendan was the first of the group to finish coming home 17th overall in 29 mins 11 secs. Ray Curran was next taking his recent good form off road on to the road when he finished just behing Brendan in 29 mins 58 secs in 23rd overall. Ray not only won his age category but finished above all those in the next youngest age category as well. Neil Taylor was next for the club making his debut appearance finishing in 35 mins 32 secs in 89th spot. Brigid Quinn won her age group in 40 mins 37 secs in 123rd.

Overall winner was Eddie McGinley of Annadale Striders in 25 mins 38 secs with Cathy McCourt of North Belfast Harriers wining the ladies section in 30 mins 58 secs. 

Also competing from Ballymena were two new prospective club members who had been training with the local club earlier in the week. Robin Tate and Dyvonne Harris were aslo competing with Robin finishing in 35 mins 32 secs and Dyvonne finishing in 44 mins.

Four Ballymena Runners were in International action recently when they took part in the British and Irish Masters International Cross Country in Swansea, Wales.

Ray Curran, Noel Connor, Brigid Quinn and James Turtle were amongst the 400 plus masters athletes from the Five Nations gathered at Singelton Park in the Welsh City.  All categories from age 35 upwards competed over a 2k lap course - women ran 6k, men 8k. They were severely tested on one of the toughest stamina sapping courses of recent years. In the undulating picturesque parkland setting, there were muddy hollows, sharp turns, slippery cambered inclines and a cruel uphill finish. 

Ray was the fastest of the four and fared the best in his age category finishing as top Northern Ireland finisher in the four man MV55 team and eighth overall in his age group, also finishing ahead of all but one of the six man MV50 team. Ray finished the 8k course in 33 mins 59 secs. Ray was unfortunate to find himself competing in the same category as Mike Hager the British and World Cross Country Champion for his age group! Former world champion, Nigel Gates was also in his age category!

Making his International debut was James Turtle, who despite being in an older age category was competing in the younger MV35 category. James finished as fifth man in the Northern Ireland team in 34 mins 11 secs in the hotly contested category. Also making his International debut was Noel Connor. Noel also finished as fifth man in his team with a time of 34 mins 36 secs. Brigid Quinn competed in the separate shorter 6K ladies event and was the only N Ireland representative in her age group. Brigid finished the tough 6k course in 34 mins 25 secs.

Last Monday saw a large group of no less than eight Ballymena Runners compete in the 29th Dublin Marathon. 

The popular bank holiday event attracted a record crowd of 11,700 runners and despite recent bad weather runners enjoyed a dry and sunny morning to complete their 26.2 mile journey. 

Leading the Ballymena group was Glenwherry man, Colin Hoey, Colin pulled a good performance out of the bag when he completed the 26.2 mile race in 3hours 8 mins 21 secs in 414th spot overall. Next home was ultra distance man Jonny Steede. Remarkably Jonny had set off for Dublin on the Wednesday before and his method of travel down to the event was running! Jonny was embarking on a 132 mile long charity run starting in Belfast, making his way south over the next four days with a rest day on the Sunday before tackling the actual Dublin Marathon on the Monday. Despite already having covered just over 100 miles before he started Jonny finished with a great time of 3 hours 24 mins 46 secs, leading the Ballymena group home. The next three, Rodney Agnew, Jim Moore and Robin Alexander had all been training together in the leading weeks up to the marathon and their training obviously paid off when two of the three clocked personal bests over the classic distance. Rodney Agnew led that group finishing in 3 hours 27 mins 1 secs for his personal best with Jim Moore finishing in 3 hours 28 mins 37 secs for his. Robin finished next with a time of 3 hours 40 mins 9 secs. Next to finish was Chris Magill in 3 hours 46 mins 16 secs. Chris was followed by Peter Fleming taking five minutes off his previous best, Peter finished in 3 hours 48 mins 37 secs. Paddy Millar was next when he finished in 3 hours 51 mins 22 secs. Despite suffering from a shoulder injury in the weeks leading up to the marathon, Brigid Quinn still found the courage to tackle this years marathon finishing in 4 hours 14 mins 50 secs and taking a well earned second spot in her age category.

Three Runners were in action at last weekends Bobby Rea Memorial Cross Country Races when Ray Curran, Noel Connor and Jack Neeson represented the club at the event.     

The races were held at the excellent venue of Jordanstown University in what were some horrendous wet and stormy conditions. Ray and Noel were keeping in top shape after International selection by competing in the five mile mens open and veterans race. 

Ray was the first of the pair to finish and once again showed the rest of his age category a clean pair of heels by taking first spot in his age category once again finishing in 31 mins 8 secs and 38th overall in a 86 man field. Noel was close behind ray finishing in 31 mins 41 secs in 44th overall and 4th in his age group. 

Jack was competing in the under 18 category and finished well up the quality field in 11th overall.

Thirteen was certainly no unlucky number for Ballymena Runners man Ray Curran when he earned himself Northern Ireland selection for the forthcoming British and Irish International Veterans Cross Country Races next month. 

Since moving into the veterans’ category some fifteen years ago Ray has been picked by International selectors for the annual event an amazing thirteen times and those years he has missed out on were due to injury! 

Ray earned selection after competing at last weekends Comber Cup Cross Country Races along with fellow club mates James Turtle, Noel Connor and Rodney Livingstone. The event was held at the Billy Neill Soccer Centre near Comber where the going underfoot was fairly heavy and muddy due to the recent wet weather.  

The four Ballymena men were running over an eight kilometre course under heavy, rainy conditions throughout and the first of them to finish in the MV40 category was James Turtle. James finished in 32 mins 20 secs in 20th overall. Next home and taking first spot in the MV55 category was Ray who finished only seconds behind James in 22nd overall in 32 mins 24 secs. Noel Connor was next finishing eighth in the MV45 category in 33 mins 1 sec in 26th spot. Noel was followed by Rodney Livingstone in 45th overall in 35 mins 16 secs. 

Ray will wear the green and white vest of Northern Ireland at this years British & Irish Masters Cross Country International will be held at Singleton Park, Swansea on Saturday November 15th 2008.

Ballymena Runners’ Sarah Ann Hewson completed her first marathon recently when she competed in the 2008 Baxter’s Loch Ness marathon in Scotland.
Recognised as one of the UK's leading marathons, the Baxter’s Loch Ness Marathon follows a spectacular point-to-point route through stunning Highland scenery, along the south-eastern shores of Loch Ness, and then crosses the River Ness to finish in Inverness Queens Park Stadium.
The Marathon started at Fort Augustus before dropping down to the banks of Loch Ness at Foyers. From there, the route follows the loch's south eastern shore, heading north east towards Dores on the northern tip of the loch. From Dores, the race heads directly into the centre of Inverness. The last mile and a half runs alongside the river Ness, before heading a short distance to finish at the Inverness Queens Park Stadium. There were also half marathon and 10K support events with almost 6,000 runners competing in the three events.
Sarah was amongst the large entry of 1400 runners tackling the tough marathon event and put in an impressive 3 hour 57 mins 56 secs finishing time in her debut over the 26.2 mile race distance. Sarah was 584th overall and 43rd in her age category.

Ballymena Runners man, Jonny Steede was in action recently when he had to settle for second place at the Slieve Gallion mountain race in the Sperrin Mountains near Magherafelt.

 Jonny was the only Ballymena Runner in action with his normal team mates, Brendan O’Boyle and Mark Alexander taking a well earned rest after their efforts at the Mourne Two Day Mountain marathon the previous weekend. There was no such rest for Jonny who was chasing championship points as the race was also the last round of the Northern Ireland Mountain Running Grand Prix. The Mid Ulster AC promotion covered a 4.5 mile course with 1200 feet of climb. 

David  O’Flaherty of Newcastle set the pace on the opening section up through Iniscarn Forest as Ballymena’s Johnny Steede and junior international James Speight chased hard.  Brian Ervine of Mourne Runners came past on the steep climb then O’Flaherty got into the lead again after the first descent, with the first four all closely bunched.  Former winner Ervine was first to the summit but O’Flaherty took off on the descent with Steede in hot pursuit. 

The pair scorched along the forest track in a downhill duel and the Newcastle man’s heels were starting to burn as he hurtled across the line to win by 10 seconds from Steede, clocking 36.07.  A great effort from Jonny who has continued to improve in the mountains with each race.

Three Ballymena Runners, Jonny Steede, Brendan O’Boyle and Mark Alexander accompanied by Jim McCormick pitted their wits against each other in the process of taking first and second spot in their race category when they competed in the recent Mourne Mountain Marathon. 

The arduous event sponsored by Lowe Alpine and Jacksons Sports is held over two days and is a competitive event for teams of two. It is a combination of mountain running coupled with navigational and outdoor survival skills. At the start of each day teams are presented with a course of varying numbers of control markers which are identified by 6-figure map references. They must visit each control in the prescribed order but may chose their own route between each marker. A feature of the event is the overnight camp at which all teams must be self-sufficient with everything being carried throughout the two days of competition. 

There are four classes in the event – A, B, C and D, with each class designed for varying levels of competitor experience. The four from Ballymena entered themselves in the ‘C’ class with Jonny and Brendan in one team and Mark and Jim making up the other. The ‘C’ Class involved covering 35 kilometres over the Mourne Mountains split over the two days.

Day one started with around one hundred two man teams, each allotted set start times to cover a 17.5km course which included 1200 metres of climbing.

Mark and Jim dominated the class finishing day one in 3 hours 51 mins 18 secs. With the staggered start, Jonny and Brendan were unaware how close they were behind finishing in second spot in 4 hours 6 mins 29 secs.

Having camped over night the four prepared to tackle day two over a slightly shorter distance of 15km with 850 metres of climbing this time. The mass start this time round gave Jonny and Mark the chance to keep Jim and Mark within their reach and hopefully overtake them. Despite this they were unable to overhaul their deficit and had to settle for second place by only one second finishing in 3 hours 2 mins 37 secs. This left Mark and Jim to claim victory in the ‘C’ class with a total time of 6 hours 53 mins 50 secs over the two days. Jonny and Brendan had to settle for second with a total time of 7 hours 9 mins 6 secs.

Derry proved happy hunting ground for Ballymena Runners when five out of ten members recorded personal bests at the Tesco Waterside Half Marathon recently. 

Conditions were excellent for the Saturday morning event with bright autumn sunshine the order of the day with a slight breeze to cool the athletes down. The race was jointly organised by City of Derry Spartans and Derry City Council and both were pleased announce Tesco as their new race sponsor for the promotion which also included a relay event, 3K Fun Run, Wheelchair race and walk. The race, now in its 27th year attracted its largest crowd in history when over 1000 competitors turned out to compete between the four events. 

The relatively new course started at Gransha Hospital grounds taking in a route including Strathfoyle village, Maydown Industrial Estate, Clooney Road and back to the finish in Gransha Grounds again. 

The first four Ballymena Runners all recorded personal bests for the 13.1-mile distance race with James Turtle leading them home. James finished well up the field in 22nd overall in 80 mins 41 secs. Next with his best was Rodney Livingstone in 40th overall in 85 mins 27 secs. Jim Moore dipped below the 90 minute mark for the first time in setting his personal best when he crossed the line in 89 mins 55 secs in 65th spot. Peter Fleming was the next Ballymena man on form finishing in 93 mins 33 secs in 95th overall. Rodney Agnew was next home in 138th in 1 Hour 37 mins 27 secs followed by Chris Magill who narrowly missed out on recording a pb finishing in 1 hour 38 mins 5 secs in 146th spot, Robin Alexander 1 hour 40 mins 21 secs in 186th.  

The first of the three Ballymena ladies competing to finish was Sarah Anne Hewson. Sarah finished in 1 hour 48 mins 21 secs in 270th overall. The success of the day for the ladies went to Brigid Quinn when yet again she came away with her age category win finishing in 1 hour 53 mins 25 secs. Mabel McFaul was the third lady competing finishing in 2 hours 10 secs.

The trio were amongst the huge entry of 500 runners who were attempting to conquer the Scottish Mountain.  Amazingly the race is oversubscribed each year and the organisers set the entry limit to 500 for obvious safety reasons.

The Ben Nevis Race, the world’s oldest mountain race to the summit of Britain’s tallest peak, joined the World Series for the first time this year.  “Only” 16 km long with 1,340m vertical climb, the race is both technical and demanding.  With  500 athletes participating, the race meets with enthusiastic response from the runners, who have to book their entry a year in advance to get a slot.

Top performer of the three was Jonny Steede. Jonny has been in excellent form this year in the mountains gaining international selection and a few impressive race performances also. Jonny finished well up the large field in 49th spot overall, comfortably breaking the two-hour mark in 1 hour 52 mins 53 secs. Next home was Mark, who narrowly missed out on sub two hours finishing in 2 hours 55 secs in 102nd. Brendan finished slightly further down in 2 Hours 10 mins 7 secs in 165th. Also travelling with the group was Jim McCormick who was just behind Brendan in 162nd in 2 hours 10 mins 20 secs.

The winners were not a surprise, but past World Champion and race winner, Briton Rob Jebb, gave Spaniard Agustì Roc, currently ranked top in the World Series, a run for his money.  Roc, three-times World Champion, in his first try on “the Ben”, tailed Jebb for most of the race, overtaking him confidently on the last two miles of the race to win in 1hour 29 mins12 secs followed 13 secs later by Jebb. Third was Roc’s team mate, Toful Castanyer.

The Runners had only two athletes representing the club one of the largest 10K races in the Province when Martin Emans and Sarah-Anne Hewson took part in the Spar Laganside 10k recently. 

With almost 600 athletes there was a record entry turnout for the annual SPAR 10k run alongside the river Lagan. Ideal conditions ensured personal best performances for many of the competitors. 

Martin was the first of the pair to finish well placed in 21st overall in 36 mins 14 secs. Sarah finished in 46 mins 36 secs in 211th. Many athletes were left disappointed when there were reports of the official times being incorrect with many left without a finishing time at all. 

 The main events were won by Paul Pollock from Abbey A.C. with a super fast sub 30 min run from St. Malachy's Joe McAllister. The senior female race was won by Kerry Harty from Newcastle A.C. followed by North Belfast Harrier Breege Connolly.

Ballymena Runners wheelchair athlete Darrell Erwin continued his love affair with the Longford Marathon when he won the wheelchair section for the seventh successive year recently. 

Darrell has recently switched from wheelchair racing to hand cycling, but despite being out of his racing chair for quite some time opted for the chair as he took part in the Longford event. Darrell has been a welcome competitor each year at the race which takes in the counties of Longford, Roscommon and Leitrim. 

Darrell won the wheelchair section with a time just below the three hour mark.

Sarah Hewson was Ballymena Runners sole representative recently when she competed at the Killyleagh Five Mile Road Race. Sarah was amongst the 100 strong field and finished in 39 mins 33 secs in 68th spot. Overall winner was Brendan Teer of East Down in 26 mins 5 secs.

Three Ballymena Runners took the opportunity to sample a race with a difference when they traveled to Rathlin Island to take part in the ‘Run Rathlin’ annual event. Rathlin Run is now in its 7th year and it continues to be a uniquely challenging fixture in the Northern Ireland running calendar. The 10.8 mile road and cross-country/trail race attracted a large crowd of over 200 runners.

Rathlin, which lies 6 miles off the coast of Ballycastle, represents a variety of topography and the route of the race takes participants through a series of steep climbing hills. The majority of the race is on a tarmac road but there is a two and a half mile section half way round on gravel track. Rathlin Run is entirely organised and run by a committee of volunteers. These people represent past runners, those previously involved in Raleigh International and staff and volunteers from Belfast Activity Centre.

Brendan O’Boyle, Tom Mills and Brigid Quinn all made the short ferry trip from Ballycastle to the North Antrim island to take part in the Saturday morning event. Brendan was the first of the three to finish well up the field in 6th spot overall in 66 mins 14 secs. Tom Mills was next in 75 mins 3 secs in 15th spot with Brigid Quinn 123rd in 91 mins 30 secs.

Overall winner was Ultra Runner Martin Rea of North Belfast Harriers in 60 mins 22 secs. The ladies race was won by Gillian Wasson of Springwell in 73 mins 24 secs.

Ballymena Runners man Jonny Steede’s hard fought win at the East Antrim Interclub race wasn’t enough to seal team victory for the Ballymena Club. 

The Inter club race hosted by Larne AC also includes Ballymena Runners, East Antrim Harriers and Glens Runners. This years event was as tough as ever with some testing climbing in the hills around the Cairncastle area near Larne. Weather conditions were far from ideal, intermittent drizzle and leaden skies being the order of the day, but they failed to dampen either the spirits or the enthusiasm of the competitors who turned out for the 2008 running of annual inter-club challenge race. In total, fifty-seven runners from East Antrim Harriers, Ballymena Runners, Glens Runners and Larne AC itself, together with a couple of guest runners, lined up for the 4.6 mile race, which started and finished at the Meeting House, Cairncastle.
Following the lead car, the runners set off down the Cairncastle Road towards Ballygally where they turned right on to the Croft Road to begin the gentle climb to the Weyburn Road junction. Here they would take another right turn, which would bring them back to Cairncastle. From there the course headed along the Brustin Braes Road to the Croft Road crossroads where yet another right turn would take the field up the Croft Road again before a final right turn on to the Ballymullock Road would take the runners back to the finish outside the Meeting House.
The Larne club had a great turn out on the day with almost half the field of sixty runners made up from those in the red, black and white vests of the East Antrim club. As they headed down the long descent to Ballygally, Jonny Steede was to the fore accompanied by team mate James Turtle with Noel Connor, Ray Curran, Stephen Armstrong and Tom Mills just off the lead pack which had no less than eight Larne men in it’s midst. As the race progressed Jonny found himself leading the field, accompanied by Justin Maxwell of Larne as they drew away from Larne men Nat Glenn and Ryan Maxwell. Behind these four, James Turtle, Sean Hughes(Glens) and Colin James (East Antrim) were separated by just a few seconds, while further back Ray Curran for Ballymena, and the Larne pairing of Mark McManus and Corey Urwin were tracking fellow Larne AC runner, Stephen Kennedy. 
 As the leading men headed past the Church of Ireland and dropped down the final sharp descent before turning left for the short run to the finishing line Jonny and Maxwell were still neck and neck but in the final two hundred metres Jonny’s stronger finish enabled him to pull away to claim victory for Ballymena Runners in the individual’s race in a time of 26 mins 7 secs, just five seconds ahead of Maxwell. Glenn got the better of Ryan Maxwell in the last mile to take third place in 26:53. James Turtle followed Maxwell home in fifth place in 27 mins 21 secs with Ray Curran in ninth in 27 mins 54 secs. Next home for Ballymena was Noel Connor in 14^th in 28 mins 20 secs with club chairman Stephen Armstrong in his first race since the London Marathon 20^th in 29 mins 26 secs. Tom Mill was the sixth man to count finishing just behind Stephen in 29 mins 31 secs inn 21^st spot with Colin Hoey 25^th in 30 mins 40 secs.
The men’s team prize went to Larne AC with Ballymena Runners having to settle for second overall ahead of the Glens and East Antrim clubs. The result was a little consolation for last years event when a poor turn out for the Ballymena club saw them receiving the wooden spoon.

