• On 5 Mar 2017
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Club Report: March 5th 2017

Mallusk Harriers Club Report: March 5th 2017.

Wednesday just past was the 1st March, the end of the metrological winter and as they say in these parts; the day the crows build their nests.

Spring is upon us and the Carlingford Half Marathon traditionally kicks off the official start of the half marathon season. However as with last week, it was a case of running or dancing in the rain.

• On 27 Feb 2017
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Club Report: February 27th 2017

Mallusk Harriers Club Report: February 27th 2017

To Dare Is To Do.

A rather arduous weekend for our dedicated Harriers, as they had to endure a deluge of rain and gales, as winter tightened its grip. In between the double act of storms’ Doris and Ewan, club members participated in local parkrun’s and other events across the country, with maybe a little trepidation. Although with several PBs around, others seemed to embrace the weather as a mind clearing therapy.

As most run to get out of the rain, Mallusk Harriers run to get out IN the rain, and the weekend just gone played out below.

Saturday February 25th 2017:

PARKRUN:

Antrim.

Robert Gould 21:30, showed his son Robbie 22:00, how it was done when the two of them battled it out at the Antrim parkrun.

Belfast Victoria:

A phenomenal Sub 20 Alex Davidson 18:47, was in no mood for hanging around at Victoria as he smashed another PB.

ECOS:

Elaine Kennedy 27:11, continues progressively, as she steadily tests herself coming back from injury.

Valley:

Patrick McGuckin 20:47, was our first Harrier home at the Valley in 20:47. A magnificent Patricia Curistan was 2nd for Mallusk and 2nd lady overall with a PB in 23:11. Ciaran Skillen arrived in the same time 23:11. Owen Fulton 23:56, Alan Ladd 24:43, Neil Campbell 25:17, Martin McCready 25:18, Neil McGlinchey 27:39, Ian Dinsmore 27:53.

Waterworks:

Sub 20 Danny Donaldson 19:32 was once more our first Harrier home at W/Works. Sharon McCavana next as 1st Mallusk lady 25:46. Neil McCready with a PB in 25:55. Patrick Hamil 26:47. Come rain or shine Tiffany Donaldson hits the parkrun’s and demolished her PB in 28:49. James Hewitt 30:39, Ryan McCready 31:32, Fiona Wylie 33:56, Jennifer McCoppin 33:58, David McCavana 34:10, Rosalind Stitt 34:19.

Stormont Cross Country:

A big Mallusk Harrier well done to the brave Duncan Baxter who tackled the weather and this cross country event in 45:05.

Completing the Primary boys was the valiant Jamie Irwin in 4:55.

In the Primary girl’s event, undaunted by the conditions were the keen spirited Erin Teer 6:09 and Maili Skillen 6:10.

Sunday February 26th 2017:

Castlewellan Born 2 Run:

With the persistent rain and the foreboding Mournes cloaking themselves in a silvery mist, the Born 2 run band wagon rolled into the Country Down country park of Castlewellan.

In the 5K Kelly Carlisle arrived 1st for Mallusk in 43:13 with Joanne Haddock next in 43:15.

For the 10K, Mallusk Harrier Mark Smith finished 10th in a time of 39:55 and David Mullan 56:51.

A wet and windy Carrickfergus was the setting for the East Antrim Marathon Series.

In the half marathon, Matt Allen was first home for Mallusk in a very impressive 1.44:15, with Joanne Milne next Harrier in 2.01:20 and sister Sharon Dunn shortly behind in 2.10:05, a great effort from the three of them in horrendous weather conditions.

However, without the rain, there wouldn’t be a rainbow….

The Insider.

Footnote: Resolution results only NOW being posted, Mallusk’s Jack McCready 27:03 and Patricia Kane 37:23 for the 5K. Jennifer McCoppin 1.13:24 for 10K.

• On 19 Feb 2017
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Club Report: 19th February 2017

Mallusk Harriers Club Report: 19th February 2017

While you were sleeping….

Every morning my alarm goes off. My body still aches from yesterday’s run. I’ve a long day ahead, but still I get up and run. Through the pain, self-doubt, the rain, or sleet and sometimes snow. Freezing temperatures, head winds, and up the hills; but the feeling of accomplishment after the run, can only be experienced to be understood, and knowing I’ve burnt more calories before sunrise, than most people do throughout the entire day.

