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A mars a day…

Burning the candle at both ends is certainly something that comes to mind or even all work, rest and play without a Mars bar in sight, perhaps maybe all work and no, rest or play. Again apologies for the delay in delivering the club reports over the last few weeks… well here it goes, brief and hopefully to the point…

Parkruns for Saturday 14th May 2016:
Waterworks parkrun: Danny Donaldson 18:36, Patrick J Hamill 24:12, James Hewitt 25:36, Tiffany McAllister 30:02.
Belfast Victoria: Jennifer McCoppin 34:42, Rosalind Stitt 38:22, Kelly Bell 39:10
Ormeau: Martin McCready 23:18
Antrim: Robert Gould 21:39, Susan Thompson 22:09, Deborah Ewing 24:04, Tina Steele 25:39, Elaine Kennedy 25:39.
Carrickfergus: Catherine Boyd 24:37.
Valley: Neil Campbell 20:22, Alex Davidson 20:26. First lady Patricia Curistan 23:19, Brendan McGeown 23:37, Nuala Muldoon 24:06, Tom Wylie 24:40, Anna-Marie Barrington 27:01, Noel Bloomfield 27:01, Ben Davidson 28:24, Chloe Davidson 28:24, Darren Linton 32:58, Lorraine Forsythe 45:03
Colin Glen: Alan Ladd 20:54

On Thursday 19th May crazy mountain goat Michael McAuley took part in the H & D Loughshannagh (Race 6) and recorded an impressive time of 56:44.

Whilst on Friday 20th May, 15 of our folk travelled the short distance to Belfast Docks to take on the Albertville 4 mile road race: – Danny Donaldson 23:55, Alex Davidson 25:42, Robert Gould 28:15, Martin McCready 28:30, Sarah Dinsmore 32:06, Laura Rose 33:06, Elaine Kennedy 33:11, Jennifer Butler 33:26, Duncan Baxter 33:43, Ian Simpson & Clare Teer 37:14, Leeanne & Paul Skillen 38:29, Tiffany McAllister 38:54, Kelly Carlisle 40:04.

Also on Friday evening was the Runher 10k coastal event with Deborah Ewing leading the charge home in a time of 48:47, Catherine Boyd 50:26, Gillian Bainbridge 57:42, Fidelma McCoppin 66:39, Lauren Whitehouse 66:44, apologies for anyone I may have missed, a little difficult to decipher from the results page.
Parkruns for Saturday 21st May 2016:
Falls: Susan Thompson 22:34.
Antrim: Robbie Gould 21:24, Robert Gould 21:44, Elaine Kennedy 26:36
Armagh: Martin McCready 23:31
Valley: Alex Davidson 21:10, First Lady, Nuala Muldoon 24:11, Louise Keenan 26:54, Laura Rose 27:24, Paul Skillen 27:44, Chloe Davidson 28:20, Ben Davidson 28:45, Tom Wylie 29:09, Fidelma McCoppin 31:41, Ian Simpson 34:29, Jennifer McCoppin 34:50, Erin Teer 44:16, Clare Teer 44:17, Lorraine Forsythe 45:38.
Waterworks: Danny Donaldson 18:48, Patrick McGuckin 19:43, Patrick J Hamill 24:52, James Hewitt 25:10, Tiffany McAllister 31:06.

The second of the East Antrim Harriers Forest Trail Series took place in Tardree Forest on Tuesday with 11 of the Mallusk Harriers taking to the trail with club juniors leading the charge home with, Jason McCone 23:01, Robbie Gould 23:04, Susan Thompson 24:30, Deborah Ewing 26:25, Alan Kerr 28:00, Elaine Kennedy 28:21, Tina Steele 29:35, Dean Finlay 30:18, Gillian Bainbridge 31:04, Janet Grew 31:33, Carol Leckie 31:34.

Mid-week running on Wednesday 25th, allowed for 4 Harriers to travel to Banbridge for the Bann 10k with the old hand Jim Hewitt leading the way home with a time of 52:59, closely followed by Jennifer Butler 53:02, Elaine Kennedy 53:04 and Joanne Haddock 84:54.

Saturday the 28th May threw up a division in the Mallusk Harriers with some happy to take on the local parkruns, the Pure Running Belfast Hill 8.8k hosted by North Belfast Harriers and the Mayfair 10k hosted by Co. Antrim Harriers.