The action switched to the roads again when four members of the local club took part in the inaugural Ballysillan 5K road race.The North Belfast event was hosted by Albertville Harriers over a two lap course with some testing climbs along the route. There were seventy entrants in the new race.
James Turtle was the first of the quartet to finish with an impressive time over the tough course. James was just outside his personal best for the distance finishing in 17 mins 46 secs in 11th overall. This saw James take third spot in his own age category. Next in was Rodney Livingstone, Rodney finished in 21st spot in 19 mins 4 secs, taking second in his age category. Next was Iain Hamill in 21 mins exactly in 38th with Alistair Black next in 43rd in 21 mins 56 secs.
Overall winner was Andrew Gourley of Willowfield in 16 mins exactly. The ladies title was won by Louise McClean of North Belfast Harriers in 18 mins 37 secs.

Jonny Steede became the fourth Ballymena Runner to lift the Twin Peaks Title when he cruised to victory at the Glenravel Festival event last week. 

Three Ballymena Runners, Jonny Steede, Mark Alexander and Brendan O’Boyle, who normally have to travel to the Mournes for their hill racing exploits, had the opportunity to compete closer to home at the Cargan event. The trio were joined by the ever present Brigid Quinn. 

The awful conditions over the preceding weekend made for some heavy, wet conditions on the course with streams overflowing their banks along the route. However this didn’t deter competitors from competing with around 100 entrants of all age and sizes tackling the short, tough fast event. 

Jonny made his intentions clear from the start leading the field as the race crossed the main Cushendall road through the village before the climb to the top of Larne AC man, Mark McManus was chasing Jonny with local man McBride battling with Mark Alexander for third and Brendan down in sixth spot. Jonny was never challenged as he made his way to the top of the climb before racing down the quick descent to the finish line to claim first spot. McManus followed with Mark Alexander using his descending skills to overtake McBride on the slopes down to the finish. Brendan held his position to finish in sixth overall. Brigid Quinn, who regularly wins the lady veterans section at the race didn’t disappoint as she took top honours in her age category once again.

Eight Ballymena Runners braved probably some of the worst racing conditions of the year when they competed in the Scott and Gault Memorial 10 mile road race last weekend.
The ten mile road event was hosted by East Antrim Harriers and started from the Six mile leisure centre in Ballyclare. Conditions for the Saturday morning event were abysmal, with torrential rain throughout and competitors could have been forgiven for thinking they had turned up for a triathlon event!
Personal bests were the order of the day for the second week running when Jim Moore and Peter Fleming set new best fro themselves at the ten mile distance race. First home for the club was club secretary Tom Mills. Tom finished in 23rd spot in 65 mins 12 secs. Close behind Tom was Rodney Livingstone who finished in 65 mins 18 secs in 24th overall. Next in was Jim Moore who knocked off an amazing eight mins off his previous personal best to finish in 68 mins 21 secs in 43rd spot. Colin Hoey followed in 68 mins 43 secs in 47th. Peter Fleming was next with another personal best performance to finish in 72 mins 23 secs in 63rd. These five were followed by Chris Magill, 70th in 73 mins 57 secs and then Sarah Hewson. Sarah put the disappointment of missing the starter’s gun at Cookstown the previous week when she raced home with a personal best also finishing in 79 mins 39 sec in 86th.  Brigid Quinn completed the Ballymena contingent when she crossed the line with her customary age category win finishing in 96th overall in 84 mins 22 secs.
The overall winner was Declan Reed of City of Derry in 56 mins 17 secs with Suzanne McCormick of Lagan Valley taking the ladies title in 61 mins 51 secs. There were 121 finishers in total.

After his International Snowdon trip Jonny Steede was back in action in the local mountains when he tackled the tough Seven Sevens event.
This mountain race is the longest on the Northern Ireland Mountain Running Calendar. It involves competitors navigating and running round a 19 mile course taking in a total of 8,700 feet of climbing, reaching the top of seven mountain peaks (hence the event name) in the Mournes, including Donard, Commedagh, Bearnagh, Meelmore, Meelbeg, Ben Crom Dam, Binnian and Lamagan.
The severity of the event was mirrored by the relatively low entry of only 40 runners, however there were also well over 100 walkers taking part in the event. Runners are also required to carry full body cover, maps, compass, whistle and emergency rations. No junior runners are allowed to compete.
Jonny finished 15th overall in 5 hours 29 mins 55 secs. The overall winner was Gary Bailey of Mourne Runners in 4 hours 17 mins 55 secs.
Jonny was also in action at the shorter Slieve Bernagh Race last weekend in what were atrocious conditions for Mountain Running. The Slieve Bearnagh race saw 51 hardy souls venture out under storm conditions, with sodden ground, swollen streams, rain getting heavier and heavier and strong winds. The organisers opted to use a bad weather route. This went up the Happy Valley to the col, right up Meelbeg, back beside the wall to Meelmore, back to Meelbeg, return to the col and back down the Happy Valley, totally 4.22 miles with about 655 metres of climb.
Jonny was well up the field this time and took a top ten finish in seventh overall in 47 mins 25 secs. The overall winner was Des Woods of Mourne Runners in 43 mins 17 secs.
East Antrim Challenge

Last week saw one of the largest race days on the local running calendar when Lisburn City Council staged the Lisburn Half Marathon, 10K, fun run and walks.
The event’s popularity was mirrored by the large entry of almost 3,000 runners who were competing in the main half marathon and 10k races. Ballymena Runners divided themselves between the two events with five out in the Half Marathon event with a further seven out  in the shorter 10K event.
First home for the local club in the half marathon was Jim Moore. Jim obviously wasn’t feeling the effects of his efforts at the Randalstown 10k three days earlier when he recorded his second personal best of the week, finishing in 1 hour 33 mins 38 secs in 112th overall. Rodney Agnew was next, having also competed at Randalstown, finishing in 125th spot in 1 hour 34 mins 41 secs. Robin Alexander followed in 1 hour41 mins 51 secs in 273rd, Brigid Quinn notched up another age category win in finishing in 1 hour 52 mins 23 secs in 537th and David Strain completed the half marathon group in 2 hours 12 mins 38 secs.

There were almost 1000 finishers in the 13.1-mile event with David Morwood of North Belfast Harriers taking top spot in 1 hour 10 mins 48 secs and the ladies race was won byyPauline Curley in 1 hour 17 mins 18 secs.  

In the shorter distance 10k event, Ballymena wheelchair athlete, Darrell Erwin was competing for the first time this year when he finished the 6.2-mile course in 34 mins 27 secs.

There were 1800 finishers in the 10k race with Brian Campbell of Willowfield taking top honours in 31 mins 19 secs.

Ballymena Runners long distance man, Roy White notched up another memorable milestone in his remarkable running career when he successfully completed his 100th Half Marathon race recently.
No stranger to long distance races Roy already has an amazing one hundred and thirteen marathons under his belt running all over the world in the process.  After completing this staggering amount of 26.2-mile races Roy turned his efforts to the shorter Half Marathon events in an attempt to ‘even up’ his tally. He achieved his goal of reaching the one hundred mark when he completed the Stranraer Half Marathon earlier this month.
Five other members of the Ballymena club joined Roy when they travelled to Scotland for the Wigtownshire event hosted by Stranraer Council. The event organisers also recognised Roy’s efforts when, on receiving Roy’s entry for the race they obligingly presented him with race number ‘100’ to wear for the race. Roy finished the race which finished at the stadium in the coastal town in 1 hour 50 mins 26 secs, although he just missed out on finishing in 100th overall when he came home in 110th spot.
Accompanying Roy were Chris Magill, 1 hour 41 mins 33 secs, 71st, Sandy McDermott, 1 hour 42 mins 52 secs, 80th, Paddy Millar, 1 hour 53 mins 33 secs, 122nd, David Strain, 1 hour 54 mins 30 secs and Brigid Quinn, 1 hour 55 mins 20 secs, 129th. There were 212 finishers with Paul Acari of Kilbarchan AAC winning in 1 hour 11 mins 17 secs.

Ballymena Runners’ Neil Douglas returned to racing in the best possible way in his first appearance since the April London Marathon when he won the third race of the East Antrim Trail Race series.
Obviously well rested after his marathon efforts Neil proved his comeback timing just right when he came out tops in the off road race hosted by East Antrim Harriers. The local Ballymena club had a good turn out at the mid week event which was held near home at Tardree forest. The Runners had six athletes in action over what was a short and sharp race with a race distance just over the three mile mark.
Neil was making his first appearance in the four race series and led the rest of the field home in 18 mins 20 secs. Also in action for the Ballymena club were Brendan O’Boyle, 8th, 19 mins 49 secs, Ray Curran, 10th,  20 mins 6 secs, Noel Connor, 18th, 20 mins 56 secs, Colin Hoey, 22 mins 12 secs and Peter Fleming 38th, 24 mins 18 secs.
The final race will be held at Woodburn Forest near Carrickfergus over a four and a half mile course on Tuesday 24th June at 7.30pm.

Ballymena Runners hailed their annual five mile road race a success when over two hundred competitors turned up to take part in the ‘Ballymena ECOS 5’.
Despite light rain on the night conditions were generally good for the race which was started by Ballymena Mayor Maurice Mills. The course started on the ECOS Park entrance road and tracked a two and a half lap route through the park before finishing in The Showgrounds main arena. The local club had expected a bumper crowd for the event and weren’t disappointed when 205 runners signed up on the night to take part.
This year’s title came back to Ballymena soil once again after Paddy Hamilton of Annadale’s win last year with Ballymena and Antrim Athlete Jarlath Falls taking first spot. Jarlath took straight to the head of the field right from the starter’s gun, joined with Ian Bailey of East Antrim and Erin McDaid of Armagh as they set off on their two lap route through the ECOS Park. It was a close affair for the entire race but former winner Jarlath had timed his race just right when he made his move on the last lap to edge away from Bailey to cross the line in 25 mins 38 secs, ten seconds ahead of Bailey in second spot in 25 mins 48 secs. Once again Jarlath retained the Law Memorial Trophy which is presented to the first Ballymena Based runner to cross the line.
The ladies race wasn’t quite as close with Rona Harkens of Lagan Valley claiming a comfortable win finishing in 30 mins 35 secs over a minute ahead of second placed lady, Gemma Turley of Abbey in 31 mins 35 secs.
The team event was won by North Belfast Harriers with Springwell taking the ladies team prize for the second year.

The promoting club still managed to enter fourteen club members on the night with twelve men and two ladies competing. James Turtle led the Ballymena challenge recording a personal best along the way, his second in a week after doing the same at the recent Maghera 10k. James finished in 28 mins 40 secs in 24th overall. Next in was Ray Curran in his first race since the London Marathon. Ray had an excellent run to finish in 29 mins 34secs in 36th overall, seeing him claim first spot in his age category. Alex Brennan was next in 29:38 in 37th. Rodney Livingstone was next having run the night before at the East Antrim trail race in Ballyboley Forest. Rodney finished in 30 mins 40 secs in 46th spot. Noel Connor followed in 31 mins 29 secs in 56th overall. Noel was followed by Colin Hoey, 33:09, 81st, Iain Hamill, 33:24, 84th, Rodney Agnew, 33:40, 90th, Alistair Black 34:12, 96th, Chris Magill 35:06, 110th, Brigid Quinn 38:51, 143rd, David Strain, 39:06,145th, Sarah-Ann Hewson, 39:08, 146th and James Galbraith 39:18, 150th winning his age category.
A full list of results can be found on the official race website at www.ballymenaecos5.co.uk. Further details of the club in general can be found at the official club website – www.ballymenarunners.co.uk. Any local runners who took part in the event are more than welcome to come along and join the club. They should turn up at training as listed below.
The club would like to thank Mark Wainwright of Mizuno Sportswear for providing race prizes and support equipment, Ballymena Borough Council for the use of the facilities, Ballymena Mayor Maurice Mills, Ballymena Borough Council Sports Development Officer, Katrina McCaughan, Showgrounds Staff Barney and Declan, Ambutran Paramedics, Fitness First and Up and Running for their donations of spot prizes and all club members who turned up on the night to assist with the organisational duties and last but not least all those competitors who entered making the race the success it was.

Ballymena Runners mountain running experts Mark Alexander and Jonny Steede have embarked on some tough endurance events in the past but they set the bar even higher recently when they decided to tackle one of the UK’s toughest endurance events ‘ The Fellsman”.
Runners members Mark Alexander and Jonny Steede teamed up with fellow Northern Ireland competitor Jim McCormick when they travelled to England to take part in the Yorkshire dales event. The pair are no stranger to endurance events having tackled road marathons, Mourne Mountain two day Marathon, Ben Nevis hill race and a host of other off road long distance events. However this surpassed all they had tackled before with a total race distance of  sixty-two miles in total. No that isn’t a typing error! Sixty-two miles, almost two and a half marathons!
The Fellsman is a 62 mile high level traverse over very hard rugged moorland. The event climbs over 11,000 feet in its path from Ingleton to Threshfield in the Yorkshire Dales finishing the route can take more than 24 hours non-stop walking to complete. Most of the route is over privately owned land, the use of which is secured by the organisers for the weekend only.This being the case the route does not follow well defined footpaths so the entrants navigational skills with a map and compass are tested as well the their physical fitness. Because of this only fit and experienced walkers are advised to enter.
The first Fellsman Hike attracted only 57 starters, of which a mere 15 finished the course. In its heydays in the mid 1980s more than 400 hikers regularly started. Entry numbers are now on the up again, after a dip around the early 2000s, many entrants now choosing to run most of the route. Only the fastest runners escape the night-time sections, with navigation across the morasses of Fleet Moss and Middle Tongue holding particular horrors in the dead of night for Fellsman competitors. The last man home in 2007 was 65-year-old David Evans, who took 29 hrs and 12 mins to slog round the 62 miles.
More than 350 runners and walkers had entered the Yorkshire Dales event however only 300 turned up on the day to tackle one of the most challenging long-distance events in the country. Temperatures soared on the day into the mid twenties making for unwelcome conditions for the entrants and resulting in slower times.
Mark Alexander gives his account of the gruelling task - “Without doubt this was the toughest event we have ever tackled.  The gruelling route was always going to be much harder than usual due to the intense heat.  As we lined up at the start in the village of Ingleton the enormity of the task in hand was starting to dawn on us as competitors were already seeking shade at 8 am. Whilst we had foolishly considered target times the objective was simple - to complete the event and therefore avoid one of the sweeper buses rather worryingly referred to by fellow competitors as the ‘body buses’. “
“It is difficult to summarise in a few words almost 18 hours of racing, for me personally I considered pulling out during the first 20 miles due to the heat, nausea and exhaustion.  For reasons still unknown I managed to keep going and completed the next twenty miles on a diet of flapjacks, energy gels and encouragement from marshals and the occasional grunt from my two running partners.  The next twenty- five miles were simply a grind with the requirement of detailed navigation through bogs and peat hags acting as a welcome distraction from the heat.  Just when we thought the ‘home straight’ was in sight darkness descended and added a further dimension.  The final 17 miles involved a stern test of our navigational skills as we traversed the remaining peaks in pitch darkness. “ 
“In the end we successfully negotiated this section and were delighted to cross the finish line in the early hours of Sunday morning for some well earned rest and yet another flapjack!” 

The three men finished the event in 17 hours 53 mins crossing the line together in unison in 39th spot overall. Of the 300 who started the race there were an amazing 122 retirements leaving only 178 finishers of which the Ballymena contingent, to their credit were amongst. 

The overall winner was one Mark Hartwell of Macclesfield Harriers in 12 hours 7 mins.

With the London Marathon well and truly behind them Ballymena Runners long distance running focused on the 2008 River Rock Belfast City marathon on May Day.
This year’s event saw a record number of participants with over 15,000 competitors taking part in the May Bank Holiday running extravaganza. Despite the large crowds present only 1500 runners were brave enough to tackle the 26.2-mile. The remainder of the entry was made up by the thousands who were participating in the six man marathon relay teams, fun run and walks. Ballymena Runners had six members out in the main marathon event with others taking part in various relay teams.
Conditions on the day were good for the runners as the race started off with cool misty conditions for the nine o’clock start. Although, as the day progressed bright sunshine broke through and temperatures began to rise and the runners could be glad of the early start. The Ballymena contingent was made up of both seasoned and debutant marathon runners alike with Tom Mills, Rodney Agnew, Jim Moore, Robin Alexander, Peter Fleming and Brigid Quinn all in action.
The club success of the day went to the ever-present Brigid Quinn. One of the Ballymena Runners founder members, Brigid once again won her age group on the day with a time of 4 hours 11 mins 12 secs in 757th overall. Nothing too remarkable there you may think until you hear that the Runners lady is now in her sixties! Congratulations to Brigid from all at the club.
First home for the club and pulling out all the stops to crack the three-hour barrier was Tom Mills. The Aughafatten man had been under the three hour mark once before and was pleased when he clocked 2 hrs 59 mins 26 secs to see him finish well up the field in 51st overall.

The next four to finish had all been training together over the long winter months and the effectiveness of their schedule produced four personal bests and they all finished in relatively close grouping. Former road cyclist Rodney Agnew was tackling his first ever marathon after having stepped up with a few half-distance races over the past year. Rodney finished in 3 hours 34 mins 24 secs in 259th overall. Next home was Jim Moore. Jim had completed the marathon distance quite a few times before but felt he never really reached his potential having never gone below the four-hour mark. This time was different as he reaped the rewards of a solid training programme to take over 30 minutes off his previous best for the distance! Jim finished just seconds behind Rodney in 3 hours 34 mins 45 secs in 280th spot. Next home, and also with a personal best over the distance was Robin Alexander who finished in 3 hours 40 mins 2 secs in 327th spot. All three had run together for the large part of the race until the closing stages where each found their own pace to reach the finishing line in Ormeau Park. 
Also competing in his first marathon was Peter Fleming who was next to finish, slightly further down in 484th spot. Peter was also pleased to set his personal best below the four hours when he recorded 3 hours 53 mins 10 secs for the distance.
African runners provided a master class in long distance running in the May Bank Holiday 27th Deep River Rock Belfast Marathon to produce arguably the best performances ever seen in the city over the classic distance.

In the Women’s pre race favourite Marashet Jumma of Ethiopia sliced over 2 minutes off the course record to record new figures of 2.39.21- a time good enough to beat all but the first 11 male finishers. She was rewarded with a 1st prize of £3000 plus an additional £1000 for the new record. 2nd place went to Irish 10k Vets Champion Helena Crossan in 2.55.10 with Sperrins Karen Alexander taking the bronze medal in 2.55.58. There was a similarly impressive solo performance in the Men’s race where defending champion John Mutai of Kenya once again specifically attacked Marty Deane’s long standing 1985 record of 2.15.51 only to fail by the agonisingly close margin of 40 seconds.
Northern Irelands top finisher was veteran Tommy Hughes, who rolled back the years with an outstanding 6th place finish in 2.28.38. A delighted Tommy revealed that this was his 1st Marathon since his last Belfast victory 10 years ago. He had no complaints about the difficult course apart from the some poor marshalling at Ormeau Park, which cost him 30 seconds.