Invigorate the soul….

One massive benefit of running can be stress relief. A long run, with others or on your own, can be a beneficial way to take your mind off the pressures of work and family life. It helps you relax. Getting your cardio out of the way first thing in the morning, gives you the feeling of being one step closer to your goals, and can help you stay in a positive mood for the rest of the day.

Saturday 18th February 2017:

parkrun:

Antrim:
The 3 regular Mallusk Harriers, continued good form, with Deborah Ewing 1st 26:23, and close behind Tina Steele 26:42 with Elaine Kennedy a second behind in 26:43.

Carrick:
Michael McFarlane smashed a PB at Carrick and first for Mallusk in 25:32, followed by Marie McFarlane 31:43 and Lorraine Ann Forsythe 45:33.

Falls:
Harrier Susan Thompson went solo as she continued pressing her fine pace with a time of 23:30 at Falls.

Ormeau:
Mallusk’s Carol Leckie cantered around Ormeau with a pal in 27:15.

Stormont:
Whatever these four young ladies are doing, they should continue with it, as Mallusk Harriers, Fidelma McCoppin 30:59, Jennifer McCoppin 31:37, Fiona Wylie 31:42 and Rosalind Stitt 35:53, ALL cracked PBs’. A great performance all round.

Valley:
Sub 20 Patrick McGuckin 19:48 secured 1st place for Mallusk and a Valley PB. Ken McAuley 20:47 was next again with a Valley PB. Neil Campbell after trying out the ice at the SSE Arena the previous evening came home in 22:19. Owen Fulton arrived in 24:17. Laura Rose 24:30 and 1st Lady overall with another Valley PB for the impressive hard working Harrier. Noel Bloomfield followed in 24:45, Martin Keenan 26:31. Mallusk’s 2nd lady Joanne Milne 27:05, Paul Skillen 27:15 now feeling a little more relaxed after his successful organisation of Mallusk’s XC event the previous week. Louise Isabella Keenan 28:03 and Mallusk’s 3rd lady home. Sharon Dunn also with a Valley PB 28:24. Chloe Davidson 29:32 pipped father Alex Davidson 29:34. Laura Campbell 30:13, Maeve McGinley 31:09 with another Valley PB. Debbie Sterritt 32:03 and Ben Davidson 32:13. Erin Teer with a Valley PB crossed the line with mum Clare Teer in 41:30.

Victoria:
Mallusk’s man of the east, Duncan Baxter continued his tour at Victoria in 29:33.

Waterworks:
Mallusk’s Danny Donaldson well rested from his exploits at Dune the previous week was again sub 20 in 19:44. Jack McCready arrived next with a W/Works PB in 23:50. Sharon McCavana 26:02, Darren Linton 27:21. Neil McCready 28:25, with brother Ryan McCready not far behind who followed up a W/Works PB in 28:53. Dermot Boyd 31:09, Tiffany Donaldson 34:02, David McCavana 35:21, Joanne Haddock 41:27.

Another good week for Mallusk Harriers, with many PB’s among the achievements. Remember, hills make you stronger, sprints make you faster, and rest keeps away injuries…

The Insider…

• On 13 Feb 2017
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Club Report: February 13th 2017

Mallusk Harriers Club Report: February 13th 2017.

Mallusk Cross Country
:
So cold blows the chill of winter wind. The trees that branches bare
The slightest blink of the season sun, its rays once more so rare.
And so again they gathered, with the threat of snow they dared.
In the footsteps of Olympians they hope to be compared.

Each athlete knows the history, of this celebrated course,
and stand they might together as if a signal to endorse.
For Mallusk is once more famous as it was in years gone by.
When those famous old Olympians brought a tear to each one’s eye.

And so, at day’s end when every race is ran.
We toast our fellow athletes, including,
Radcliffe, Ovett and Cram..

(Dedicated to Race Director Mr. Paul Skillen and his troops).

