We’re all superheroes…
We’re all super heroes…
There is something magical about running in the rain and blustery conditions of the good old Irish weather. It always seems to take me back 10 or 15 years playing football around Mallusk playing fields (what…? alright, maybe 25+ years previously), 22 under 11 kids chasing a ball in the wind and the howling rain, after 60 minutes the chilblains setting into the hands and feet. Although this weather didn’t stop twenty six hardy souls braving the elements of our ‘fine’ winter weather, to take on the 2015 Seeley Cup hosted by Willowfield Harriers. Before I go straight into the report and results, we at Mallusk Harriers would like to thank Willowfield, for what was a perfectly great event, from the registration, pack pick-ups to the very strong, brave marshalls who encouraged and guided every runner on the day and not forgetting the after race refreshments. This just goes to show that some of the best races are those hosted by fellow clubs, to which we would like to remind all our club members to consider these races initially. Notably, a huge special thank you goes to Martin McCourt who captured the joy and excitement on all our little faces as we gently strolled around the park… that last point may not be completely truthful, well apart from Martin taking the snaps… Also in attendance offering amazing support and encouragement was the steadfast and honorary member of the Mallusk Harriers, Mags Mathieson. Also from the Mallusk Harriers out supporting, was Patrick McGuckin and his partner from North Belfast, Lynn McCullough. Other folk who braved the weather in supporting all the runners around the course (and also manages to pop up at nearly every event) was David O’Brien. The final thank you for the support of the club goes out to Colin Porter from Monkstown Spartans, apologies Colin, I almost didn’t recognise you in that sleeping bag…
First home in the Harriers vest was Patsy Hamill 39:51, Patsy was closely followed by Alex Davidson 41:23. Third home and with a new 10km PB was club junior Robbie Gould 41:47, a smashing run from the wee man… The next three home where Alan Ladd 43:07, Robert Gould with a new 10k PB in 43:34 also with a new 10k PB was Ciaran Skillen in a great time of 44:26.
The first of the Harriers’ ladies to cross the line was Naomi Lusty in a great time of 45:05, Naomi was tailed home by Gowain McKenna 47:41 and Dave Gibson 50:07. Next to cross the line was Catherine Boyd, although she was brought back down to earth with a bump, from the glorious weather that was left behind her from the Land of Oz (could have brought some sunshine back Cat…), Catherine crossed in 52:13. The next three members, Tom Wylie, Jennifer Butler and Jolene O’Donnell went stride for stride around the course in a great time of 52:13 and 52:14 for Jolene, the trio was closely followed by Louise Bond in 52:59, James Hewitt 53:08 and Laura Maguire in 53:13, with all the ladies recording new 10k PB’s… Hard work in training gives you PB’s, Simples… Next on the PB trail was Duncan Baxter, again the hard work Duncan has put into training starting to show, although no reason to take the foot off the gas over the winter, Duncan came home in 53:42. Also with a highly impressive run and almost two and half minutes off her previous 10k PB was Gillian Bainbridge, Gillian crossed in a great time of 53:48.
Yet again Mr Consistent, aka Ian Simpson notched up another 10k PB, absolutely smashing as Ian had been working late on a Friday evening into the early hours and again on an early start on a Saturday morning before making a quick start to Ormeau Park to record a great time of 56:44, Ian well chuffed for you matey…!! Ian had been chased home by the trio of Clare Teer, Noel Bloomfield and Gary Stitt all recording a time of 56:58. Just missing out on under an hour was the couple Mr & Mrs Skillen in time of 60:55, Leeanne chased Paul around the course like he had just purchased a new pair of trainers and the wages were short, but truth be told I secretly believe she was grateful of the company to get back on track with her running. The next two ladies returning home as the weather began to take hold and strengthen its grip, Anna Marie Barrington in a time of 63:40 and Natasha White who recorded a PB in 69:35, fantastic Natasha we all at the club are only too pleased to see the improvement shine through.
Not forgetting that Saturday is parkrun day, we did manage to get a few to get out and run and also volunteer around several events.
The travelling couple of Martin McCready and his partner Anne Smith from Magherafelt Harriers, continued to tour and found themselves at the St. Annes parkrun in east Dublin. Martin and Anne strolled home in time of 27:56.
At the Waterworks we had three happy Harriers completing, Danny Donaldson 19:16, Patrick McGuckin 27:07 and Tiffany McAllister with a new 5K PB in a time 29:58.
Over at Wallace Park Lisburn, Elaine Kennedy finished in a time of 26:50.
As it seems to be the norm on a Saturday, Antrim parkrun is favourable to some of our lady runners. First home was Deborah Ewing 24:41. Next to return was Tina Steele 26:05, Yvonne Thompson 27:35, Jennifer McCoppin 33:31 and Rosalind Stitt 36:39, smashing running ladies.
On home tuff at the Valley, Nuala Muldoon was the first of the five club members to return home in a time of 24:25. Next was Brendan McGeown, fresh from his gentle 26.2 miles around New York, Brendan completed in 24:32. Siobhan Dempsey tackled the tough course and the horrible conditions to capture herself a 5k PB in a time of 27:44, great running Siobhan… The final pair strolling around the course was that of Tom Wylie 29:18 and Noel Bloomfield 29:20.
Again apologies if any of our runners have been missed out in this week’s report, as I am sure someone may have been overlooked…
Safe running to you all, ‘pay it forward…’ and remember ‘Right to the Line…’