Ballymena Runners mountain man Jonnie Steede proved well worth his International selection last weekend when he finished as the second highest placed Northern Ireland runner in the P&O Irish Sea Knockdhu International Mountain race.
The course is on Knock Dhu mountain near Cairncastle, just north of Larne. This was the 16th year of the International event which is hosted by Larne AC and has become an established fixture on the mountain running calendar. 
Teams representing Scotland, Wales, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland were all taking part. Men, ladies, junior men, junior ladies and veteran men all competed in their respective categories. Teams consisted of four runners with the first three to finish counting towards the overall team placing.
In addition to the international team races there was an Open race for non-internationals and a race for Under 17 year old juniors. The main course includes ascents of Knock Dhu mountain and descents on Sallagh Braes. The distance is 7 km and this includes 420 of ascent and descent . The U20 juniors raced over a 4.4 km course with 210 metres of ascent and descent and the U17 juniors raced on a 3 km course with 140 metres of ascent and descent. 
Jonnie had initially been selected for the ‘B’ squad, but on the day he pulled all the stops to finish ahead of three members of the ‘A’ squad at the finish. Jonnie completed the course in 42 mins 1 secs in 17th overall. 

Overall winner was Colin Donnelly of Scotland finishing in 36 mins 56 secs. Scotland also won the team prize. 

The University 5k race series continued last week when Coleraine played host to the latest race.
With 113 runners in the field Ballymena had a good turn out with six members out on the night. James Turtle, Noel Connor, Rodney Livingstone , Alistair Black, Ricky Weir and Robin Alexander were all in action over the 3.1 mile race distance.
James Turtle was the first to finish in 17 mins 32 secs in 12th overall. James was followed by Noel Connor 22nd, 18 mins 29 secs, Rodney Livingstone, 27th, 18 mins 56 secs, Alistair Black, 37th, 20 mins exactly, Richard Weir, 43rd, 20 mins 44 secs and Robin Alexander, 49th, 21 mins 14 secs.
The overall winner was Paul Rowan of Willowfield in 15 mins 24 secs with Ann Paul of City of Derry Spartans AC taking the ladies title in 18 mins 8 secs.

Ballymena Runners Jonny Steede has been selected for the Northern Ireland Mountain Running Squad once again when they take on the home countries in the Knockdhu Home International Mountain Race this weekend.
Jonny’s early season performances have obviously caught the eye of the selectors with his inclusion in the squad. This will be Jonny’s second appearance in the Northern Ireland Vest having taking part in the event last year.
The event takes part near at Knockdhu Mountain, Carncastle near Larne on Saturday 26th April. Action gets underway at 1 pm and covers 4.7 miles with 1470 feet of climb. An Under 17 race begins slightly earlier.

The 2008 Hill & Dale Race Series got off to a brilliant start recently in Castlewellan Forest Park with the traditional opener – the McVeigh Classic. The race series proved its continuing popularity when no less than169 runners starting and finishing. The race series takes in eleven races in total with the final results determined from the athlete’s best six results.
Glimpses of spring had been seen earlier in the week but at Castlewellan the weather was bitingly cold in the north wind. The route itself took in forest tracks, paths and rides with a length of 4.5 miles and 1200 feet of climb.
Ballymena Runners’ two mountain specialists, Jonny Steede and Mark Alexander were in action and both faired very well with high finishing positions. Jonny Steede was the first to finish well up in ninth overall in 35 mins 29 secs. Mark was next, not far behind Jonny in 13th overall in 35 mins 56 secs. His position was good enough to see him take first spot in his age category. This will put Mark in pole position for the series as he looks to defend his age group title for the series from last year.
Overall winner was Stephen Duncan of Omagh Harriers in 32 mins exactly.

 The second race of the series was next at Tollymore. This course was an up and down affair over a similar distance of 4.8 miles with slightly less climbing at 950 feet. An even larger crowd turned out for this race with 175 runners taking part in the Thursday evening race.Once again Jonny was first to finish coming home in 11th overall in 36 mins 43 secs. Mark finished in 16th overall in 38 mins 5 secs. Mark had to settle for second place in his category on the night when he finished just 16 secs behind his series rival Raymond Ferguson of North Belfast harriers.
Repeating his win from race one Stephen Duncan took the overall honours in 33 mins 16 secs.

Noel Connor was Ballymena Runners sole representative at the inaugural University of Ulster 5k University Challenge Road Race Series last week. Noel was amongst the 125 competitors taking part at the Jordanstown leg of the event.
The successful launch of the competition by the Ulster Sports Academy in partnership with Athletics Northern Ireland saw clubs and individuals take part in the race which is run over two University campuses.
Although their was a slight head wind the Jordanstown race proved to be a fast course with athletes improving on their previous week’s time over the 5k race at Queen’s University Belfast.
Noel improved on his time from the previous week when he clocked 18 mins 12 secs for the 5K distance, finishing in 34th spot overall.

Ulster’s Coleraine campus hosts the second part of the competition this Wednesday (23 April) and the winners from Jordanstown will look to become University Challenge champions.
Paul Rowan of Willowfield took the men’s open race title in 15:19mins, while Gladys Ganiel of Abbey AC won the ladies open event in 17:49mins.
Following the successful event, University of Ulster Athletics Development Officer Kerry Harty said: “We must commend all the runners who took part. Having 127 runners racing in our first year of the event is phenomenal. We hope that we get a similar turnout for the race next week in Coleraine and would encourage all people of all abilities to come along to compete.”
Dr Nigel Dobson, Co-Director if the Ulster Sports Academy said: “The turnout for the race was fantastic. The University of Ulster has the vision of becoming the leading university for sport on the island of Ireland, and attracting such a large number of high-profile clubs and individuals to take part, shows that we are taking greater steps to achieve our goals.”
John Allen, Athletics Northern Ireland said: “This event proved to be very successful and has the potential to develop into a major addition to the Athletics Northern Ireland Road Racing Calendar. The flat and traffic free course produced fast times and we look forward to this event going from strength to strength.”
David Reid from the organising committee said "The event was a good trial run and we're hoping this will become one of the largest 5K road races in N Ireland over the next few years".

NEIL BREAKS CLUB TEN YEAR OLD RECORD!

Neil Douglas broke Ballymena Runners ten-year-old marathon club record time when he competed in the 2008 Flora London marathon recently.
Ray Curran had held the previous club record of 2 hours 42 mins 5 secs for ten years, a time he set at the London Marathon back in 1998. With the form Neil had shown in early season at the Blackpool and Larne Half Marathons he looked set to make a serious assault on the record and that proved to be the case when he bettered the time by almost two and a half minutes and took almost three minutes off his own personal best for the 26.2-mile distance. Neil now holds five of the club’s long distance records from 5k though to the marathon.

Three other members of the local club travelled with Neil to the event with Stephen Armstrong, Ray Curran and Eddie King also taking part. The four were amongst the huge entry of over 35,000 who started the race. That starting figure made the 2008 event the third largest of the 28 London Marathons held since it started in 1981. 92,000 people originally applied to run in this year’s race, and approximately 45,791 applications were accepted. More than 35,300 had registered to run by 5.00pm on Saturday.

Conditions on the day looked to be ideal for Marathon racing compared to last year’s heat wave conditions. The day started off bright and sunny with temperatures around 12 degrees Celsius; however an hour and a half into the race the heavens opened and competitors found themselves drenched in heavy down pours for the remainder of the race.

Neil Douglas was competing in his eighth marathon and was obviously the first of the Ballymena group to finish. Neil went through half way in 77 mins well on course and even with a stop to tie shoe laces in the latter stages, finished up with 2 hours 39 mins 39 secs (6m5s/mile) at the finish where he came in 174th overall and 50th in his own age group.

 Next home was Stephen Armstrong who was running in his tenth marathon and making his eighth London appearance. Stephen had hoped to get under the three-hour mark once again and despite having an unscheduled pit stop in the early miles, managed to achieve his goal when he finished in 2 hours 59 mins 3 secs (6m49s/mile). Stephen was 1004th overall and 205th in his age group.

Close behind Stephen was Ray Curran also competing in his tenth marathon. Ray agonizingly missed the three-hour mark finishing in 3 hours 48 secs (6m/53s/mile), an impressive time for his age category. Ray finished 1160th overall and the highest placed member of the Ballymena men in their age category in 13th spot. Ray has a fantastic pedigree at the marathon and has recorded a 2-hour 20 mins marathon time in his long athletics career.

The final member of the group to finish was Eddie King, who was competing in his first marathon. The former British International track star, AAA indoor Champion at 800 and 1500m and British indoor 1500m record holder, was entering into unchartered waters when he tackled the 26.2-mile event for the first time. Despite not reaching the high targets set by himself Eddie can be proud of his 3 hour 16 mins 37 secs finishing time for a first time marathon which saw him come home in 2651st overall. Eddie currently holds four middle distance records in the Ballymena club.

Kenya's Martin Lel set a new course record at the London Marathon as he defended his title to win the race for the third time in four years with a finishing time of 2 hours 5 mins 15 secs. Irina Mikitenko of Germany won the ladies race in 2 hours 24 mins 14 secs.

Last week saw the start of mid week evening races when Queens University hosted the Race Round the River Queens 5K road event. The race attracted huge crowds of almost 600 runners on the night which saw the field compete over a two and a half lap course taking in the Stranmillis and Annadale Embankments.

Ballymena Runners had five members competing with James Turtle leading the way with a personal best for the distance. James was first of the Ballymena Group to finish in 49th overall in 17 mins 21 secs. Next in was Noel Connor also with a personal best in 18 mins 43 secs in 91st spot. Rodney Livingstone followed in 19:13, 117th with Iain Hammill next in 19 mins 35 secs, 119th and Alistair Black 189th in 20 mins 51 secs.
The Overall winner was Joe McAllister of St Malachy’s in 14 mins 46 secs. The ladies race was won by Suzanne McCormick of Lagan Valley in 17 mins 20 secs. 

Ballymena Runners were amongst one of the largest race turn-outs of the year when they competed in the Titanic Quarter 10K road race last weekend.
Almost 700 competitors took part, with numbers reaching just short of 600 in the 10K, which is superb considering the weather forecast! The event was organised by Athletics Northern Ireland & sponsored by Titanic Quarter, Port of Belfast and the Streat Cafe.
Conditions on the day were less than ideal to say the least and competitors had to endure all the seasons within an hour when they ran though wind, rain hail, snow, sunshine and blustery winds for the duration of the race!
The first Ballymena Runner to finish was Martin Emans. Martin was well up the 600 strong field finishing in 22nd overall in 36 mins 16 secs. Next home was Roy White who finished in 250th in 48 mins 16 secs and David Strain who was 424th in 56 mins 26 secs. Brigid Quinn from the club was also competing.
Overall winner was Ethiopia's Ayele Mergessa in 31 minutes and seven seconds from Kenyan Raymond Tonui (31.12) and St Malachy's Kevin Seaward (31.40).
The ladies race winner was Kerry Harty of Newcastle in 36 mins 6 secs, with Kenyan Joyce Kandia second in 36:24.

Also in action on the same weekend were James Turtle and Noel Connor who were taking part in the Whitehead Community Association Five Mile Road race. Once again competitors were faced with high winds throughout the race on a bitterly cold day.
James was the first of the pair to finish in 30 mins 14 secs in 11th overall with Noel finishing in 31 mins 57 secs in 17th spot.

Ballymena Runners had a successful day out when they claimed three age category wins and one member recorded a personal best when they took part in the first half marathon of the season at the 2008 Premier Power Larne Half Marathon hosted by Larne AC.
The thirteen point one mile event has been a popular fixture since 1993 and its popularity was illustrated in the large entry of just below 500 competitors who were taking part in the main race, relay event and non-competitive walk which started before the main race. 
The huge start list included a good turn out of nine members from Ballymena Runners with most aiming to put the finishing touches to their preparations for either the London or Belfast Marathon; others just out to test themselves over the classic half-marathon distance.
The day of the race might have dawned dry and bright but a bitterly cold, strong North Easterly winds meant that conditions for running were far from ideal, particularly on the first half on the way out to Ballygally. Many looked to getting round the course rather than chasing times in the windy conditions with groups of runners working together to combat the windy sections of the course. 

The race route heads out along the North Antrim Coast Road passing through Drains Bay and Carfunnock before reaching Ballygalley. From there the course heads inland and up hill for the next two miles before sweeping back down on to the coast road again to trace its path back to the finish at Larne Leisure Centre.
The conditions therefore dictated a tactical first half of the race with Neil Douglas working in the second chasing group with Ray Curran sitting in the third and Stephen Armstrong in the group behind. 
Neil Douglas was the first Ballymena man home when he finished comfortably in 74 mins 11 secs in seventh overall. This was good enough to see him finish in top spot in his age category. Obviously not feeling the effects of the winds, Ray Curran also claimed first spot in his age category when he recorded 71 mins 21 secs for the distance seeing him finish 27th overall. Ray was a clear three and a half minute ahead of his nearest rival. Club Chairman Stephen Armstrong followed five places down in 32nd in his first race of the year in 83 mins 10 secs. Colin Hoey was next in 91st spot in 90 mins 47 secs. 
Jim Moore’s marathon training is obviously paying dividends when he pulled out all the stops with his effort taking a massive five minutes off his personal best finishing in 1 hour 37 mins 42 secs in 148th overall. Despite an unscheduled stop, Rodney Agnew still managed a respectable time recording 1 hour 40 mins 47 secs in 178th spot. Perhaps saving himself for his appearance in the Prague Half Marathon a week later, Robin Alexander found himself slightly slower than his normal form when he came home in 1 hour 47 mins 20 secs in 245th. The third age category win of the day for the Ballymena Club came from Brigid Quinn who finished in 1 hour 49 mins 30 secs in 270th. As is the norm, Brigid beat many of her younger adversaries with her time. The last member of the Ballymena group to finish was Roy White who finished in 1-hour 52 mins 39 secs in 316th. 
The winners rostrum was an exact repeat of last years with Brian Campbell of Willowfield first in 69 mins 40 secs, David Morwood, North Belfast Harriers, 2nd in 70 mins exactly and Alan McCullough of Willowfield third in 70:54. Their times were roughly a minute down on last year due to the conditions on the day.

 Ballymena Runners successfully hosted their second event of the year when they staged the Glenariff Mountain Race last Saturday afternoon. For the second year running the men from Mourne dominated this year’s Glenariff Mountain Grand Prix race.  This years race, now in its seventh year was once again sponsored by North Antrim Food retailer, Glens of Antrim Potatoes. This year saw seventy runners take part in the tough event made even more demanding with very wet underfoot conditions. 
The race route starts from St Patrick’s Primary school in Glenariff and follows the Glen River inland for approximately two miles before heading up the steep climb of the north face of Glenariff Glen to a height of 1,200 feet to the turn point before heading back down retracing the route to the finish back at the primary school. Right from the start in Waterfoot host club runner Mark Alexander and sole Ballymena Runner was amongst the pack as they turned inland to travel along the riverside section. At this stage Mourne Runner Eddie Hanna forged ahead along the river section hotly pursued by Cunningham and Hanna. As the race leaders approached the Glen Road a horse that had broken loose from a neighbouring field was galloping along the course providing an unwelcome addition to the race entry for race director Brendan O’Boyle.  Thankfully, Larne’s very own horse whisperer, Evan Taylor, was on hand to intervene and shepherd the horse into a nearby field. The leading pack began the tough 1100 feet climb up the South face of the Glen with Cowan, Ferguson and Gregg climbing well closely behind. As they came back down off the mountain Mourne Runners trio of Bailey, Cunningham and Hanna had opened up a sizeable gap on the rest of the field and despite changing positions a number of times on the run home this was the way they were to finish back at St Patrick’s primary school with Gary Bailey out sprinting last year’s winner Eddie Hanna finishing in 46 minutes 43 seconds.
Alwynne Shannon of Newcastle AC cruised home to a comfortable win in the ladies section in 55 minutes 03 seconds with the ever improving Charlene Haugh of Mourne Runners finishing second in 60 minutes 45 seconds narrowly holding off last year’s winner Anne Sanford of Newcastle AC who finished in 60 minutes 50 seconds.
The team prize was won by Mourne Runners with Andy Gregg taking the Master Trophy finishing well up the field in eighth overall. Andy was closely followed by Dominic McGreevy in eleventh place who claimed the male vet 50 category with a strong run. Next home in the veteran section was NIRMA Chairman Jim Patterson taking the vet 60 category in fourteenth.  Stewart Cunningham of Mourne finished 30th claiming the vet 55 category. The female vet 35 category was won by Alison Rankin of Springwell.
Ballymena Runners man, Mark Alexander finished well up the field in sixth overall.
 Full results can be found on the race website, www.glenariffmountainrace.co.uk and event photos can be found on the MRM Pictures website http://www.mrmpictures.com/.
 The club would like to thank their sponsors, Glens Of Antrim Potatoes, Lucozade Sport and St Patrick’s Primary school for the use of their facilities. The club would also like to thank Ambutran for providing paramedic cover and all club members who helped out with the organisational duties on the day.

Ballymena Runners ex-pat, Willie Richmond completed the 250th race of his running career when he finished the 2008 Wrexham Half marathon. The race is known as the Village Bakery Half Marathon and attracted a large crowd on the day with well over five hundred runners taking part. The course was relatively flat winding along the country road on the outskirts of Wrexham and conditions were excellent for running on what wa a calm, bright and frosty day. Wiilie had the good fortune of recording a personal best for himself when he finished in 86 mins 46 secs in 115th overall.

Schools Cross Country Three of Ballymena Runners junior athletes were in action at both the Schools District and Ulster Cross Country Championships. Jack Neeson, Iain Hamill and Alistair Black all represent Ballymena Academy.First up for the boys was the District Championships at Coleraine. Jack Neeson was in action first in the boy’s intermediate category over a 4500m course. Jack had an excellent run in finishing second overall in 17 mins 33 secs just 5 secs behind the winner Pauric McLaughlin. This was good enough to see him qualify for the Ulster Schools Championships later in the month.Iain Hammill and Alistair Black were in the older Senior category and finished in 9th (24:42) and 12th respectively.Next up was the Ulster Schools Championships held at Mallusk Playing Fields. Jack was in action in the Intermediate section once again and finished in 25th spot from 115 runners in 17 minutes 12 secs. The winner was N Cullen of St Michael’s Enniskillen in 15 mins 56 secs. Iain and Alistair were in the senior section once again and finished 40th and 63rd respectively.