A very busy weekend for Mallusk Harriers including the running of the club’s inaugural cross country race at the City of Belfast playing fields at Mallusk. A superb day for the club with race director Paul Skillen and his army of volunteers including the catering & registration guys who made this race a huge success. A big thankyou to Belfast City Council for the use of the pitches, Ian Simpson and Imagis for the race numbers and St Johns Ambulance.

Many Harriers took part in parkruns and other races across the weekend and the results now follow.

Saturday 11 February 2017.

parkrun…

Antrim:

Susan Thompson was in blistering form coming home first for Mallusk in 21:56, with Ken MCauley in hot pursuit 21:57. Brendan McGowan in his 50th parkrun arrived in 23:54. Deborah Ewing 24:36, Tina Steele 25:28, Elaine Kennedy 25:45, Janet Grew 27:13, Sharon Dunn 32:41, Lorraine Ann Forysthe 44:50.

Queens:

Fidelma McCoppin 30:10, Fiona Wylie 30:37 and Jennifer McCoppin 30:40, fought it out for 1st place for Mallusk at Malone, with Deirdre McCann 35:16.

Valley:

It must have been the cold thin air rushing down from the hills, as many Mallusk Harriers hit PBs’ at the Valley on Saturday. Alex Davidson was on fire in 2nd place overall smashing a PB in 19:48. Nuala Muldoon continued her fine form as 1st overall lady in 23:42. Owen Fulton 24:23, Sarah McCafferty 26:52 (Val PB), Clare Teer (Val PB) 27:04, Pamela McCafferty (Val PB) 27:04. Jack McCready 27:38, Christopher Campbell fabulously edged ahead of his old man with a Valley PB in 28:03, with father Neil 28:04. Gillian Bainbridge 30:00, Ryan McCready 30:11, Neil McCready 30:12, Emma Fegan 30:30 (Val PB). Alyson Taylor 32:18, Paul Skillen 38:34.

Victoria:

Darren Linton was our solitary Harrier at Victoria Park in 28:55.

Stormont:

Duncan Baxter, with memories of Disney fresh in his mind, decided to visit another world of fantasia, finishing at Stormont in 28:49.

Waterworks:

Young Robbie Gould switched the boxing ring for a ring of the Waterworks crossing the line for Mallusk in 23:10. Patrick Hamil arrived next in 26:13, with Joanne Haddock 42:03 and Anna Marie Nolan 42:29.

Sunday 12th February 2017.

Mallusk Cross Country:

Under snow laden skies and a cold brisk easterly wind, the City of Belfast Playing Fields at Mallusk, was the setting for Mallusk Harriers inaugural cross country event. This fabulous event has once more returned to the race circuit calendar having remained dormant for the last couple of decades.

Starting at 11am with the under 11s, it continued through to the senior men’s at 3.15pm.

Under 11 Boys 0.5 miles.

The Under 11 boys & girls were the first group of athletes to officially open the 2017 Mallusk Cross Country. Christopher Campbell continued on from his parkrun PB on Saturday to finish impressively for the young Mallusk Harriers in 2:42, with Ryan Millar hot on his tail in 2:46, and Ryan McCready breathing down his neck in 2:47. Leo McAuley arrived in fine form in 3:43, William O’Hare coped well in the conditions in 3:58 and Harry Dinsmore arrived home hardly out of breath in 4:16.

Under 11 Girls 0.5 miles.

Ellen Butler showed she was capable in the worsening conditions arriving as 1st Mallusk Harrier in 3:01. Sophie Davidson was not far behind in 3:10. Mali Skillen made her parents proud in 3:30, and Erin Teer skipped home in 3:40, with Eloise McAuley finding top gear in the final straight arriving home in 5:00.

Under 13 Boys 1 mile.

1st Mallusk Harrier Adam McCann tackled a battering wind arriving in 6:54. Jack McCready was closing the gap in 7:09 and Ben Davidson completed the 1 , 2, 3, for Mallusk impressively in 7:50.

Under 15 Girls 2 miles.

Two Olivia’s shone for Mallusk in the U15 girls race with a amazing time from Olivia Thompson 15:18, ahead of Olivia Morrow who found a little extra towards the finish in 16:31.

Under 17 Girls 2 miles.

Mallusk’s Chloe Davidson arrived 2nd and showed what she was made of as the ground conditions deteriorated with a great time of 18:57.