Valley park saw Alex Davidson return in overall third place and clock up a new PB for the course in a time of 20:10. Next over the line for the Harriers were Alex’s 2 youngsters, Ben returned 28:01 and Chloe in 28:12. The fourth Harrier home Tom Wylie, was providing a supporting role, for the first of the Run Newtownabbey graduates, Nikki Fleck 28:19. Smashing achievement Nikki very well done…!!

Up at the Antrim parkrun some PBs for the course were notched up by Robbie Gould 20:24, Robert Gould 21:05, Mark Hay 25:53, Julie Tully 29:25 & Dawn Dubois 39:24.
Whilst over at the Waterworks: Patrick Hamill 24:22, Bethany Finlay 26:15. New club member Neil McCready 27:28 and Gillian Bainbridge 28:18.

Meanwhile just up that wee hill from the waterworks, the Harriers had 3 mountain goats and Nuala taking part in the Belfast hills 8.8k mountain trail run and with some notable runs to boot. First over the line for the Harriers was Paddy ‘McGinty’s Goat’ McGuckin in a great 17th place finish in a time of 38:17. Patrick was closely followed home by Neil ‘The highlander’ Campbell also in an impressive 21st place and time of 39:43. Next over the line was the youngest of the 3 gents, Alan ‘The Kid’ Ladd in 25th place in 40:42. The final Harrier to cross the line was Nuala Muldoon in a smashing time of 45 mins and 4th lady overall. Smashing running by all…!!!

Up the road in Ballyclare we had 15 Harriers take part in the 10k race and 4 runners take part in the 5k road race hosted by Co. Antrim Harriers. I must start by commending the outstanding hospitality from the Co. Antrim Harriers, absolutely first class from start to finish. Personally I for one am in great favour in participating in club hosted races, the support today during the race was totally exceptional, shown in abundance today by CAH by all their members and the local community. A great course, a great tee-shirt, a great goodie bag, a medal, a fantastic spread (always a favourite of mine) and I haven’t even mentioned the marshals and support around the course. We would all have to travel a good distance to meet with great hospitality provided today, however I am sure we would like to live up to the expectation and to have your runners attend our very own club race on the 12th August. Top marks Co. Antrim Harriers…!!

So on to the running… First home in the 5 k run was Jennifer McCoppin in a new PB of 32:02, followed by Darcia Turner in 32:02, Rosalind Stitt 41:46 and Marion Harrison 42:09, smashing running ladies, keep ‘er lit… The first Harrier to break the tape in the 10k was Deborah Ewing in a great time 49:25, Noel Bloomfield 50:47, Louise Keenan 51:45, Catherine Boyd 51:43, Paul Skillen 51:44, Michael McFarlane 53:14, Elaine Kennedy 53:23, Janet Grew 53:38, Tina Steele 54:22, Jennifer Butler 54:42, Ian Simpson 59:37, Clare Teer 59:48, Leeanne Skillen 66:37, Kelly Carlisle 67:08, Duncan Baxter 67:08.

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…’

Weekly report part 2

On a blistering almost summers evening 5 runners travelled to Magherafelt for the Holy Family 5k race in aid to raise vital funds for Friends of the Cancer Centre, in lieu of the runners the club also had 4 members up offering our services volunteering, which received an mighty thank you from the Holy Family School. Alan Ladd returned home in 17th place in a great time of 19:34, Susan Thompson was at it again as she returned 5th lady home in a time of 21:53 and claimed to be feeling a little sluggish from a week of celebrating, heaven help us if she gets her act together, well done Susan. Deborah Ewing was next home in 24:10, next over the line was Jennifer Butler in a time of 24:42, Jen was followed closely home by Tina Steele in 25:12.

As Saturday rolled around and back to the smaller miles around the parkruns for many of the Harriers, there was always going to be one would push the boundaries, although not at the parkrun.

With four events taken on, we begin at the Valley course with Alex Davidson in overall 5th place in 20:43, Neil Campbell 21:30, Nuala Muldoon first lady in a time of 23:47, Deborah Ewing 25:36, Laura Rose 26:15, Noel Bloomfield 26:16, Sarah Dinsmore 26:17, Tina Steele 26:36, Ben Davidson 27:42, Chloe Davidson 28:40, Lauren Whitehouse 31:48, Margaret Mulgrave 36:23 and tail runner Lorraine Ann Forsythe 48:03.