This years Northern Ireland Senior Cross Country Championships saw a new course as they were hosted in the grounds adjacent to the Antrim Forum. The event was promoted by Antrim Borough Council and Athletics Ireland.The 7.5 mile course was fast and flat and included six laps over a 12 kilometre course. Whilst many disliked the new flat style course which is a long way from the traditional tough muddy course it was created with the new European style cross country courses in mind.The senior men’s race attracted an entry of 75 runners on the day with two Ballymena Runners taking part. Neil Douglas was the first Ballymena man home finishing in 26th overall in 41 mins 40 secs. Also competing was Ray Curran finishing in 56th in 44 mins 52 secs. Overall winner and also retaining his title from last year was Willowfield’s Brian Campbell who finished in 38 mins 6 secs.Brigid Quinn was in action in the women’s race finishing her shorter course in 28 mins 36 secs. Kerry Harty of Newcastle won the ladies title in 21 mins 25 secs.With all three Ballymena Runners poised well in the Northern Ireland Veterans League all had to make the effort to turn out on the day to ensure they retained their high standings in the league.

Last Saturday saw a change of venue for the Northern Ireland and Ulster Junior Cross Country Championships when Derry played host to the promotion. Organised and promoted by Athletics Northern Ireland and Ulster Athletics the Championships switched from their usual venue at Castle Park, Bangor to Gransha Hospital Grounds, Derry.The promotion also includes the N.I. and Ulster Veteran championships in which Ballymena Runners had three members taking part, with one out in the ladies Champs. Conditions on the day remained dry for the racing although the going underfoot was quite heavy in places however the course itself was almost entirely flat.As is the norm, the veterans race produced the largest entry of the day when almost one hundred runners making up the field. Ballymena had three out in this race with Neil Douglas, Ray Curran and Rodney Livingstone all in action.
The vet’s race was over eight kilometres on a four lap course and Neil Douglas was the first home for the Ballymena club when a sprint finish saw him overtake two North Belfast runners to squeeze into the top ten when he finished ninth overall. Neil finished in 28 mins 48 secs and seventy in his age group. Ray Curran was next in 30th overall with a time of 31 mins 9 secs. Ray picked up a third place in his age group for his efforts. The third and final man home was Rodney Livingstone in 60th spot in 34 mins 21 secs.Overall winner of the vets race was North Belfast harrier David Morwood who finished in 27 mins 15 secs with Letterkenny’s Pauric McKinney second and Paul Carroll third. The team race was a close affair with Letterkenny taking top honours by one point from North Belfast Harriers as a result of Neil Douglas’ sprint finish.Next race up was the ladies vets’ race with a field of 33 runners that included Ballymena’s Brigid Quinn. Brigid won her age group once again when she finished 29th overall in 21 mins 11 secs.Ballymena Runners had no-one racing in the main event of the day the Junior Championships which saw Stephen Duncan of Omagh harriers take top honours with Owen Carlton of Abbey AC second and Ballymena and Antrim man Jarlath Falls third. The team prize went to Omagh Harriers.

Moira Cross Country

The previous weekend Ballymena had two out at the Lisburn AC cross country promotion held in Moira Demesne. James Turtle and Rodney Livingstone where the Ballymena pair in action. James was the first of the pair to finish in 19th overall in 23 mins 53 secs. Rodney finished in 32nd spot in 25 mins 2 secs.
Overall winner was Brian Campbell of Willowfield in 20 mins 18 secs.

Athletics Northern Ireland staged a successful International Cross Country meeting recently when they staged the 31st annual Belfast International Cross Country races at Stormont Estate sponsored by Mizuno. Ballymena Runners had the opportunity to sample the International racing with five members in action on the day with two competing in the actual International races themselves.

However the plans for the blue riband event was thrown into turmoil in the days preceding the event when an unanticipated snowstorm produced chaos in the Province. Certainly if this had occurred 24 hours later, travel arrangements and safety considerations would have come into play and ensured the cancellation of this annual sporting showpiece. Luckily conditions improved sufficiently on the day to ensure a classic slush and mud combination at the picturesque Stormont venue – ideal for cross-country purists.

With a total of seven races featuring during the day, the fifth race of the afternoon was the male vets race. Ballymena Runners had three out in what was the biggest entry of the day with around seventy runners competing. Conditions were atrocious with many sections of the course now knee deep in water and slush.
Neil Douglas was the first Ballymena man home finishing in tenth overall in 28 mins 56 secs over a 7400m course. Ray Curran was next in in 22nd overall in 31 mins 16 secs with Robin Alexander finishing in 41 mins 21 secs. Overall winner was David Morwood of North Belfast Harriers in 27 mins 17 secs.

Brigid Quinn was next in action when she found herself competing in the ladies International race when the ladies vets race was amalgamated with the main race. Brigid competed over a 5600m course and finished in 32 mins 40 secs.

In the final and main race of the day, Nicholas Rooke was the only Ballymena Runner in action as he toed the line with some of the world’s top cross country runners. Nicholas completed the 9000 metre course in 38 mins 14 secs finishing 42nd overall. Was the World 5000 metres bronze medallist Moses Kipsiro from Uganda retained the men's elite crown in the Men’s event. Kipsiro pipped 2006 winner Barnabas Cosgei of Kenya in a thrilling finish.  England's Mike Skinner ran a fine race to get fourth while local St Malachy's man Gary Murray sealed a top 10 finish.

England's Haley Yelling won the women's elite race with Cathy Butler from Scotland in second and Mary Margaret Meade the best Irish runner in 13th.

The race is now in its twelfth year and has become one of the most popular races on the Northern Ireland Athletics calendar both with local runners and those from further a field. It is staged in the picturesque setting of Glenariff Forest Park and takes a variety of forest paths over a five and a half mile course, including the infamous hill and steps sections. The club were delighted to have Mobile Choice Retail of Ballymena on board for the second year as the main race sponsor with Powerade and Northern Bank Finance centre also contributing with Michelin Tyre Company PLC Sponsoring the ‘Queen of the Glens’ perpetual trophy. The favourable weather conditions probably resulted in the high entry with the rain staying away and mild temperatures throughout the day.

The race itself starts with a short road section before taking the mile long descent to the bottom of the Glen passing the stunning waterfalls at Laragh Lodge. From there it takes in a step hill climb with a short switchback section before climbing to the south face of the Glen via the steps section. Once on the top side of the Glen the course follows an undulating route for the last three miles passing the lone piper before returning to the finish at the visitor centre car park.

Previous three time winner and course record holder, Ballymena and Antrim Athlete, Jarlath Falls was the main pre race favourite and was in no mood to give up his ‘King of the Glen’; title. Jarlath cruised home in style with over a minute and a half to spare over second place man Matthew Wilson of Willowfield. Jarlath took to the front of the field in the early stages with club mate Gareth Hill in second spot and Wilson lying third. It looked like a Ballymena and Antrim one two until Hill was caught in the closing mile by Wilson and had to settle for third overall. Jarlath completed the course just twelve seconds outside his course record from last year finishing in 32 mins 35 secs with Wilson second in 34 mins 9 secs and Hill third 34 mins 16 secs.

In the ladies section Ann Paul who had won the race four times previously was in similar mood as she too had a comfortable win finishing almost three minutes ahead of nearest rival Karen Alexander of Sperrin Harriers. Ann finished in 38 mins 34 secs.

Despite being heavily committed to the race organisation the host club were able to field eleven runners on the day. The first to show for Ballymena Runners was Jonny Steede. Jonny finished eighth overall in 36 mins 48 secs. Close behind Jonny was Mark Alexander just one place down in ninth in 37 mins 8 secs. Next home was Noel Connor, 38th, 40 mins 17 secs, Rodney Livingstone, 48th, 41 mins 29 secs, Colin Hoey, 51st, 41 mins 45 secs, Richard weir, 81st, 44 mins 46 secs, Peter Fleming, 102nd, 46 mins 33 secs, Sandy McDermott, 117th, 47 mins 40 secs, Jim Moore, 138th, 49 mins 17 secs, Sarah Hewson, 162nd, 51 mins 17 secs and Brigid Quinn 177th, 53 mins 48 secs.

In the team placing Ballymena and Antrim took tip honours with Larne in second spot and the host club in third.

The club would like to thank the race sponsors; Mobile Choice Retail, Ballymena, Michelin Tyre Company PLC, Powerade and Northern bank Business Centre, Ballymena for their support. They would also like to thank Raynet, Ambutran Paramedics, The Piper, Mark Osmer, and Gordon Lennox for compiling the Computerised results and Glenariff Team rooms for providing the facility for post race refreshments.

Full computerised results of the race can be found on the race website at www.raceovertheglens.co.uk where there are also links to the club’s other two races the Glenariff Mountain race and the Ballymena ECOS 5 mile road race later in the year. Race day pictures can also be accessed from the race site.

Results and Photos

The annual Turkey Trot race is hosted by Belfast Association of Rock Climbers and Fell Runners (BARF) and held in the Mournes area. The route starts from Trassey Car park in the Mournes and follows a route talking in Slieve Bernagh and Meelmore. Continuing on  to descend down the Happy Valley to the Ulster Way. Then returns via the Ulster way to the Trassey Track, and to the finish. The route is approximately five and a half miles long and includes a total of 1500 feet of climbing.

Mark and Jonny were amongst the 78 runners on show on the day where conditions were dull and windy which brought in considerable windchill despite the mild temperatures. The pair performed well to claim a top ten finish when they came home in 5th and 6th spot respectively with only one second separating the pair finishing in 50 mins 21 secs.

The winner was Matt Williamson from Scottish club, Bellahouston RR in a time of 47:46 and the first lady was Fiona Maxwell of Mourne Runners in 53:08.

Next up for the Ballymena Pair only three days later was the Castlewellan Christmas Cracker. The event which was hosted by Newcastle AC attracted a large crowd with around 180 runners on the day.

The event which runs from Castlewellan Forest Park takes in a variety of terrain and competitors pair up to run as a team over an eleven mile course. The Ballymena pair once again took a top ten finish when they came home in seventh overall. They finished in 68 mins 14 secs with the winners Brendan Teer and Deon McNeilly finishing in 62 mins 29 secs.

The Joe Seeley Cup race hosted by Willowfield Harriers and the Northern Ireland Athletics Federation took in a three-lap course in and around Ormeau Park and embankment. The runners not only faced driving rain and gale-force winds but also had to contend with areas of flooding along the course so it was inevitable there would be no record breaking times on the day.

Ballymena had seven out on the day, the bad weather reflecting the low club turn out. The club success of the day went to the ever-present Brigid Quinn. Brigid finished in 49 mins 58 secs in 304th and took the gold medal in her age category.

In the men’s stakes Neil Douglas was the first Ballymena man home finishing in 32 mins 58 secs seeing him placed 19th overall and fourth in the MV35 category. Next in was Ray Curran in 37 mins 50 secs in 77th overall. Ray had to settle for silver in his age category with Foyle Valley’s Sammy McAnaney taking first in his age group. Rodney Livingstone was next in 39 mins 48 secs in 119th. Rodney was followed by Noel Connor, 127th 40 mins 22 secs, Peter Fleming, 228th, 45 mins 13 secs and David McDonald, 267th, 47 mins 56 secs.

Overall winner was Gareth Turnbull of St Malachy’s in 31 mins 12 secs. The ladies title went to Kerry Harty of Newcastle, who finished in 35 mins 33 secs.

Ballymena Runners pair Neil Douglas and Ray Curran continued their recent good form when they came away with a double win at the recent Malcolm Cup cross-country races. Neil winning the veterans outright and Ray winning his age category.

Annadale Striders hosted the Malcolm Cup event at Sixmilewater Park in Ballyclare, which was the second time in the season the venue, has been used for a cross-country event. It remained dry but cold on the day with heavy going areas along the river section of the course.

With no open runners on show for the club, all the Ballymena contingent were taking part in the veterans race over a three-mile, three lap course. Fresh after his appearance at the International Masters race the previous weekend, Neil Douglas showed fine form to come away as the overall winner of the vet’s race finishing in 16 mins 39 secs. Ray Curran was the next Ballymena man home finishing in 11th overall in the veteran stakes in 17 mins 58 secs, a time good enough to see him take a deserved first spot in his age category. Also in action in his first cross country race of the season was Rodney Livingstone. Rodney finished in 31st overall in 19 mins 41 secs. 

Overall winner of the open race was Brian Campbell of Willowfield over a four-mile course in 21 mins 25 secs.

Runners man William Richmond is showing no sign of letting up on his hectic racing schedule after completing his one hundredth race in two years last month. Willie was in action again at the Preston 10 mile road race. The race was a two-lap affair over a mainly flat rural course. Willie finished in 1 hour 7 mins 40 secs in 89the overall. There were almost 400 runners competing.

Long distance man Roy white was also competing over the road in the last few weeks taking in two races in Scotland.

First up for Roy was the Jedburgh Half Marathon in the Scottish Borders area. The race attracted a large entry of 550 runners on the day and Roy finished in 371st spot in 1 hour 55 mins 30 secs.

Next up at the other end of the country in the Scottish Highlands was the Fraserburgh half marathon. There Roy finished in 1 hour 56 mins where a smaller entry of 120 runners took part. This was Roy’s 15th Half marathon of the year and his 97th in total. Roy has called an end to his racing for the year but will resume again in the new year when he will attempt to reach the milestone of one hundred half marathons which should be achieved at the Stranraer Half Marathon event in March. Roy has already completed 113 full distance marathons and is attempting to even the balance out by equalling this tally with his half marathon tally.

Ballymena Runners Neil Douglas was delighted with his first appearance in an International vest when he helped one of the Northern Ireland teams win silver at last weekends Cross Country International at Stormont, Belfast.

Neil was among the three Ballymena Runners members selected to represent Northern Ireland at the British and Irish Masters Cross Country International with Ray Curran and Brigid Quinn also in action.

The races include teams from England, Scotland, N Ireland Wales and the Republic of Ireland. The actual race was over an eight kilometre course in the grounds of Stormont and conditions on the day turned out to be horrendous with low temperatures and driving rain for the duration.

Brigid Quinn was first in action over a shorter six kilometre course which also included the male vet 65 class. Brigid finished in 32 mins 19 secs. Unfortunately with no other athletes from Brigid’s age category available from N Ireland they were not able to feature in the overall team standings.

Next up was Ray Curran; Ray was competing in the M50-64 race which was held over the full eight kilometre distance. Ray had a good run finishing as third man in the Northern Ireland team. Ray finished in 31 mins 57 secs. Ray’s efforts however were not enough to lift the much favoured team to a medal position as they finished with the wooden spoon in their category.

The last race of the day included the M35-M45 categories again over an eight kilometre course. This was the race that Neil Douglas featured in having been selected for the MV35 category. Neil pulled out all the stops to put in a great performance which saw him finish as third man home for the Northern Ireland team. Neil finished in 29 mins 13 secs behind fellow team members Paul Carroll 28:46 and David Morwood 28:05 who was also fourth overall. With four to count for the team positions with Mark Wright 29:36, the fourth man home the team had done enough to secure silver behind Ireland.

Ballymena based runners Gregory Walsh (North Belfast Harriers) and Ballymena and Antrim’s Ian Barrett also picked up medals as the fifth and sixth men home respectively.

Ballymena Runners had a good turn out at their recent Annual General meeting with an eighty per cent attendance on the night.

Club Chairman, Stephen Armstrong got the proceedings underway when he thanked all present for attending on the night. Stephen commented on the success of the club’s three race promotions, commending the efforts of all members who assisted on race days. He also congratulated Neil Douglas and Jonny Steede on earning their first International vests. Stephen also thanked club secretary, Robert McGaughey for his service to the club over the past fourteen years and commended him on the dedication which he gave to his post. In closing the chairman wished all members good health and a successful year in the forthcoming season.

Secretary Robert McGaughey addressed the group next and once again commented on the success of the club races and all the help received from club members. He welcomed all the new members into the club and wished then all well in the forthcoming season. Robert then went on to announce that e would be standing down entirely from the secretary’s post this year. Robert expressed his gratitude in dealing with club members over the years and stated that he had more than enjoyed his time in office. Club Treasurer Brendan O’Boyle then presented the club accounts to the meeting before proceedings moved on to the official elections.

The first post of Club Chairman was straight forward with Stephen Armstrong continuing in office for a fourth term after re-election. The position of Club Secretary had been pre empted and Tom Mills volunteered to take the secretary’s post. Brendan O’Boyle was re-elected as treasurer and the Committee was named as all the office bearers plus Brigid Quinn, Neil Ramsey, Ray Curran, Mark Alexander and Rodney Livingstone.

Race Directors remained the same with Robert McGaughey and Stephen Armstrong presiding over the Race over the Glens and Ballymena Five and Mark Alexander and Brendan O’Boyle looking after the Glenariff fell race. Stephen Armstrong also remained as webmaster, press officer and club kit man.

Towards the end of the meeting the annual club prizes were presented. James Turtle won the Athlete of the Year award, with Sandy McDermott winning the Club person of the Year prize. The Age Grading was also won by Ray Curran with Neil Douglas second and Brigid Quinn third.

The honour of the night however was left to Robert McGaughey, who, for his commitment to the club over the years was presented with a life membership certificate from Chairman Stephen Armstrong. The presentation of the award was warmly appreciated by all club members who wholeheartedly agreed that it could not have gone to a more deserving recipient.

The meeting was closed with the club encouraged by the excellent turn out and hoped the forthcoming season would be a successful one.

The races were Sixmilewater Park in the town over a five mile five lap course. Conditions, although relatively mild were a little heavier going that the previous three weeks with some heavy muddy section alongside the river section of the course.

Ballymena Runners had five members out on the day with Brigid Quinn, Martin Emans, Noel Connor, Stephen Armstrong and Robin Alexander all in action.

Brigid was the first to run in the earlier ladies race over a three mile course where 25 ladies of all ages were competing. Brigid completed the course in 24 mins 38 secs and once again took first spot in her age category.

Next up the men were in action in the main event which was the McConnell Shield. The race attracted a large crowd with over one hundred runners taking part. First home for the club in his second race in two week was Martin Emans. Martin finished in 33rd overall in 30 mins 39 secs, over a course which was slightly over the five mile mark. Next home was Noel Connor, putting in a good performance in his second cross country race to finish in 32 mins 5 secs in 47th overall. Noel was followed by Stephen Armstrong in his fourth race in four weeks, disappointed with his 33 mins 16 secs finishing time over the five miles in 57th. Robin Alexander was the final man from the Ballymena group to finish in 84th spot in 37 mins exactly.

Overall winner was Brain Campbell of Willowfield in 26 mins 46 secs, repeating his victory from the previous weekend at Pegasus’ Cross Country promotion.

The promotion ran over the whole day with junior races in the morning and early afternoon before the main adult races mid afternoon. For the third successive week conditions were excellent for cross country with mild temperatures and the going underfoot relatively firm. The course itself was a mixture of playing fields and woodland sections with a short sharp climb on each lap.

Ballymena Runners had seven members out on the day with two members; Noel Connor and Robin Alexander making their debuts in cross country racing.