Once again the Young Mallusk Harriers show the rest of us how tough they are when weather conditions turn against them….
Well done to them all.

Ladies 3 mile

In the ladies 3 mile race, Susan Thompson for Mallusk showed once again how she can cope in the worst of weather finishing 3rd in 23:04. Nuala Muldoon impressive as always arrived next in 23:27. Mairead O’Hare was not afraid to tackle the steep incline and the challenging course coming home in 42:02. A special congratulations to Beechmount Harriers Catherine Diver who won the ladies race in 19:46, with City of Derry Spartans Catherine Hriber 2nd in 22:42.

Senior Men 4 miles.

The wind had dropped slightly for the men in the 4 mile race, but conditions under foot remained heavy. The 1,2,3, belonged to North Belfast Harriers, with Martin McKinstry blitzing home in 22:42. Olympian Michael McKillop 2nd in 23:09 and Edward Cooke completing the podium in 24:28. First for Mallusk Harriers was Patrick McGuickan 28:02, with Alan Kerr arriving in 35:04. Neil McGlinchey 39:05 and Duncan Baxter 41:24.

Today though, wasn’t really about the times. It was all about competing in the event and the conditions that made the race challenging, with an interesting two lap switch back course and more importantly putting Mallusk Cross Country back on the map.

Dune Half Marathon:

Not for the faint hearted this half marathon which straddles the border, has a pleasant start on the side of the quay in Newry before climbing into the hills with a spectacular views of Carlingford Lough and South Armagh, before the descent into Dundalk. Danny Donaldson of Mallusk, suffering a little jetlag from his week in the United States, still finished in an impressive 1.36:21. Matthew Cromie came a couple of minutes behind in 1.38:42. Matthew Allen 1.42:02. David Mullan 2.00:49, and seconds later Cat Boyd & Anna Marie Nolan as a sound double act in 2.00:55. Another jetlagged US Globe trotter Tiffany Donaldson 2.29:32 and Kelly Carlisle 2.30:05.

That completes (I hope) another excellent weekend for this fantastic running club. Mallusk Harriers right to the line and blasting through it….

The Insider…..

• On 5 Feb 2017
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Club report: February 5th 2017

Mallusk Harriers club report: February 5th 2017.

Time taken to improve oneself is time well spent….

Last Friday, it was 50 days to the Larne Half Marathon, 7 weeks until race day. Some may not need reminded, others may not want reminded, but as anything that is worth doing, having the correct mental ethic will ultimately bear fruit. There are many wise (some old) running heads in Mallusk Harriers, who can be approached if in need of advice or a little reassurance, but most importantly it is good practice to have an idea of how you are going to run, whether on race day or during training. In other words, plan your run, run your plan.

Several Harriers, stand out this week. Young Ben Davidson hit 50 parkruns on Saturday along with Rosalind Stitt who also celebrated with a Valley parkrun PB. Fantastic effort from both of them. Nuala Muldoon finished as 1st lady at the Valley parkrun, then later in the day she crossed the city to finish 2nd in the Derriaghy Cross Country, a truly regal performance from Nuala. In Antrim’s Born 2 Run Series Janet Grew and Clare Teer both smashed PB’s for a 10K.

The weekend results follow…

Saturday 4th February 2017.

Antrim parkrun:

Patricia Curistan’s first run out at Antrim saw her taking 3rd place lady and also the first Harrier home in 23:06. Followed by Odhran Conal Rafferty 26:40 and Nikki Fleck 26:49. Hot on Nikki’s heels was Tina Steele 26:54. Deborah Ewing arrived in 29:27, with Martin McCourt 29:33, Aodh Rafferty 32:12, Anne McCaffrey 33:39, Deirdre Rafferty 33:40 and Mallusk Harrier Antrim Volunteer Elaine Kennedy 46:21.

College Park Maryland (USA):

Mallusk Harriers Danny and Tiffany Donaldson, travelled the furthest this weekend and showed their vest to the American public with Danny finishing 2nd with another sub 20 minutes in 19:40 with Tiffany 29:13, which shows there must be something to those breakfast maple syrup pancakes.