Over at the Waterworks, no rest for the wicked as Mr Donaldson returned in 6th place 18:50, Patrick J Hamill 24:29, Jim Hewitt 24:40, Patrick McGuckin 24:49, Tiffany McAllister 32:16. Whilst at Belfast Victoria, three ladies Jennifer McCoppin 34:23, Marion Harrison 42:57 and Rosalind Stitt 42:58, well done ladies.

Up at the Ecos parkrun at Ballymena the club had one sole representative of Dawn Dubois completing the course in 40:25.

Then there was one crazy… not having enough of marathon running Michael McAuley took on the Annalong Horseshoe Mountain Race. We must say Michael put in a cracking shift for the course taking on the 5 peaks of Chimney, Commedagh, Cove, Lamagan and Binnian returning in 25th place in a time of 3hrs 8mins absolutely fantastic running sir…!!!

A last minute decision on Sunday, saw Martin McCready travel to take on a very tough course in weather that was scorchio by all accounts, in the Termoneeny 10k road race. However Martin did manage to put in a decent shift, returning in 48:50. Well done sir great to see the club vest getting an outing.

Final big shout out goes out to those folk from the Harriers that took up spots around the 26.2 miles of the Belfast marathon offering much needed support, water, sports drinks, bananas and even some friendly abuse. Those folk were Jim Hewitt, Carol Leckie, Hilary Faith, Patrick McGuckin, Joanne Haddock, Maeve O’Gorman, Dean Finlay, Martin McCourt, Barry Macaulay and the countless supporters howling ‘come on Mallusk Harriers’ a huge thank you from all at the club. Of course not forgetting our very own honorary lady at the line, who after spending over 12 hours on her feet travelled up to the club to hand deliver Ciaran’s finisher medal, Mags Mathieson. I am very sure I may miss out someone, for that I am truly sorry as for me there is nothing better than receiving great support from fellow runners during a Marathon.

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…’

Weekly report

It wasn’t exactly Cheltenham races on Bank Holiday Monday in Belfast, neither colts nor fillies in sight (there was plenty of other fancy dress out there), but the Mallusk Harriers ladies certainly had their hats on and took top honours with some absolutely smashing times at the 35th Belfast City Marathon; the lads also put in some quality times over the 26.2miles of the course, with Patsy ‘Batman’ Hamill or now known as ‘Batsy’ completing the course in full Batman outfit in 3hrs 30mins . Amongst the 25 members running the full marathon, there were also several relay teams running for Action on Hearing Loss and Meningitis Now, NI Hospice, Mencap and PIPS all extremely worthy charities. In addition to this I am very sure I am going to miss out on other club members who completed the relay for work or other charities, if by chance I do miss you out in this report I am sorry…!

First to enter Ormeau Park after completing the full 26.2miles for the Harriers was Danny Donaldson. Young Danny has been in fine form already capturing the club records for many distances from 5k up to Half Marathon. This being Danny’s first Marathon he certainly didn’t hold back and completed in fine fettle with a smashing time of 3hrs 13 mins, and now adds the club marathon time to his collection. Next to cross the line was Neil Campbell; Neil also notched himself up a PB in a great time of 3hrs 24mins. Neil was very closely followed home by Alan Ladd. Alan completed last year’s marathon after having to receive medical attention and had to take some time out before finishing the run. However no such episodes this year, Alan put in some great training this year and knocked 30+ mins off his time returning in 3hrs 25mins smashing running Alan!

Yep indeed – the first three past the post have been gents and I did say ladies took top honours… our fourth runner home claimed good for age for either London, New York, Boston or even Berlin. Entering her very first marathon Susan Thompson had an absolutely cracking race and first marathon and returned 3hrs 42mins, all at the club are extremely well proud for you Susan.
Back to the lads. Michael McAuley came across next in a time of 3hrs 50mins knocking 40mins off his previous years time claiming himself a new PB. The next lad to come home had a somewhat unplanned end to his marathon. Ciaran Skillen had been going great guns up until the 23 and half mile mark, many would say oops the dreaded wall, although this wasn’t to be as Ciaran had pushed himself to the limits and beyond and told me the minute he came off the Ormeau tow path he could not remember a single thing until crossing the line. Ciaran managed to get to the finish line and cross in a smashing time of 3hrs 54mins, however collapsed and had to seek medical attention. Thankfully St Johns medical staff were quick to react and got Ciaran off to hospital where he was later diagnosed with Rhabdomyolysis or in lay man’s terms his muscles had broken down and released nasty toxins into his blood which attacked his kidneys. I have been inundated with many well wishes from all at the club, family and friends from other running clubs wishing him a full and speedy recovery.