First in action in the ladies race was Brigid Quinn. Brigid, who has been selected for the forthcoming cross country International, was using the race in her build up to the event in two weeks time. The ladies race was over a 5.5km course and Brigid finished in

Next up was the main event of the day which was the Marcus McMains Memorial race which was over an 8000m course and included both the male open and vet categories. Neil Douglas led the Ballymena Challenge and finished well up the field in sixth overall in 26 mins 27 secs. Next home was Martin Emans who finished in 9th spot in 29 mins 18 secs with Vet Ray Curran close behind in 14th in 29 mins 20 secs. Ray also won his age group prize. Stephen Armstrong followed in 29 mins 52 secs in 26th spot. Next in and running in his first cross country race was Noel Connor. Noel finished in 30 mins 27 secs in 32nd spot. The final member of the Ballymena group, also competing in his first cross race, was Robin Alexander who finished in 54th in 34 mins 51 secs.

The vet’s team of Ray Curran, Stephen Armstrong and Noel Connor finished well enough up the field to take home first spot in the team honours.

Overall winner was Brian Campbell of Willowfield.

The long distance race is a popular fixture for runners from the North and this year saw Ballymena Runners take their largest group in recent years to compete in the 26.2 -mile event.

First home for the Ballymena club was James Turtle as he recorded a personal best for the distance. James finished in below the bench mark three hour barrier completed the 26.2-miles in 2 hours 58 mins 12 secs (chip time 2:57:36) in 197th overall. James was followed by Tom Mills in 3 hours 7 mins 17 secs (CT 3:07:02), 338th. Colin Hoey had some sibling rivalry to contend with when his brother Stephen, beat him to the line by just 42 secs, Colin crossing the line in 3 hours 13 mins 53 secs (CT 3:13:32) finishing in 491st overall. Next home was Rodney Livingstone finishing in 620th overall in 3 hours 17mins 42 secs (CT 3:17:42). Stephen Brown was next in 3 hours 44 mins 38 secs (CT 3:44:25) in 1867th followed by Jim Moore 3836th, in 4 hours 12 mins 8 secs (CT 4:09:55). Jimmy Galbraith, who had been feeling unwell before the event made a determined effort to get round and finished in over six hours.

 It was a Russian double win again this year as last years winners Aleskey Sokolv and Alina Ivanova took the men’s and ladies titles in 2 hours 9 mins 7 secs and 2 hours 29 mins 20 secs respectively

Please note that the times quoted above are the official race times, however as the electronic chip timing system was used ‘line to line’ times of each runner may be slightly less.

Brigid Quinn was also in action on the roads when she was the only Ballymena Runners member at the Armagh Ten Mile Road race recently. Brigid clocked 1 hour 26 mins 22 secs in 260th spot only one week after her Berlin Marathon appearance!

Robin Alexander notched up another half marathon appearance when he took part in the Cardiff Half Marathon recently. Robin was amongst the six thousand runners who took part in the event in the Welsh Capital where he notched up a personal best for the distance to finish in 1 hour 36 mins 56 mins.

Three Ballymena Runners members earned themselves International vests last weekend when they all achieved automatic selections places at the Comber Cup Cross Country Races. Neil Douglas, Ray Curran and Brigid Quinn all made successful appearances at the event which marked the start of the Northern Ireland Cross Country season.

The Ballydrain Harriers promotion was held on an excellent course at the Billy Neill Soccer Playing fields between Dundonald and Comber. Conditions for the race were excellent on the day, with the rain staying away for the duration and the going underfoot relatively firm. The promotion is a major date on the veteran’s Calendar as it encompasses the Northern Ireland Veteran’s trials for the annual British and Irish Masters Cross Country International in November.

Ballymena Runners had five members in total out on the day with four in the veteran’s races and one in the supporting open race. First in action for the club was Brigid Quinn who was in action in the women’s 5k event also included the male junior and male veteran’s over 65 races. The race itself  took in a three lap course around the playing fields. Brigid finished the course in 24 mins 49 secs to claim first in her age group and earn herself automatic International selection.

Next up was the main Comber Cup race which comprised all the male veteran age categories from 35 up to the male vet 60 category. This was the largest race of the day with around seventy five athletes taking part. The event was the longest of the day, being staged over a five mile course, which took in one short lap and four longer laps.

First to show for the Ballymena Club was Neil Douglas. With the inclusion of the new male vet 35 category to the races Neil was hoping to earn his first International vest by gaining selection on the day. With automatic team selection going to the first four in each age category Neil knew he would have a hard task on his hands depending on who toed the start line on the day, not least from ex club mate Gregory Walsh now representing North Belfast Harriers.

It was déjà vu for the Ballymena pair as for almost the entire duration of the race they ran shoulder to shoulder amongst the top ten runners with neither showing any signs of faltering. However as they approached the last two hundred meters Gregory made a decisive break to edge clear of Neil as they approached the finish line with only two seconds and one place splitting the pair at the finish. Gregory finished seventh in 27 mins 33 secs and Neil eight in 27 mins 35 secs. As a result the pair finished third and fourth in their age category and as such both should make the International team.

Slightly further down the field was Ray Curran. Ray was aiming for selection once again having represented Northern Ireland many times at the International event. Ray proved to be in great form and finished third in his age category completing the course in 30 mins 4 secs and 23rd overall. Another International appearance secured for Ray. Stephen Armstrong was next home finishing in 31 mins 53 secs in 41st spot. Stephen was tenth in his age category.

The overall winner was Steven Cairns of Annadale who finished in 25 mins 52 secs.

The last race of the day which was the Open race was held over a 6. 5 mile distance and Martin Emans was the only Ballymena in action. A relatively small field was on show with only 21 runners competing. Martin finished in 23 mins 37 secs in 15th overall. The winner was Brain Campbell of Willowfield in 20 mins 39 secs.

Although the race is competitive there is an element of fun involved with the event as can be seen from its alternative title. One of the rules of the race is that all entrants must wear black and white clothing, black and white body paint and cow suits (yes, COW suits!) of any colour are also acceptable! Many of the entry were seen in cow suits and sporting udders!

Despite the dismal wet conditions on the day the event proved popular when 250 runners tackled the 13.1-mile event in what was only it’s second year. The Letterkenny race started in Kimacrenan Town just outside Letterkenny itself and finished in Downings by the seaside.

First home for the club was Chris Magill, continuing his usual rivalry with Sandy McDermott. Chris came out on tops this time finishing in 1 hour 37 mins 2 secs in 47th overall. Sandy was only one place down in 1 hour 37 mins 17 secs. Next home was Jimmy Galbraith finishing 81st in 1 hour 54 mins 30 secs, followed by Roy White, 82nd in 1 hour 54 mins 45 secs and Dave McDonald 116th in 2 hours 45 secs.

The overall winner was Pauric McKinney of Letterkenny AC in 75 mins 21 secs.

The race attracted well over 40,000 runners and was held in optimal weather conditions. The race route was lined with thousands of spectators, which saw the runners run through the streets of Berlin passing famous landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate.

Mabel and Brigid completed the course alongside each other and crossed the line at the same time of 4 hours 31 mins 32 secs, finishing in 3764th spot overall. Paddy finished in 5 hours 7 mins 28 secs.

The race saw Ethiopian runner Hailie Gebrselassie break the World Marathon record finishing in an amazing time of 2 hours 4 mins 26 secs for the 26.2-mile distance.

North Down Borough Council in conjunction with North Down AC promoted the 10k road event in the seaside town, which started at Bangor Town hall, Castle Park Grounds and was held in near perfect conditions. With some top cash prizes on offer over 300 runners entered the popular event.

At the head of the Ballymena group was Martin Emans who finished 34th overall in 35 mins 37 secs. Next home and proving he is in great form for his Dublin marathon appearance next month was James Turtle. James put in a personal best time of 36 mins 21 secs to finish 44th overall. This was the first time James had dipped below the 37-minute mark. Next home was Ray Curran who finished in37 mins 12 secs in 54th spot. Another Dublin Marathon entrant Rodney Livingstone was next and he also recorded a personal best finishing in 37 mins 59 secs in 63rd overall. Also competing after his Dublin Half marathon appearance last week was Rodney Agnew. Rodney also recorded a personal best finishing in 41 mins 36 secs in 114th overall.

The overall winner was Joe McAllister in 30 mins 58 secs with Kevin Seamore second in 31mins 6 secs and Paul Rowan third in 31 mins 11 secs. Pauline Curley of Tullamore Harriers won the ladies race in 34 mins 54 secs.

Three members were in action at the UK’s largest road race recently when they competed in the 2007 BUPA Great North Run. The race, which is even larger than the London Marathon attracts the interest of elite, club and fun runners alike with thousands of pounds being raised for charity. The event’s popularity is highlighted by the large entry of over 50,000 athletes on the day with many others disappointed being unable to gain entry through the race ballot system.

Neil Douglas travelled across to the event in Newcastle where he was joined by fellow club members, Nicholas Rooke, currently studying at Durham University and Willie Richmond, who is working in the North West. Conditions for competitors were excellent for the 13.1-mile event, which started in Newcastle and finished at South Shields.

With the massive entry the start line can be heavily congested with some runners taking ten to fifteen minutes to cross the start line after the starters gun. Nicholas was lucky enough to get a championship entry and be placed in the Elite pen at the start, giving him the opportunity to get into his stride almost immediately. Nicholas led the group of three until the closing stages when Neil Douglas had made up ground on the student and passed him in the final twenty metres before the finish line. Neil finished in 76 mins 12 secs to finish well up the overall standing in 121st spot. Nicholas crossed the line another twelve seconds adrift in 76 mins 24 secs in 125th spot. Willie Richmond finished in 96 mins 8 secs in 1528th place.

The men’s race was won by Stevie Cunningham of Mourne Runners in 34 minutes and 52 seconds with Ann Paul of City of Derry winning the women’s race in 42 minutes and 48 seconds.

Rodney is obviously getting to grips with his training as he bettered his previous time by almost two minutes to record a personal best of 1 hour 33 mins 58 secs for the 13.1 mile distance.

The race was won by Perez Tejera Ayoze of Santa Criz in 69 mins 59 secs. Top local finisher was Gary Crossan in 70 mins 55 secs. The ladies race was won by Pauline Curley of Offaly in 77 mins 27 secs.

The North West proved a happy hunting ground for Ballymena Runners when four members from a group of six came away with silver ware from the Springwell Forest 10K. None were more pleased than Neil Douglas who was the top man on the day winning the race outright.

The event was promoted by Pegasus AC and was sponsored by Bells Conservatories of Portstewart. Conditions on the day were ideal for the off road trail race which was held in Springwell Forest between Coleraine and Limavady. There was an entry of around seventy runners for the race which had six Ballymena club members amongst the start list.

Neil Douglas was straight to the head of the field from the starter’s gun with local rival Matt Wray of neighbouring club Ballymena and Antrim. The pair produced a cat and mouse affair throughout the race with Neil making a decisive break with one and a half kilometres to go and was rewarded with the race win finishing in 34 mins 50 secs with Matt just ten seconds adrift in second spot. Next home was Ballymena Runner’s Nicholas Rooke who took third in 36 mins 18 secs. Ray Curran was next home for the club when he had another age category win finishing in eight overall in 38 mins 7 secs. Jimmy Galbraith was next narrowly missing out on a category win in his age group having to settle for second spot finishing in 48 mins 30s secs in 47th overall. Sarah Hewson was next in 51st spot with 49 mins 50 secs and Brigid Quinn completed the Ballymena group with yet another age win crossing the line in 51 mins 28 secs in 53rd spot.

All in all a very successful day for the club with one overall and two age category wins at the well organised event.

Two hundred and forty teams of two took part in this year’s Mourne Mountain Marathon. The two day navigation and endurance event was sponsored by Lowe Alpine and Jackson Sports and this year started from Spelga Dam. The race involves competitors working in teams of two and have to be completely self-sufficient for the two days in all aspects of hill walking including food, camping gear, navigation and safety. Each day the teams ar presented with a course of varying numbers of control markers, identified by six figure map grid references. They must visit each control point in the prescribed order but may chose their own route between each marker. Only fresh water, toilets and rubbish disposal are provided at the overnight camp.A large number of competitors came from outside Northern Ireland and they dominated the results across all four classes.

There were four different classes available to compete in on the weekend with the three Ballymena men teaming up with North Belfast Harrier Jim McCormick to enter the ‘C’ class. This was the largest entry on the day with well over one hundred two man/woman teams starting out. The ‘C’ class involved making 9 check points over a 19km course on day one with ten points to make over 16km on the Sunday and final day.

Brendan and Jonny had teamed up and had originally thought they were the only ones in their class with Mark and Jim having first entered the lower ‘D’ class event. On the first day and oblivious to Brendan and Jonny. Mark and Jim were progressing well and finished high up the field in 5th overall at the end of play in 3 hours 44 mins 35 secs. Jonny and Brendan finished further down in 26th spot in 4 hours 35 mins 18secs. By the start of the second day Brendan and Jonny had realised the other pair were now competing in their class and put in a better challenge. Mark and Jim bettered their day one efforts to finish third on the day in 3 hours 1 min 11 secs and claim fifth spot over the two days (6hrs 45 mins 46 secs) Brendan and Jonny finished day two in 8th overall in 3 hours 11 mins 35 secs and 15th (7hrs 46 mins 53 secs) over the two days. An excellent effort from the four who are still relative newcomers to mountain navigation racing.

In the Elite section Pudsey & Bramley AC pair clocked nine hours and one minute for the 36 mile course which involved 7,000 feet of climb, to win by 10.46 from Jon Aylward and Dave Wilby, also from Leeds. Billy Reed (East Antrim Harriers) and Gerry Kingston (BARF) were the top local team finishing in third place in 10.11.04.

Jimmy joined the thousands of people who took part in the 25th Annual Elvis Presley International 5k Run benefiting United Cerebral Palsy of the Mid-South. Over 3000 entrants from around the world took part which started and finished on Elvis Presley Boulevard.

Jimmy enjoyed some success at the race when he took third spot in his age category finishing in 22 mins 34 secs. Rumours that Jimmy completed the race in a White Jump suit with Blue Suede Shoes are unfounded!!

The Glens of Antrim based club had originally scheduled the event for April however fixture clashes with the London Marathon and the Titanic 10k forced a change to this later date in September. The race was held in the Parkmore section of Glenariff forest Park which is on the opposite side of the road from the main Forest Park. All on forest trails, the race route followed a two lap course through the forest.

Whilst the hosting and organisation on the day was impressive the club suffered from a poor turn out of only 32 runners on the day. This was probably due to another fixture clash with the Dungannon 10 k and Mourne Two Day Mountain Marathon both taking place on the same day.

Ballymena Runners had two members out on the day with Rodney Agnew and Robin Alexander taking part. In his first appearance in Ballymena colours Rodney was the first of the two to finish in 46 mins 57 secs in 8th overall and Robin finished in 17th in 50 mins 44 secs.

The overall winner was a former Ballymena Runner, Gregory Walsh now representing North Belfast Harriers in 37 mins 26 secs. Gillian Wasson of Springwell won the ladies prize in 47 mins 4 secs.

Ballymena had three runners on show at the Northern Ireland Veterans five mile road race in Ormeau Park last week. Neil Douglas, Martin Emans and Brigid Quinn were all in action at the midweek race hosted by the veterans association.

The race was held on Wednesday night in what were ideal conditions over a two lap course which took in Ormeau Park and the Ormeau Embankment.

Neil Douglas led the three home when he picked up his second prize in four days when he won the male Vet35 category on the night. Neil finished in the top ten in seventh overall with a time of 26 mins 41 secs. Neil was followed by Martin Emans who finished 14th overall in 28 mins 34 secs. Brigid Quinn found herself in the prizes once again when she won her age category in the ladies section.

The overall winner on the night was Paul Rowan of Willowfield in 25 mins 34 secs.  Pauline Thom of Ballymena and Antrim won the ladies prize in 32 mins 56 secs.

Ballymena Runners wheelchair athlete Darrell Erwin continued his love affair with the Longford Marathon when he won the wheelchair section last month for the sixth time in a row.

The 6th Annual Kane’s Travel Longford Marathon & Half Marathon took place on last month with over 800 athletes registering to take part in the race which took place in ideal weather in Longford, Roscommon and Leitrim. The race course itself is a flat 1-lap course taking the runners through the counties of Longford, Roscommon and Leitrim in the case of the full marathon and through the counties of Longford and Roscommon in the case of the half marathon.

Darrell was well clear of second place man and regular foe in the event, Jerry Forde. Darrell covered the 26.2 mile distance in 3 hours 6 mins 13 secs well outside his course record time at the race of 2 hours m32 mins 29 secs recorded in 2005.

The promotion also included a shorter half marathon race in which Ballymena Runners’ Roy White was competing. Roy finished in 1 hour 49 mins 20 secs in 142nd spot in a field of almost 400 runners.

Ballymena Runners enjoyed local racing last weekend when six of the club competed in the Run ’n’ The Bann 5K race. The Runners had the rare treat of a race close to home with the short race being staged in Portglenone.

The event was organised by the Gig’n the Bann Festival Committee and was part funded by the EU programme for peace and reconciliation. The race was in its second year with the entry up by one hundred per cent with around fifty runners taking part. The 3.1 mile route took in a fast and flat course starting on Ballynacombs Road following a riverside path and forest track alongside the River Bann before crossing the Bann Bridge and returning to the finish at the Portglenone Community Centre.

It proved to be a successful day for the club with no less than four Ballymena Runners taking home prizes. Neil Douglas was the first Ballymena man home finishing in third spot overall in 16 mins 25 secs. Neil was followed by Ray Curran in action for the first time since late June. Ray finished in 18 mins 5 secs in 8th overall, good enough to see him take first spot in his age category. Another Runner who had been out of race action for some time, Eddie King followed Ray finishing in 18 mins 20 secs in 11th spot with Stephen Armstrong, another racing for the first time since June, next in 18 mins 43 secs in 14th spot. Despite racing the day before at the Waterside Half Marathon William Richmond was in action again and finished in 19 mins 54 secs in 18th overall. William being from the Portglenone/ Rasharkin area also went home pleased with the first local prize. The last Ballymena Runner to finish was Mabel McFaul in 36th spot overall in 25 mins 22 secs. Mabel also went home with first spot in her age category.

Overall winner was Paul Rowan of Willowfield in 15 mins 51 secs.

With the race cancelled last year due to route problems this year’s event saw a new course which started and finished at the Gransha Hospital Grounds on the Clooney Road.

Ballymena Runners had a great turn out for the event with eleven members in action and several recording personal bests over the distance.First home was James Turtle currently in training for the Dublin Marathon. James recorded a pb for himself when he finished in 80 mins 53 secs in 24th overall. Next was Stephen Brown, 120th, 94 mins 52 secs, Robin Alexander, 174th 1 hr 39 mins 39 secs, Willie Richmond, 202nd, 1 hr 41mins 28 secs, James Galbraith, 209th, 1 hr 42 mins 21 secs, Sandy McDermott, 212th, 1 hr 42 mins 32 secs, Jim Moore, 1 hr 42 mins 51 secs, Peter Fleming, 241st 1 hr 44 mins 24 secs, Roy White, 1 hr 49 mins 13 secs and David McDonald 1hr 56 mins 52 secs.