Valley:

Alex Davidson finished 4th equalling his Valley PB in 20:10. Brendan McGowan was next for Mallusk 24:33. Nuala Muldoon 1st lady 24:42, Ciaran Skillen 25:15, Neil Campbell was breathing hard into Ciaran’s ear coming home in 25:17, Martin McCready 26:44, Paul Skillen 27:22. Joanne Milne was 3rd lady over all in 27:26, Sharon Dunn (Vall PB) 28:30, Laura Campbell 30:28, Chloe Davidson 32:53, Darren Linton 33:41, Alyson Taylor 34:11, Jennifer McCoppin 35:08, Rosalind Stitt (Vall PB) 36:12, Fidelma McCoppin 36:13, Deirdre McCann and Fiona Wylie both hit a Valley PB in 36:39. Lorraine Ann Forsythe 46:21.

Waterwoks:

Patrick Hamil arrived first for Mallusk in 24:59, Martin Keenan next 26:27, James Hewitt 26:48, Louise Isabella Kennan 28:12, Lisa Marie White 33:34.

A low winter sun between Cookstown and Omagh welcomed the competitors to the Sperrin Harriers Winter Cross Country Series at Drum Manor Forest 10K. Martin McCourt was first for Mallusk in 45:56 with Tom Wylie arriving home in 57:08.

North Down Athletics Club Festival of Cross Country at Castle Park Bangor, saw Ryan McCready home in 5:16 for the Primary School race and Jack McCready 6:55 for the U13s. Superb to see the young Mallusk Harriers putting best foot forward for themselves and the club.

Antrim: B2R.

Born 2 Run reached Antrim on Saturday, and this series seems popular with Mallusk as many of the Harriers arrived for the 5K and 10K races.

5K:

Mallusk’s Dermot Boyd was 1st Harrier in 29:47, followed by wife Anne & daughter Catherine Boyd 32:59, Deirdre Rafferty 33:26, Joanne Haddock 38:21.

10K:

David Mullan crossed the line first for Mallusk in 47:27, with Patricia Curistan next home in 48:42, followed by Deborah Ewing 51:11. Owen Fulton 51:37, Janet Grew (PB) 52:06, Clare Teer (PB) 52:28, Tina Steele 52:42, Sarah McCafferty 53:30, NikkI Fleck 53:33, Pamela McCafferty 53:39, Elaine Kennedy 54:25, Neil McGlinchey 57:11. Ian Simpson who showed that Guinness can be good for you (or maybe too much of it is bad for you), arrived in 1.01:30, Kelly Carlisle 1.04:44, Lisa Thomson 1.15:23, Mairead O’Hare 1.18:37, Elizabeth Peoples 1.22:11.

Once again Mallusk Harriers have shown what an uplifting bunch of people you are, by supporting each other and the club.

Apologises to any member who may have been missed from this week’s report.

The Insider….

• On 29 Jan 2017
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Club Report: January 29th 2017

Mallusk Harriers Club Report: January 29th 2017.

If Carlsberg did running clubs…..

They would probably model it on Mallusk Harriers. It may not have been the temperature of North Africa, as it was for Sir John Mills, Sylvia Syms and company in this wartime movie classic, but the weather was ice cold in Antrim for Captain Ian (Anson) Simpson (minus the ambulance) as he gathered the troops, for a Mallusk Harrier parkrun tour on the shores of Lough Neagh, which resulted in another fabulous turnout from the club on Saturday, with Mallusk Harrier Susan Thompson reaching her 50th parkrun (almost one for every year Susan ?) and Matthew Cromie taking one for the club and going as they say, ass over the preverbal into the mud.

24 hours later and the club once more went above and beyond for Meningitis Now, as the Sunday Run, 10 miles at 10am started and finished at club member Janet Grew’s house in Templepatrick. The Cherryburn (Cardio) Challenge raised £432 on the day, with more due via Virgin Money. Many thanks and well done to Janet, Jim and family, for welcoming a group of smelly sweaty runners into their lovely home, who dived into the hot food on offer.

The collated results of the weekend now follow.