Next up was Brian McDonald completing his second marathon in as many weeks; Brian returned in a great time of 4hrs 3mins. Then there were more ladies. Notching up a PB was Elaine Kennedy with a time of 4hrs 8mins. Next home was Catherine Boyd also with a new personal best in 4hrs 10mins, Nuala Muldoon came across the line next in 4hrs 12mins completing the run for Action on Hearing Loss. The ladies had been followed home by two gents Martin McCready and Alan Kerr in 4hrs 14mins, the lads were closely followed by Louise Bond in 4hrs 16mins. The next runner over the line and running in his first marathon was the very youthful Noel Bloomfield with a great time of 4hrs 17mins (was that Dublin I hear your say?). Janet Grew was next over the line, 4 weeks prior Janet completed the Paris marathon for Meningitis Now. Again running Belfast Marathon for the charity, Janet grabbed herself a new PB in 4hrs 17mins a fantastic achievement for a very worthy beneficiary, it doesn’t stop there as she is geared up to tackle the Walled marathon.

Running his first marathon Darren Taggart with his cheese strings, oops sorry hamstrings playing havoc with 10 miles to go, he still returned in a great time 4hrs 19mins. After completing the Belfast marathon 28 years previously and said no chance would he ever do another, Mr Tom Wylie collected his aches and pains around 17 miles and returned to the finish in 4hrs 25mins. More ladies, Siobhan Dempsey running her first marathon had the opposite shouts of joy to that of Tom and many others and wanted to run the race again the very next day. Siobhan returned in a great time of 4hrs 36mins. Dave Gibson like many other gents in the club that day with dodgy knees came home in 4hrs 41mins and still managed a 5min PB, great stuff Dave.
The next two ladies over the line were Jolene O’Donnell, with a new PB, running under the banner of Mencap and Jessica Wilson under NI Children’s Hospice, in her first marathon, both ladies returned in 4hrs 48mins, great running girls and very well done.

If you think Darren Taggart’s hamstrings were bad, the word on the street is that Paul Skillen is still scouring the Whitewell Road for his knees with both his ITB giving way around mile 15, but sure in his own stupidity he shuffled and jogged to the finish accompanied by his oldest lad who was only meant to run the Antrim road leg of the relay for the PIPS charity and now wants to complete a full marathon, see the madness doesn’t fall far from the tree. The next three runners home completed the course stride for stride, Duncan Baxter, Kelly Nelson and Tiffany McAllister. A great testament to Duncan who had stuck with Kelly throughout her training and never once complained but took on the challenge and got right to the line, further to this Tiffany managed the majority of the training on her own, an extremely difficult task, it can become very easy to throw the towel in especially as this was the girls first marathon, but not a chance all three made home in 5hrs 51mins absolutely smashing stuff folks.

The club also had notable runners in relay teams in the marathon; first set home was the two ladies Deborah Ewing running the first three legs and Tina Steele running the next two legs in a great time of 4hrs 5mins. There was also the relay team of ‘The Illegal Eagles’ made up of Dean Finlay completing the first two legs, Leeanne Skillen the Antrim Road leg and Gillian Bainbridge completing the final two legs, with the team returning in 4hrs 25mins. The next relay team Barry’s Belles, made up of Joanne Haddock, Anna Marie Barrington, Karen Marsden and Ian Simpson came home in 4hrs 55mins.

A special mention to two other members running for Meningitis Now, Jim Grew and Benny McGeown, the lads were part of Team Snickers and completed in 3hrs 31mins, well done lads. Also a big shout out to our famous Jenny Butler who ran the London Marathon a week previously ran the first leg of the marathon for Action on Hearing Loss, well done Jen.

Phew… I am sure I missed out someone, sorry…
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…’