The race, hosted by North Belfast Harriers, is one of the largest 10k events on the Northern Ireland Road running fixture list and attracted a large entry of around 450 runners on what was a damp but clammy Sunday afternoon. The race started in the Short Strand Area of Belfast and took in a one a three quarter lap course, which took the runners over the Queen’s Bridge and along the Ormeau Embankment, Ormeau Bridges and towpaths before finishing opposite the Ozone centre on the banks of the Lagan River.

Neil and Gregory who was running unattached, a had a close battle throughout the race with Gregory just nose ahead until the half way point where Neil edged to the fore. From then on in Gregory ran just off Neil’s shoulder and made a decisive break with one kilometre to go. Unfortunately Neil couldn’t respond in the closing stages and finished a mere three seconds behind his former team mate, in 33 mins 24 secs taking ninth spot overall and third place in his age category. A good workout for the pair who are both targeting their first International vest later this year when they aim to compete in the veterans cross-country trials next month.

The next Ballymena man home showing good progression with his training was Martin Emans. Martin finished 22nd overall in 35 mins 55 secs. The remaining three club members all finished in close succession with Robin Alexander finishing at the head of the trio in 44 mins 23 secs in 156th spot with Sandy McDermott, 159th, 44 mins 33secs and Chris Magill, 161st, 44 mins 37 secs.

Overall winner was Paul Rowan of Willowfield in 31 mins 43 secs with Breege Connolly of North Belfast Harriers taking the ladies title in 37 mins 47 secs.

Ben Nevis stands at 4,406 feet as the highest mountain in the UK and despite the severity of the race around five hundred runners each year tackle the event which includes running to the summit before turning to descend all the way back to the start area. The climbing to the top can be tough with some sections only negotiable on all fours! However the descent can be equally demanding with the severe strain put on the runners legs for the prolonged downhill sections.

Race conditions were less than ideal for the off road event with wet, cool and blustery conditions at the base whilst conditions at the top were even worse with competitors forced to don waterproof gear to combat the driving rain and wind chill factor.

The group had competed at the event last year and all had hoped to better their finish times this year. Mark Alexander didn’t disappoint when he came home first from the bunch finishing in 1 hour 56 mins 30 in 71st overall. Mark took eight minute off his time from last year and was pleased to dip below the race benchmark of 2 hours, which is akin to dropping below the three-hour mark in a marathon. Jonny Steede was the next home taking a whopping 22 mins off last years time finishing just outside the two hours in 2 hrs 23 secs. Disappointing not to break the two hours, but happy with the remarkable improvement from last year. Jonny finished in 105th spot overall. Brendan O’Boyle was the final man to finish coming in 2hrs 51 mins. Unselfishly Brendan forfeited his own goals to accompany Jim McCormick of North Belfast Harriers who had travelled with the Ballymena trio. Jim had only recently returned from injury but was determined to complete the event having recorded 2 hrs 8 mins last year with the Ballymena men. Brendan stayed close to Jim throughout the race offering support, guidance and encouragement on the tougher sections of the race. The pair crossed the line together in 371st spot.

The race was held on a Friday night from the Bridge Centre in Killyleagh over a tough rural undulating course. Over one hundred runners were taking part.

Neil had been in the lead group when he was directed the wrong way on the County Down Village course causing him to lose valuable time and positions.

However Neil stuck to the task on hand and managed to salvage something from the race when he clawed himself back to fourth overall in 27 mins 2 secs a time which was to see him take a deserved first spot in the vets category.

Overall winner was Brendan McAteer of East Down in 25 mins 50 secs.

The annual race which was part of the Glenravel festival attracted a large crowd as usual with over 160 runners of all ages, shapes, sizes and standards taking part. The race started on the road from the Greenhills bar in Cargan before heading up the road climb to Tuftarney, dropping back down in to the Village and heading up to the top of Cargan Rock before descending to the finish line in the middle of the village. The recent wey weather  made conditions under foot quite slippy on the climbs and descents however the rain stayed away for the event itself.

As the race started on the first climb Mark Alexander emerged in the lead pack but had to wait until the final descent of Cargan Rock before making up some ground. Mark used all his mountain running experience to make a fast descent on the way to the finish overtaking the second place man to come runner up in behind winner Jonathan McCloy who finished in 15 mins 20 secs with Mark crossing the line in 15mins 40 secs. Next in for the Ballymena Runners was Jonny Steede who finished fifth overall in 16 mins 21 secs. Brendan O’Boyle, a former winner of the event, who had been participating in the Glenatahlon Cycle the previous day finished slightly further down. Robin Alexander was next home for the Runners in 38th spot with Brigid Quinn being pipped for the top ladies spot for the first time in the events history, settling for second spot in the lady vets category in 62nd overall.

In the final event of the weekend the action switched to off road when The Lurig Challenge was hosted in Cushendall as part of the Glens Festival. The local race gave Ballymena Runners mountain specialists Mark Alexander and Jonny Steede a chance to compete in their favourite discipline a little closer to home, the pair normally having to travel to the Mournes to compete in Mountain races.

Despite the severity of the race which takes in four miles and 1000 feet of climbing the race attracted a large crowd of seasoned runners and those looking for a challenge totalling 140. The race route starts in the main street, heading outwards from the Square. The route then heads along a farm track for about a mile and then climbs up the increasingly steeper North face of Lurigethan. The descent is by the same route, with quite steep short grass over the first section. Rain earlier in the day had made for some slippery conditions on the mountain although a s race time neared the rain cleared for the competing runners.

Mark was the first of the pair to finish having an excellent run to claim first spot in the vets category when he finished 7th overall in 32 mins 14 secs. Jonny managed 33 mins 43 secs and finished in 18th overall. Paul Blayney of north Belfast harriers took top honours in 30 mins 28 secs.

Last weekend was a busy one on the racing calendar with no less than three events for runners to compete in.

First up on the Friday night was the Sperrin Harriers Five mile Classic Road race. The race hosted by Sperrin Harriers was held in Cookstown, starting and finishing on the Loughry College campus in Cookstown. Ballymena Runners had eight taking part in the race which boasted over 160 runners for the evening event.

Leading the Ballymena men home was Martin Emans finishing well up the field in 28 mins 23 secs in 14th overall. Martin was followed by James Turtle, 17th, 29 mins 1 sec, Rodney Livingstone, 29th , 30 mins 31 secs, Noel Connor, 32nd, 30 mins 42 secs, Neil Ramsey, 41st 31 mins 32 secs, David Nicholson, 50th, 32 mins 16 secs, Brigid Quinn, 128th, 39 mins 10 secs and Mabel McFall, 133rd, 40 mins 13 secs.

Overall winner was Stephen Duncan of Omagh Harriers in 24 mins 42 secs with Karen Alexander of the host club winning the ladies title in 32 mins 18 secs.

The annual race in the North Antrim village takes in a tough, undulating course which starts in the village and follows a 13.1-mile route through neighbouring Stranocum and Mossside, before returning to the finish in the village once again. The event is held in memoriam of Kennedy Kane McArthur who originally came from the village and was the winner of the 1912 Olympic Marathon. There was also a shorter six mile race route on the day.

Despite being a low key event on the local running calendar the race is well supported by local spectators along it’s route and a large crowd is always guaranteed at the start and finish areas.

Ballymena Runners had eight members out on the day. James Turtle was the first of the eight to finish in 5th overall in 81 mins 46 secs. James was followed by Tom Mills, 10th 85:37, Colin Hoey, 1 hour 26 mins 27 secs. Davy Nicholson, 1hr 35 mins 49 secs, Jimmy Galbraith, 1 hr 42 mins 32 secs, on e of the club’s newest members. One of the club’s newest members,  Jim Moore got off to a good start when he recorded a personal best for himself finishing  in 1 hr 43 mins 14 secs, Brigid Quinn, 1 hr 51mins 49 secs and Mabel McFaul 1 hr 57 mins 45 secs.

The overall winner was Alan McCullough of Willowfield in 69 mins 19 secs.

The action continued in the North West when Springwell Runners promoted the Riada Five Mile Road race in Ballymoney. The race itself starts from the Joey Dunlop Leisure centre before heading towards the town and taking in a country loop before heading back to the Leisure Centre along the Dunloy Road.

The race which is always popular with the Ballymena Club attracted ten members amongst the 150 strong entry including Wheelchair athlete Darrell Erwin. Leading the Ballymena group home was Neil Douglas. Neil made a welcome return to racing after a long spell on the sidelines through injury. Neil finished well to come home in 5th spot overall and took third spot in the open category in 27 mins 6 secs. Also finishing in the top ten was Martin Emans who finished in 9th overall in 29 mins 1 sec. Darrell Erwin, the only wheelchair athlete on show used the race for training purposes to finish in 28 mins 2 secs. Rodney Livingstone was next, 24th, 30 mins 53 secs, followed by Robin Alexander 59th 35 mins 20 secs, James Galbraith, 65th, 36 mins 13 secs, Jim Moore, 36 mins 22 secs, Sarah Hewson, 84th, 38 mins 46 secs, Brigid Quinn, 99th 40 mins 36 secs and Mabel McFaul 41 mins 9 secs.

Overall winner was Ballymena and Antrim athlete Jarlath Falls in 25 mins 26 secs. The ladies prize was won by Karen Alexander of Sperrin Harriers in 32 mins 51 secs.

Ballymena Runners trio of Mark Alexander, Jonny Steede and Brendan O¿Boyle joined up with Jim McCormick and set themselves with a tough challenge when they tackled the recent Lowe Apline Mountain Marathon.

The group sponsored by Mobile Choice phone shop in Ballymena, travelled across to Scotland to the two day event and were amongst the 1100 plus competitors who were taking part in The Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon LAMM) which was the  second event of the planetFear Mountain Marathon Championships and is known as the connoisseur¿s mountain marathon for its track record in providing excellent areas, challenging courses and seamless organisation. It also provided some thrilling head-to-head racing and a few upsets.

The venue for this year¿s event was Glen Lochay, just a few miles north of Crianlarich near Stirling. As ever, the location was only revealed to competitors around 36 hours before the event. Competitors in the event are required to navigate their way around the countryside in teams of two over varying distances over two days.

Mark and Jim paired up and opted for the ¿B¿ course which took in 50 km with around 2,500m of climbing. The pair finished the gruelling challenge taking in 15 checkpoints in 14 hours 36 mins in 58th position from 100 teams. They covered just over 8 hours on the Saturday and over 6 hours on the Sunday.

With Brendan recently recovering from injury he and Jonny were forced to opt for the marginally shorter 45 km event with just over 2,100m of climbing. They finished in 118th from 156 teams and completed 12 checkpoints over two days in 13 hours 54 mins with just under 8 hours on the Saturday and 6 on the Sunday.

After comfortably winning the first race of the East Antrim Harriers Trail race series at Woodburn, Ballymena Runners Angela Faulkner found some competition in the second round when she was pipped to the post by Rachael Frew.

The second race of the series was held at Ballyboley forest on Shane¿s Hill on the road to Larne. The course was over an approximate four miles of the forest¿s trails and a crowd of 50 runners turned up on the night to compete.

Ironically Rachel Frew is currently training with the Ballymena Club whilst home from Edinburgh University and it was her who beat Angela to the finish line to take top honours in the ladies section. Rachael completed the course in 27 mins 50 secs in 20th place overall with Angela just two places down in 22nd in 28 mins 4 secs.

Colin Hoey was also in action once again and he finished in 27 mins 20 secs in 17th overall. The race winner was Ian Bailey in 22 mins 58 secs.

Race 3 of the series saw the action switch to a venue closer to home, namely Tardree Forest near Kells. There the course took in some 5.2 km with some tough up hill sections within the forest. Despite the thundery showers during the day the rain had cleared for the evening race but the course was heavy in places and still plagued by the dreaded midgies which seemed to come out in a feeding frenzy in the damp weather!

Club chairman Stephen Armstrong joined the usual pairing of Angela and Colin in this race and was the first of the three to finish in ninth overall in 21 mins 3 secs. Colin was close behind in 13th overall in 21 mins 33secs. Once again Angela went head to head with Rachel this time getting the upper hand over the short, sharp course. Angela finished in 14th overall in 21 mins 53 secs with Rachel 16th in 22 mins 43 secs. Ian Bailey once again won the race in 18 mins 27 secs

With Angela on two wins and a second place and Rachel on one win and one second the scene is set for a showdown in the final race of the series at Woodburn Forest in early July.

Chaos was the order of the day in round 8 of the popular Blue Lough Hill and Dale series when the weather turned the whole race results upside down in one fail swoop. The race was staged at Slieve Loughshannagh in the Mournes and almost 150 runners took to the mountains for the event.

Ballymena Runners were once again represented by the usual pairing of Mark Alexander and Jonny Steede. Since the series only requires competitors to record their best six results from eleven races the results could be disregarded for the overall standings. As race time approached the early evening mist that was hanging over the mountain tops slowly began to drop down the mountainside. At the pre-race briefing the runners were warned of the need to carry full safety gear, but it was obvious that some thought that they could beat the mountain, a decision that many were later to regret.

As the race began the lead runners led the main field off course in the misty conditions and as a result around thirty runners failed to finish the course. Mark managed to finish in 20th spot overall with Jonny finishing in 57th place.

Normal service was resumed the following week at race nine of the series ¿ Rocky, another ¿short¿ classification race talking in 1300 feet of climbing over an approximate 4 mile course. Once again down in the Mournes the Rocky race starts on the mountainside just at Leitrim Lodge and takes in Altnataggart, Pearse¿s Castle and Tournaman Rock before the final climb and descent of the eponymous Rocky back to the start. The weather was superb with beautiful sunshine and summer heat greeting the 136 runners who pitched up for the start.

Mark once again got the better of Jonny in this race and finished well up the field in 10th spot and winning his own age category. Mark finished in 36 mins 30 secs with Jonny twelfth in 37 mins 2 secs. The overall winner was Alan McKibbin of Newcastle in 34 mins 3 secs.

The road-racing calendar continued next with the Carrickfergus 10k Road race hosted by East Antrim Harriers. Wet and at times breezy conditions greeted the entrants for the coastal town race.

Ballymena Runners¿ sole entrant amongst the 100 strong entries was Colin Hoey. Colin who had been in action earlier in the week at the ECOS 5 completed the 6.2 mile route in 40 mins 38 secs in 24th spot overall. Colin was also 5th in his age category.

Ballymena Runners continued their love affair with the Stranraer Half Marathon when six members of the local club travelled this year to take part in the Dumfries and Galloway event. The event is popular with the club to which they have now been competing in for several consecutive years.

Drizzly conditions met the runners after their early morning ferry crossing but generally conditions for distance running were ideal. The Ballymena group were amongst the 200 odd runners who took part in the 13.1 mile event with well over 450 entrants involved in the well organised supporting shorter junior and fun run events during the day.

Chris Magill continued on his recent good form when he clocked yet another personal best for the half marathon distance. This is the third time this season Chris has reduced his time having run in the Larne, Omagh and Stranraer Half marathons so far. Chris finished in 1 hour 37 mins in 62nd spot overall and was delighted to take a well earned third spot in his age category. Next home was Sandy McDermott. Sandy finished in 1 hour 39 mins 53 secs, 69th overall and 5th spot in the same age category as Chris. Roy White followed in his second half marathon in a week having competed in another Scottish race the Dunfermline Half marathon. Roy finished in 1 hour 45 mins 24 secs in 90th overall.  David Strain was next, 1 hr 48min 39 secs in 99th followed by Jimmy Galbraith, 107th, 1hr 50mins 31 secs, Patrick Millar, 109th, 1hr 50 mins 39 secs and Brigid Quinn 123rd in 1 hr 54 mins 35 secs.

Local running club Ballymena Runners congratulated themselves after completing their last promotion of the year last week when they successfully hosted their Ballymena ECOS Five Mile Road Race. The event was their third promotion of the year and a large entry of 215 runners made up of locals and those from further a field took part in the race.

Once again this year¿s event enjoyed the support of Ballymena Borough Council and the club welcomed their cooperation in hosting the event, which was staged in the ECOS Millennium Park and Showgrounds area of the town. Also on board this year was Sportswear Company MIZUNO who provided a race support package including an impressive finish gantry and also spot prizes, which were randomly distributed amongst the finishers. The perpetual Team trophy was once again sponsored by Northern Bank Business centre and the Law Memorial Trophy was presented to the first Ballymena based competitor to finish. Every entrant to the race received a commemorative T-shirt with those who pre entered also receiving some Mizuno goodies as a thank-you for early entry.

Conditions on the night were ideal with overcast and slightly breezy conditions keeping temperatures down. The club were pleased with the turn out which was similar to last years entry with a vast range of running abilities on show. The race itself took the form of a two and a half lap course which saw competitors start on the ECOS entry road and making their way round the park paths before finishing in the main Showgrounds arena in front of the main stand. It also has the added bonus of being traffic free making it an ideal venue for a running event.

Last year¿s winner Ballymena and Antrim athlete Jarlath Falls expected to have a battle to retain his title when Annadale Strider¿s Paddy Hamilton entered on the night. His inclusion set the scene for the night with the Belfast man leading from the front right from the starter¿s gun. This left Falls to chase with another local runner Gregory Walsh close behind the front pair. This was the way they were to finish with Paddy crossing the line in 24 mins 51 secs, Jarlath second in 25 mins 22 secs, eight seconds faster than his winning time from last year and Gregory third in 26 mins 15 secs. Jarlath also received the Law Memorial Trophy being the first Ballymena based runner to cross the line.

With no Jill Shannon to defend her title this year the ladies race was left wide open. However the end result was a clear cut affair with Sharon Trimble of North Belfast Harriers never troubled in winning the ladies section in 30 mins 25 secs, a minute and a half clear of nearest rival Ballymena and Antrim athlete Pauline Thom in 31:57, with unattached runner Rachael Frew third home in 32 mins 25 secs.

Mizuno were happy to present the first three male and female runners to cross the line with sportswear vouchers to be redeemed in Style ¿n¿ Sport Ballymena.

Ballymena and Antrim retained their team trophy from last year and once again claimed the perpetual team trophy supplied by the Northern Bank Business Centre.

Ballymena Runners managed to field thirteen runners on the night after all the organisational duties had been taken care of and a few enjoyed personal successes of their own. First home for the host club recording a personal best for himself along the way was James Turtle. James finished well up the field in 18th overall in 28 mins 45 secs. Next two to finish were Martin Emans and Ray Curran. Martin managed to keep ahead of the fast finishing Ray in the closing stages, finishing in 25th spot in 29 mins 15 secs. Ray finished next in 26th only four seconds back in 29 mins 19 secs. Ray¿s efforts also saw him claim first place in his age category well over a minute ahead of his nearest rival. Noel Connor was next in in his first race since the London Marathon and finished in 40th overall in 30 mins 58 secs. Next in was the busy Colin Hoey who has been taking in quite a few races in recent weeks including the Belfast Marathon. Colin finished in 45th spot in 31 mins 21 secs. Stephen Brown followed in his first outing since the London Marathon finishing in 33 mins 18 secs in 62nd.  Robin Alexander clocked up a personal best for the distance when he finished in 34 mins 6 secs finishing 76th overall. Next in and also with a personal best was Chris Magill. Chris once again finished ahead of rival and brother-in law Sandy McDermott. Chris recorded 34 mins 12 secs for the distance finishing in 76th spot. Sandy finished almost a minute down in 35 mins 10 secs in 92nd spot. Brigid Quinn was next and she also won her own age category outright finishing in 39 mins 28 secs in 138th. Susanna Allen followed Brigid in 40 mins 32 secs in 148th and David McDonald finished in 40 mins 51 secs in 151st spot.

The club would like to thank the following for their help and support in hosting the popular event; Ballymena Borough Council, Deputy Mayor Maurice Mills, Showgrounds Staff, ECOS Centre Staff, Mark Wainwright of Mizuno Sportswear, Northern Bank Business Centre Ballymena, Ambutran Paramedics, PSNI Ballymena and all those club members who turned up to help out on the night with organisational duties.

Full results for the race can be found on the race website www.ballymenaecos5.co.uk and also on the club website www.ballymenarunners.co.uk and details of the club¿s next race at www.raceovertheglens.co.uk.

Roy White was on his travels once again when he was in Scotland competing in the Dunfermline half marathon. Having completed well over 110 full marathons Roy is aiming to strike a balance and bring his half marathon tally up to match his full distance races. Roy is currently around the 90 mark for completed hales and at present has set the goal of completing four in as many weeks. Roy finished in 1 hour 49 mins 35 secs in 265th spot in the event where 477 runners took part.

The club¿s two mountain runners Jonny Steede and Mark Alexander have also been in action recently at both the NIMRA Championships and the mid week Hill and Dale Series.

With Jonny opting for the easy option by spectating at the North West motorcycle races it was up to Mark to represent the club at round three of the NIMRA Championships. The race, known as the Annalong Horseshoe is one of the toughest of the Championships with a ¿long¿ classification taking in twelve miles with a total of 5000 feet of climbing throughout its course.

The race was held in overcast and cool conditions, which in conjunction with the recent bout of dry weather led to perfect running conditions. Some heavy rain the previous day had left certain areas greasy but the going was generally dry underfoot and led to winning times 7 minutes faster than last year. A record entry of 61 runners, started the race, with 60 finishers, one runner retiring injured at the first checkpoint.

Mark completed the tough course in 2 hours 55 mins 43 secs in 33rd place overall. Des Woods of Mourne Runners took top honours finishing in 2 hours 48 secs.

Next on the calendar was the Hill and Dale series. The ¿Monument Race¿ from Tollymore Mountain Centre was the seventh in the series held over a 4.8 mile course with almost 1000 feet of climb. The race route is over forest tracks, paths and rides ¿ a bit rougher in places than Castlewellan but with some very fast downhill sections as well.

Mark and Jonny were both in action at the event and as usual were vying for position during the race. Jonny was leading the pair when a tumble saw him land headfirst into a bog! Mark capitalised on Jonny¿s misfortune (rumours that Mark used Jonny as a springboard over the bog are totally unfounded!) and overtook the Galgorm man to finish in 14th overall in 33 mins 6 secs a result good enough to see him take first spot in his age category. Jonny recovered after his fall to claw back to 17th spot by the finish in 33 mins 17 secs. No doubt revenge will be imminent!

Overall winner was Alan McKibben of Newcastle in 29 mins exactly.

Maghera was next on the fixture list in what is a hectic time for racing. The tough race proved popular with over 180 runners taking part of which six were from Ballymena Runners.

James Turtle was competing for the first time after the Belfast marathon and finished first from the club in 37 mins 1 sec well up the field in 12th overall and 2nd in his respective age category. James was followed by Neil Ramsey 29th, 39:55, Chris Magill, slightly faster than four days previous at the Les Jones in 44:17 in 65th. Next in was Sandy McDermott 73rd, 45:23, Paddy Millar, 100th 47:41, Brigid Quinn once again in 130th in 50:27, exactly two minutes faster than her Les Jones appearance, Dave McDonald the newest member of the club 148th in 53:55 and Jimmy Galbraith 159th in 55:21.

Overall winner was Stephen Duncan of Omagh Harriers in 31:31, with Suzanne McCormick of Lagan Valley taking the ladies section in 38:14.

Next up on the calendar was the Les Jones Memorial 10K Race which took place on a Friday night in Belfast with 152 runners taking part. A slight change to the normal course saw the runners do only 2 laps of the Mary Peters Track at the start and finished with one and a quarter laps. In between was a mix of road, lagan towpath, Dub playing fields and the dreaded hill in Barnett¿s Demesne before finishing back at the Mary Peters track

Ballymena runners had three members amongst the entry with Ray Curran, Chris Magill and Brigid Quinn all taking part. Ray was the first of the three to finish in 22nd overall with a time of 38 mins 26 secs. Ray finished 4th in his own age category. Chris was next in 83rd overall in 45 mins 38 secs and fifth spot in his age category behind Ray. Brigid Quinn was back in action again after her Belfast Marathon appearance and finished in 52 mins 27 secs and also first spot in her age category.

St. Malachy's Kevin Seaward took the lead from the start, setting a fast pace and finishing in first place in a time of 31.53 minutes. He was followed by NI Cross-Country champion Brian Campbell of Willowfield and Jarlath Falls (Ballymena & Antrim) in 3rd place.

First lady over the line was Breege Connolly of North Belfast Harriers in a time of 36:51. Louise McClean of Beechmount Harriers claimed second place (37.37) followed by Newcastle's Martina Hawkins in 40mins.

Prizes were given out by Dame Mary Peters in the Les Jones Memorial Room.

Angela Faulkner laid the gauntlet down for all challengers in the East Antrim Harriers Trail race Series when she took top honours in the first race of the series at Woodburn Forest.

The mid week series kicked off at the Woodburn Forest course near Carrickfergus with a short sharp two and a half mile race which saw around sixty competitors taking part. This race was the shortest of the series.

Angela was a clear winner finishing in 18 mins 5 secs for the 4.5km route and almost a minute ahead of nearest challenger Paula McAllister who finished second in 19 mins exactly. This result gets Angela off to a super start in the series where hopefully she can stay on top throughout the four races.

Colin Hoey was the only other Ballymena Competitor taking part in the series and finished inn18th overall in 16 mins 59 secs. Iain Bailey won the race overall in 14:37.

The 2nd of the 4 race series takes place in Ballyboley forest on June 5th at 7.30pm

Ballymena Runners proudly boasted another International Vest when Jonny Steede was selected by the Mountain Running Association to represent Northern Ireland in the 2007 P&O Knockdhu International Mountain Race.

Jonny was happy to don the white and green of Northern Ireland when he was selected for the ¿B¿ team at the five nation event which also included Scotland, Wales Republic of Ireland and Isle of Man.

The race itself promoted was by Larne Athletic Club, on Knock Dhu mountain near Cairncastle, just north of Larne which was basked in glorious sunshine on the day with a little breeze and excellent visibility. This was the 15th year of the International event which has become an established fixture on the mountain running calendar.

Jonny was the third member of the Northern Ireland ¿B¿ team to finish and even finished ahead of some members of the ¿A¿ team. Jonny finished in 42 mins 31 secs in 32nd spot overall.

Also taking part was club member Colin Hoey. Colin was in action in the open race and finished in 67th overall in 49 mins 3 secs.

Six members of Ballymena Runners experienced some of the hottest conditions on record for the season when they took part in the 2007 Flora London Marathon.

This year¿s world famous event produced a record number of participants with well over 36, 000 runners taking part. Conditions, whilst excellent for the thousands of spectators lining the 26.2-mile route, were less than ideal for the runners with temperatures rising early in the morning and reaching 25 degrees Celsius by midday and radiated temperatures of 27 degrees recorded at the finish in the Mall. It was clear from even before the race that goals would need to be readjusted in order to combat the unseasonal heat. Stephen Armstrong, Stephen Brown, Noel Connor, Brigid Quinn and David Strain were all taking part in the main race with Darrell Erwin in the wheelchair section.

Club Chairman Stephen Armstrong, competing in his first marathon for six years was the first of the group to finish. Stephen started off steadily and was happy to reach the halfway point in just under 90 minutes, however as the race progressed and the heat began to dictate his pace the second half split was just under one hour and forty minutes. Stephen finished in 3 hours 9 mins 40 secs, 1530th overall and 310th in his age group.

 Next home and taking part in his first London Marathon was Noel Connor. Noel found the atmosphere in the capital amazing with cheering crowds throughout the whole marathon route. Noel clocked 92 mins for the first half and like Stephen found the second half very demanding in the heat taking one hour 50 minutes for the last 13 miles. Noel finished in 3 hours 23 mins 1 sec in 2799th overall and 340th in his respective age group.

David Strain was next and went through half way in 2 hours 7 mins, almost exactly on schedule for his target time of 4 hrs 15 mins. David recorded 2 hrs 26 mins for the second half giving him a finish time of 4 hours 33 mins 10 secs in 16838th overall and 967th in his age category.

The club¿s only lady runner at the event was Brigid Quinn. Brigid¿s half way time was recorded at 2 hour 11 mins with her second half 2 hours 33 mins. Brigid finished in 4 hours 44 mins 53 secs in 19803rd 4405th woman and well up in her age category finishing in 39th spot.

Darrell Erwin was also taking part in the wheelchair section in what was his second marathon in a week having competed at the Paris Wheelchair marathon the week previously. Unfortunately for Darrell his racing chair was damaged in transit on the flight to the event. Despite attempts to correct the problem the wheels on the chair were rubbing against the frame effectively acting as a brake. Undeterred Darrell started the race with the added hindrance caused by the damage and still completed the 26.2 mile distance. Darrell finished in 3 hours 17 mins 53 secs the 25th wheelchair competitor to finish.

Stephen Brown was left disappointed when a combination of heat exhaustion and a back injury left him with no option but to retire in the latter stages of the race. Stephen had gone through half way in a respectable 1 hour 50 mins but agonizingly had to stop at mile nineteen.

The men's race was won by Kenyan Martin Lel in a time of two hours, seven minutes and 41 seconds, while China's Chunxiu Zhou clocked two hours, 20 minutes and 38 seconds, the fastest time in the world for a woman this year.

Wheelchair athlete Darrell Erwin continued on his hectic marathon schedule when he competed at the 2007 Paris marathon last weekend. Darrell was amongst the 20 wheelchair athletes who took part in the event which had almost 30,000 athletes taking parting total.

Once again temperatures were higher than normal and Darrell finished in 2 hours 38 mins 12 secs to finish 14th in the wheelchair standings.

Darrell was set to compete in the London marathon only a week later.

Ballymena Runners top female runner, Angela Faulkner led the Ballymena group home when eight members of the club were in action at the Titanic Quarter 10k road race recently.

This was the first year the race had been held and has replaced the usual Laganside 10k which normally occupies this date on the local calendar. The recent good weather brought runners out in their droves with over five hundred competitors taking part in the inaugural event. The race itself as it¿s name suggest took part in the Ship yard area of Belfast and took in a new flat  course encompassing Queen's Road, Sydenham Road and Airport Road with the added bonus of closed roads. The only drawback were the unusually warm temperatures for the season.

Angela Faulkner was the first of the Ballymena contingent to finish coming home in 40 mins 55 secs finishing in second spot in her age category, seventh female overall and 63rd overall. Next in was William Richmond 43 mins 23 secs, Robin Alexander 45 mins 32 secs, 101st, 134th, Chris Magill, 46 mins 38 secs, 150th,  Sandy McDermott, 46 mins 56 secs, 161st, Roy White, 49 mins 38 secs, 201st, David strain, 50 mins 24 secs and Brigid Quinn, 50 mins 45 secs, 218th, both who competing in the London marathon.

It was obviously a good day for the club ladies with Brigid claiming first spot in her age category and Angela taking second spot in hers.

The men's race went to late entrant Jean Nyasenga of Burundi in 29:47, who won by over a minute from Simon Tonui. First local finisher was Paul Rowan (32:02) who saw off the challenge of Willowfield team-mates Alan McCullough and Dean Fisher to take third place.  In the Ladies race North Belfast¿s Jill Shannon (36:04) found herself on the receiving end of an in-form Cathy Mutwa (34:41) of Kenya who had just returned from Turkey where she finished 2nd in a Half Marathon run.

Paris Marathon

Wheelchair athlete Darrell Erwin continued on his hectic marathon schedule when he competed at the 2007 Paris marathon last weekend. Darrell was amongst the 20 wheelchair athletes who took part in the event which had almost 30,000 athletes taking parting total.

Once again temperatures were higher than normal and Darrell finished in 2 hours 38 mins 12 secs to finish 14th in the wheelchair standings.

Darrell was set to compete in the London marathon only a week later. Details of how Darrell fared next week.

2007 Flora London Marathon

Six members of the local club traveled to London last Sunday to compete in the world famous London Marathon.

Amongst the 30,000 plus competitors were Stephen Armstrong, Stephen Brown, Noel Connor, Brigid Quinn, David Strain and wheelchair athlete Darrell Erwin, who were all aiming to complete the grueling 26.2 mile event after their long winters training schedules. Full report next week.

There was certainly no time for joking on April Fools Day for Ballymena Runners Member Jonny Steede when he tackled the Failte Connemara International Ultra Marathon.

Jonny travelled to the West of Ireland for the weekend to Galway to take part in the Ultra distance race that has to be the ultimate test of endurance for any runner. The Connemarathon event, as it is named takes in three races on the day ¿ the Ultra (39.3 miles), a marathon (26.2 miles) and a half marathon (13.1 miles). Despite the severity of the races this years event attracted almost 3,000 competitors from 37 countries and is regularly over subscribed each year.

The Galgorm man was well prepared for the event with endless miles of training covered in the preceding winter months along with fellow club member Mark Alexander and another ex Ballymena man, Jim McCormick now running for North Belfast Harriers. Unfortunately for Mark illness struck in the week leading up to the race and due to the demands of the event he wisely decided to withdraw leaving Jonny and Jim the two local runners to tackle the event.

Temperatures and conditions were ideal with bright sunshine the order of the day. The Ultra marathon was the first of the three races to get underway and Jonny and Jim set out with ninety other hardy souls mad enough to tackle the distance. The pair had set themselves the goal of completing the 39 plus miles in and around the five and a half hour mark. At time which would have seen them record an average pace of eight minutes and 24 secs per mile.

Things began well for the pair as they cruised through the half marathon point in around 90 mins, a respectable time for the distance in itself. At the next check point having completed the full marathon distance they went through in 3hrs 15 mins. From there on was going to be the toughest part of the race, the final 13.1 miles.

The profile of the course was more than demanding in the Galway hills and the last three miles were to give no respite with climbing all the way to the finish line. The pair started as they finished crossing the line together with the exact same time, an amazing five hours one minute and twenty six seconds almost a half hour under their anticipated time! Their resulting pace for the 39.3 miles was 7 mins 39 secs per mile. The pair finished in joint seventh overall a remarkable achievement in a field littered with experienced Ultra Marathoners. The winner was Irishman Martin Rea in 4 hours 22 mins 1 sec.

The pair certainly deserve a well earned rest after their tremendous efforts, though somehow I doubt it will be too long before they take to the roads or hills again!

Ballymena Runners wheelchair athlete, Darrell Erwin continued on his gruelling marathon racing schedule when came away with a win at the Taunton Marathon in Somerset recently.

The Taunton event was one of the toughest Darrell has ever experienced being an extremely hilly course to the extent that Darrell¿s nearest rival opted to retire at half distance with the thoughts of another lap. Darrell however stuck with the task and completed the full 26.2-mile course winning the wheelchair section in 3 hours 12 mins 28 secs.

Darrell has set himself a hectic racing schedule this season having already completed the Larne half Marathon at the end of March and the Taunton Marathon. He has four more marathons lined up in the next two months, next on his schedule he aims to compete at Paris (14th April) with London (22nd April) a week later and then back home to Belfast on May Day with Cork lined up for early June.

Ballymena Runners’ Roy White was on his travels once again when he travelled to Scotland to take part in the Forthside Edinburgh Half marathon. Roy, with many marathons under his belt is currently concentrating on half distance races and has completed three in the last month. Roy was amongst the 6000 runners taking part in the event which finished and started in Leith just outside Edinburgh. Roy finished in 1 hour 47 mins 42 secs in 1236th overall.

The bright sunshine continued last weekend when Omagh Harriers staged their annual half marathon. The club also had the privilege of incorporating the Northern Ireland Half marathon Championships following the demise of the Waterside Half last September.

Ballymena Runners had a rather smaller turn out this week compared to the more local Larne event the previous week. Four members of the club travelled to the County Tyrone event which saw almost 600 runners taking part in the 13.1 mile road race and a similar entry taking part in the supporting four mile fun run and walks.

Tom Mills was the first Ballymena man home finishing in the top one hundred coming in in 84th spot overall with a finishing time of 88 mins and 1 sec. Next to finish in his second half marathon in a week was Chris Magill. Chris obviously wasn¿t affected by his efforts from last weekend when he managed to shave another few seconds off his personal best for the second consecutive week to finish in 1 hour 40 mins and 5 secs in 203rd overall. Chris also managed to get the better of old rival and brother in law Sandy McDermott finishing thirty places ahead of Sandy. Sandy was next in and finished in 1 hour 41 mins 56 secs in 230th spot. Peter Fleming was the final Ballymena man home finishing in 1 hour 53 mins 42 secs in 393rd.

Club Junior Mark Law also tasted success at the four mile support event. Mark won the race for the second year in a row when he came home first in 21 mins 5 secs, bettering his time from last year. Mark¿s younger sister Charlene was also in action and won her age group in 31 mins 40 secs.

The excellent conditions brought about a new course record when Michael O¿Connor of Galway City Harriers took top honours in 66 mins 29 secs with Stephen Duncan of host club second in 68 mins 21 secs with Dean Fisher of Willowfield third in 68 mins 24 secs.   First home for the Ladies was Rosie Ryan of the Bilboa Club in Limerick. Louise McClean (Beechmount) was second, with Anne Paul of City of Derry finishing in third place.

Ray Curran was also in action away from home recently when he travelled to England to take part in the British masters Cross Country Championships at Mansfield.

Ray wrapped up his winter season with a final cross country appearance at the championships held in Berry Hill Park, Mansfield where he was competing amongst the cream of Britain¿s Master athletes. Between the men¿s and ladies races there were around 400 athletes taking part throughout the various age categories.

With around 250 runners in the men¿s race Ray finished 108th overall in 30 mins 48 secs for the 8km race and 22nd in his age category.

Northern Ireland enjoyed some success at the championships when North Belfast won the team prize in the M35 and M50 categories.

Earlier in the week two members of the club were in action at the shorter Queen¿s 5K road race. Queen's University Athletics Club hosts the popular event which marks the start of evening road races for the season.

The race itself starts from the Physical Education Centre at Queen's beginning on the south bank of the River Lagan, taking in a loop of the River Lagan between the Ormeau and King¿s Bridges. The route is fast, flat and is accurately measured, offering competitors an excellent opportunity to set a fast time.

Rodney Livingstone and Robin Alexander were the two Ballymena men amongst the large entry of over five hundred runners taking part and both were competing in their first race of this distance. Rodney was the first of the pair to finish coming home in 8th overall in 18 mins 51 secs with Robin in 183rd in 20 mins 56 secs.

Top turn out in Sunshine

Top Last Saturday officially marked the start of British Summertime and the conditions at the Premier Power Larne Half Marathon certainly mirrored the change of season.

Bright sunshine was the order of the day at the event hosted by Larne AC and it certainly brought the runners out in force with a great entry of almost 400 competitors for the 13.1 mile road race. The East Antrim race started at Larne Leisure Centre and headed out of the town along the North Antrim Coast line passing through Drains Bay, Carfunnock and Ballygalley. From there the route takes a tough climb inland to Cairncastle before descending back to Ballygalley to trace itself back to the finish at the Leisure centre along the promenade.

The excellent conditions brought Ballymena Runners out in force with many using the race to gauge their spring marathon training programs with many aiming for the London and Belfast Marathons. No less than ten members of the local club were in action with Darrell Erwin also taking part in the Wheelchair section.

The notable success of the day for the club went to Ballymena¿s only lady runner, Angela Faulkner who pulled out all the stops and recorded a personal best for the distance winning  her age category  and was also second overall in the ladies¿ standings . Angela finished in 88 mins 32 secs in 61st spot overall. The race also saw the Ballymena club record four personal bests during the event.

First to show from Ballymena as the race headed along the coast road were James Turtle and Stephen Armstrong. James and Stephen were in close formation on the outward journey before James pulled away at the Cairncastle climb to edge ahead on the way home. James was to lead the Ballymena contingent home with a personal best for himself by finishing in 81 mins 24 secs in 21st overall. James was also fourth in his own age group. Stephen Armstrong finished next in 83 mins 39 secs in 35th overall with another personal best from Noel Connor next in 84 mins 45 secs in 41st spot.

Next in having completed the tough Glenariff Mountain race the week previously was Colin Hoey with a good performance finishing in 87 mins 18 secs in 54th place. Neil Ramsey was next in in 1 hr 34 mins 34 secs in 103rd followed by the club¿s newest recruit, Robin Alexander. Robin finished in 1 hr 39 mins 14 secs in 137th. Just over a minute behind Robin was Chris Magill who also recorded a personal best in 1 hr 40 mins 16 secs in 143rd. Jimmy Galbraith was next in 1 hr 43 mins 41 secs in 166th and Roy White 197th in 1 hr 48 mins 16 secs. Roy was adding another half marathon to his ever increasing tally having competed at the Balloch Half Marathon in Scotland two weeks previously.

Club wheelchair athlete Darrell Erwin finished the course made tougher by the Cairncastle climbing section in 82 mins 9 secs.

Rachel Frew from Edinburgh University, who has been training with the Ballymena club recently, was also in action at the event and finished in 1 hr 32 mins 59 secs, 89th overall, third open lady and fifth lady overall.

Overall winners were Brain Campbell of Willowfield in 68 mins 46 secs with the ladies title going to Angela Burns of North Belfast in 86 mins 57 secs. The team prize was won by Foyle Valley.

A welcome entrant at the Glenariff Mountain race was English runner Dave King. Dave is aiming to complete an amazing 80 races around the British Isles in one Year and in pursuit of his quest he took in  Ballymena Runner¿s Glenariff Mountain Race in Waterfoot. Dave is carrying out the mammoth task in support for the Hampshire Autistic Society and also to raise awareness of autism generally.

The Ballymena club were more than happy to make a club donation to Dave after he had successfully completed what had been one of his most demanding races to date.

Some of the most atrocious weather conditions of the spring so far couldn¿t stop Ballymena Runners Glenariff Mountain race promotion from attracting its largest entry so far.

This is the local running clubs second promotion of the year and the  is now in it¿s fifth year and was once again sponsored by North Antrim Food retailer, Glens Of Antrim Potatoes. This year saw over seventy runners take part in the tough event made even more demanding with the blustery and rainy conditions during the race. The entry was notably boosted by newly formed running club, Glens Runners who had ten members out on show over their local terrain.

With none of the previous winners on show for the race the title was up for grabs and set for a new name on the winner¿s trophy. The race started in Waterfoot and host club runner Jonnie Steede led the pack as they turned inland to travel along the riverside section. As they crossed the Glen Road the lead had changed hands with Mourne Runner Eddie Hanna forging ahead as they began the tough 1100 feet climb up the South face of the Glen with Jonnie now back in fourth spot. As they came back down off the mountain Mourne Runners trio of Hanna, Cunningham and Bailey had opened up a sizeable gap on the rest of the field and this was the way they were to finish back at the finish at St Patrick¿s primary school. Eddie Hanna finished in 47 mins 54 secs with Ballymena Runners highest finisher Jonnie Steede fourth in 49 mins 45 secs with Mark Alexander sixth in 50 mins 25 secs and Colin Hoey 28th in 56 mins 53 secs. Anne Sandford of Newcastle AC cruised home to a comfortable win in the ladies section in 57 mins 14 secs with second placed lady, Karen Alexander of Sperrin Harriers finishing in 60 mins 51 secs.

The team prize was won by Mourne Runners with Sean Hughes of Glens Runners taking the male vets prize finishing well up the field in ninth overall. Top local finisher was Glens Runner Stephen McKeegan who finished eight overall in 50 mins 54 secs.

Ballymena Runners would like to thank race sponsors Michael McKillop of Glens of Antrim Potatoes, Lucozade sports drinks, St Patrick¿s Primary School for the use of the facilities and all those club members who turned out on the day for marshalling duties. It was particulary welcoming to see Robert McGaughey out and about once again when he was present on the day to use his expertise in producing the computerised results.

The full set of results can be viewed on the official race website www.glenariffmountainrace.co.uk.

Ballymena Runners multi marathon man, Roy White continued to clock up his race tally when he travelled to Scotland recently to take part in an event. Roy is now focusing his attentions on half marathons had has completed well over eighty 13.1 mile events so far. Roy was amongst the 400 runners who took part in the Balloch to Clydebank half marathon where he finished in 1 hour 47 mins 52 secs to finish in 239th spot.

Bright sunshine was the order of the day when the spring road racing season got into action once again when Albertville Harriers hosted the Albertville Five mile road race last weekend.

The race held in the Duncrue Street Industrial estate in Belfast was basked in sunshine making for ideal conditions although some sections of the course experienced stiff winds. Ballymena Runners had six members out on the day all eager to get their road racing season off to a good start.

First home for the club was James Turtle. James did enough to sneak in under the thirty minute mark when he finished in 29 mins 58 secs in 41st. Next home was club chairman Stephen Armstrong in 30 mins 40 secs in 51st, closely followed by Noel Connor in 30 mins 58 secs in 55th. The only club woman on show at the event Angela Faulkner finished well up the ladies rankings when she came home as fourth lady in 32 mins 33 secs. Peter Fleming was next in and he performed well enough to record a personal best for himself dipping under the 35 minute mark finishing in 34 mins 35 secs in 87th. Jimmy Galbraith completed the Ballymena contingent when he finished in 37 mins 37  secs in 11th. There were 131 finishers in total.

Overall winner was Paul Rowan of Willowfield in 25 mins 25 secs with David Morwood of North Belfast Harriers second in 25 mins 30 secs. The ladies title was won by Mary Margaret Meade also of North Belfast in 29 mins 8 secs. Willowfield won the team race.

The previous weekend saw Northern Ireland Civil Service Athletic club wrap up the cross country season when they hosted the Civil Service Championships and open races in the grounds of Stormont Castle.

The local club had seven runners out in action on the day with five in the men¿s race and two in the ladies section. James McCann was the first Runner home when he placed 13th overall in 32 mins 11 secs. Next in, in what was the success of the day for the club was Ray Curran who claimed top spot in his age category by finishing 23rd overall in 33 mins 18 secs. Next was Martin Emans 28th, 34:02, James Turtle 30th, 34:07 and Willie Richmond 56th in 38:40. Overall winner was Aidan McGowan of St Malachy¿s in 29:55.

In the ladies race Brigid Quinn showed one of the club¿s newest members Sarah Hewson the ropes when she competed in her first cross country race for the club. The pair finished the ladies race in 15th and 16th spot respectively with the same time of 31:20. The ladies race was won by Suzanne McCormick of Lagan Valley in 24:59

Mark Law also enjoyed success earlier in the week when he competed in the Ulster Schools cross country Championships at Mallusk playing fields. Mark had progressed through the qualifying districts events to compete in the Ulster¿s amongst an entry of fifty runners in the senior section. Mark, representing North Eastern Institute of Further Education, Ballymena put in a good performance to come home in seventh overall to see him qualify for the Irish Schools Championships. These Championships will take place in Leinster on March 3rd.

A group of four runners from Ballymena travelled further afield than normal when they flew to Spain to take part in the Torremolinos Half Marathon recently. The race is very popular with runners from the UK and supposedly allows for a respite from the cold UK winter weather. However in the two days prior to the race the resort was experiencing heavy rain despite the warmer temperatures. Race day was a different matter as the rain cleared up and temperatures were pleasant in and around the mid teens.

Ray Curran, Martin Emans, Neil Douglas and Gregory Walsh had all intended competing on the day but due to injuries only Ray and Martin were able to race on the day with Gregory and Neil left to support the others from the road side.

The Half-Marathon starts in the centre of town, and takes in the full beach promenade. The course is therefore relatively flat in the first half, but involves some challenging climbs towards the end. This year's event was run in perfect conditions, with slightly overcast conditions at the start, but warming throughout the race to offer all the runners plenty of sunshine. There was also plenty of enthusiasm and support shown from many of the local residents and holiday makers alike. 

Martin was the first of the pair to show, well up the field which contained almost 800 runners. Martin finished 52nd overall with a time of 81 mins 57 secs. Ray finished just 13 places further down and narrowly missed out on a medal in his age category when he came fourth in the M50¿s with his time of 83 mins 57 secs, exactly two minutes down on Martin.

Overall winner was Kenyan runner Sang Silas in 61 mins 51 secs for the 13.1mile race distance.

Rodney Livingstone was Ballymena Runners only representative last weekend when he took part in the Northern Ireland Senior Cross Country Championships.

The event was once again at the usual venue of the University of Ulster playing fields in Coleraine over a tough and heavy going course. For a Northern Ireland championship event the turn out was very disappointing with less than forty in the ladies race and around sixty in the men¿s section.

Rodney competed in the men¿s event in what was a high quality field littered with Northern Ireland¿s top athletes. Rodney finished in 58th spot overall with a time of 47 mins 19 secs.

Overall winner was Brian Campbell from Willowfield in 36 mins 58 secs with Kelly Reid of City of Lisburn, taking the honours in the ladies race ahead of hot Favourite, Jill Shannon. Annadale won the men¿s team prize with Lisburn taking the ladies team prize.

Last weekend saw Ballymena Runners competing at the Northern Ireland > Junior , Intermediate and Veteran Cross Country Championships at their usual North Down venue of Castle Park in Bangor.

Conditions were heavy going over the multi lap course with the heavy rains during the week but for the actual races themselves the weather remained cold but fair despite some snow and sleet flurries during the course of the afternoon.

The local club had hoped to field two teams in the veteran¿s championships but a number of contributing factors meant only three members took part in the race with another two in the Junior section and one in the ladies event.

The Ballymena club¿s success of the day came in the Ladies race in which all the age categories were combined. The ever present Brigid Quinn was Ballymena¿s sole competitor in the ladies race and finished in 23 mins 7 secs to take first spot in her age category once again. Overall winner in the Ladies was Louise McClean of Beechmount Harriers in 17 mins 30 secs.

The first event of the day was the Veterans race over a five lap course which as usual produced the largest entry of the day with almost one hundred athletes taking part. First to show for the Ballymena club was Ray Curran. Ray a six time winner of the event in past years finished in the top third in 30 mins 32 secs in 32nd overall. Ray had to be content with second place in his age category behind old adversary, Matt Shields who finished in 28:07. Next home in almost a minute down on Ray was James Turtle. James finished in 44th overall in 31 mins 31 secs. The last Ballymena man to finish in the veteran was Rodney Livingstone in 65th in 33:55.

The Northern Ireland Veteran Cross Champion was David Morwood of North Belfast Harriers in 26:21 who was in the M35 category.

The final race of the day with a rather poor turn out was the open Junior event. Only 60 runners took part in the race with Ballymena having two in action. Jonny Steede and Mark Law were the competing two with Mark starting despite suffering from a cold before the race. Obviously the effects of his condition took their toll on Mark as he was forced to retire in the early stages of the race after a fast start. This left Jonny as the only Ballymena Runner to finish the race. Jonny finished the hotly contested six lap course in 25th spot in 40:41.

Overall winner and new N Ireland Junior Cross Country Champion was 17 year old Connor Flanagan of North Belfast Harriers in 36:28.

>Nicholas Rooke was the only Ballymena Runners member in action at the Lisburn AC cross country races last weekend. The Durham university student finished well up the field when he completed the four mile course in 22 mins 55 seconds claiming fourth spot in the progress. Overall winner was Stefan Schmid of St Malachy¿s.

Ballymena and Antrim Athlete >Jarlath Falls enjoyed local success once again when he won The Race over the Glens on New Years Day. Jarlath regained the title he had won two times previously with a record breaking win around the Glenariff race course.

The Ballymena Runners promotion, which was sponsored this year by Mobile Choice Retail and Michelin both of Ballymena and Powerade is now in it¿s twelfth year.  Being the first event on the Northern Ireland running calendar for the year the race regularly attracts a large entry and this year was no exception with 209 taking part on the day. Conditions were fairly miserable for all the athletes with blustery and heavy rain to contend with. However this didn¿t seem to dampen their enthusiasm as they tackled the five and a half mile trail race.

Jarlath made his intentions clear straight from the starter¿s gun when he led the field on the first downhill mile into the heart of the glen with club mates Gareth Hill, Ian Barrett, Gareth Arnott of Willowfield and Ballymena Runners lead man Nicholas Rooke in the chasing pack. By the time they had reached the upper far side of the glen Jarlath had established a slight lead and only opened this up further on the remaining sections of the course as they approached the finish at the visitor car park again.

Jarlath had a clear run home on the last half road mile of the course and crossed the line with a new course record of 32 mins 23 seconds, 57 seconds ahead of the course record set by Gregory Walsh last year. Jarlath was a comfortable winner by 71 seconds from second place man Gareth Hill (33:34) with Des Woods of Mourne Runners taking third in 34:02. Jarlath was presented the ¿King of the Glens¿ perpetual trophy kindly sponsored by Michelin.

In the ladies race another previous winner came to the fore once again and like Jarlath she was never troubled in her quest. City of Derry athlete Ann Paul completed the course in 38 mins 20 seconds with Fiona Maxwell of Mourne Runners a further three minutes down in second in 41:34 with local runner Michelle McKillop third home in 42:01.

 Despite their organisational duties the promoting club had enough runners spare who were lucky enough to take the opportunity to compete when thirteen of the club took part in the race itself. The club managed to get two runners in the top ten with Nicholas Rooke the top performer finishing in 8th spot in 36:55. Close behind was Jonny Steede in 9th in 37:10. They were followed by Mark Alexander 12th, 37:42, Ray Curran, 25th 39:34, James Turtle, 39:41, Noel Connor 35th, 40:02, Colin Hoey, 42:15, Richard Weir, 79th, 44:38, Chris Magill, 113th, 48:04, sandy McDermott, 117th, 48:27, James Galbraith, 147th, 50:23, Brigid Quinn, 166th, 53:09 and David Strain, 186th, 57:41.

Brigid Quinn won her age category with both Ray Curran and Jimmy Galbraith taking second in their respective categories.

Despite Ballymena and Antrim having four athletes finishing in the top ten, with six members to count it was left to local rivals Ballymena Runners and Larne AC to battle for the team honours. With the two clubs tied on 112 points at the finish unfortunately the Ballymena club had to concede to their rivals after the count back revealed the Larne club with the highest placed sixth man.

The day was given an extra boost when local radio station Seven FM hosted a live outside broadcast at the event sponsored by BT. Paul Dempster hosted the show with race commentary from Local athletics aficionado Dave McKibben and various interviews throughout the day from the host club members and competitors.

Also on the day race sponsor Paul Steede of Mobile Choice held a charity raffle in aid of The Northern Ireland Leukaemia Research Fund where some excellent prizes were up for grabs. Paul was pleased with the response when almost ¿2000 was raised for the charity.

The club would like to thank all those who turned up on the day to take part; race sponsors, Mobile Choice Retail, Michelin, Powerade, Raynet, Glenariff Tea Rooms, Forestry Commission, Ambutran, Brian McCrystal, Physiotherapist and Mark Osmer for his bagpiping solo on the final stages of the course as usual.

Two days previous to the Race over the Glens Four Ballymena Runners were in action at the >Castlewellan Christmas Cracker hosted by Newcastle AC.

Once again conditions were pretty grim on the day over the 11 mile course which started at Castlewellan Forest Park. The event itself is unique in the fact that runners team up in pairs to complete the off road course.

After teaming up with North Belfast Runner Glenn McKendry, Jonny Steede was the first Ballymena man to cross the line well up the field in sixth overall in 69:14. Next in was Colin Hoey who had teamed up with his brother Stephen to finish in 18th overall in 74:44. Next in were Mark Alexander and Angela Faulkner who finished in 21st spot in 75: 40. Mark and Angela were also rewarded with a third overall in the mixed team section.

Overall winners were brothers Alan and David McKibben in 64:43.

Ballymena Runners pair Mark Alexander and Jonny Steede made an attempt to run off the >Christmas excesses when they competed in the Annual Turkey Trot event on Boxing Day.

 Mark and Jonny, once again supported by Mobile Choice Retail when competing in mountain events, were among the crowd of around one hundred runners that took part in the festive event hosted by Newcastle AC. The start was from Castlewellan Football club and took in a 5.5 mile course in the Mourne area including Slieve Bernagh, Meelmore and sections of the Ulster Way with a total climb of 1500 feet.

Mark and Jonny finished well up the field and crossed the line together in joint 13th overall in 51 mins 55 secs. Overall winner was Steve Neil of England for the third successive year in 45:30 with Fiona Maxwell of Mourne Runners taking the ladies race in 56:18.