Antrim parkrun:

With the fresh cool air came an abundance of Antrim PB’s, as Alex Davidson powered home 1st for Mallusk, ahead of the mighty Don in 19:36, as Danny Donaldson not used with a Mallusk Harrier vest in front of him came shortly behind in 20:15 and Matthew Cromie (3rd) for Mallusk in 20:36. Robert Gould 21:45, Noel Bloomfield (AntPB) 22:53, Robbie Gould 22:54, Susan Thompson & Deborah Ewing 23:34 with Susan pipping Deborah for 3rd lady overall by a hundredth of a second, and Laura Rose (AntPB) 3rd Mallusk lady home in 24:24. Tina Steele & Nikki Fleck (AntPB) 25:28, Martin Keenan 25:44, Ciaran Skillen (AntPB) 25:47, Paul Skillen 26:04, Joanne Milne 26:30, Clare Teer 26:39, Neil McGlinchey 26:55, Ryan McCready (AntPB) 27:39, Sharon Dunn 27:40, Jack McCready 28:01, Lisa Marie White & Tom Wylie 28:14, James Hewitt (AntPB) & Tiffany Donaldson 28:22, Gillian Bainbridge 28:58, Fidelma McCoppin 29:31, Fiona Wylie (AntPB) & Dermot Boyd (AntPB) 30:36, Debbie Sterritt (AntPB) 31:13, Anne Marie Craig 32:30, Sharon Mcauley (AntPB) 33:25, Jennifer McCoppin 34:31, Rosalind Stitt 34:34, Anne Boyd 35:33, Deirdre McCann 35:51, Alan Ladd 40:01, Louise Ladd 40:02, Elaine Kennedy 42:38.

Many thanks to Elaine Kennedy and Martin McCready for volunteering at the Antrim parkrun.

Valley:

Nuala Muldoon for Mallusk continued her impressive finishing time being the 1st lady overall, crossing the line in 24:19.

Waterworks:

Two Harriers showed the vest with Patrick Hamill 24:52 & Darren Linton 33:16.

Another impressive weekend for Mallusk Harriers. Now that calls for a Carlsberg and probably makes this club one of the best in the country.

(Other beers are available).

Footnote: Alan Ladd on Friday ran the Mourne Way Night Edition 10K in 48:08. Impressive time from another great club member.

Apologises to anyone (else) who has been missed out of this week’s report….

The Insider…

• On 27 Nov 2016
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Resting on a crest of a wave…

The opening round of events over the previous two weeks took place at Stormont estate with the Run in the Dark 5km & 10km races, with quite a few of the Mallusk Harriers taking on the folks on the hill and certainly laid down the law with a few of our runners returning with personal bests.

A few days later on Saturday 19th November two hardy harriers decided to turn their hand to the cross country malarkey. Martin McCready & Paul Skillen hadn’t tried the type before headed to Cookstown for the Mighty Oaks XC, both lads did very well and returned with times of 31:13 for Martin and 35:46 for Paul – Next up the Malcolm Cup in Ballyclare.

Parkruns 19th November
Waterworks – Patrick McGuckin 21:21, Matthew Cromie 22:45, Ryan Clarke 23:34, Patrick Hamill 25:43, Jennifer Butler 27:05, Laura Rose 27:08, James Hewitt 30:17, Lisa Marie White 31:03, Alan Ladd 41:47
Belfast Victoria – Jennifer McCoppin 31:42, Rosalind Stitt 35:50, Deirdre McCann 36:27
Falls Park – Susan Thompson 24:49
Tollcross Park, Glasgow – Danny Donaldson 21:58 & Tiffany Donaldson 41:36
Antrim – Deborah Ewing 23:58
Valley – Martin McCourt 21:43, Paul Skillen 25:40,Owen Fulton 26:16, Neil Campbell 26:58, Lisa Hamilton 28:05, Tom Wylie 28:07, Neill McGlinchey 29:10, Ben Davidson 30:42, Laura Campbell 30:47, Sophie Davidson 36:14, Chloe Davidson 36:15, Alex Davidson 36:16
Stormont – Dermot Boyd 31:27, Anne Boyd 34:13.

26th November
Waterworks – Brendan McGeown 22:25 New PB, Matthew Cromie 22:50, Patrick Hamill 24:47, Niamh McGeown 35:47 New PB, Joanne Haddock 40:51.
Wallace Park – Martin McCready 20:36 New PB, Elaine Kennedy 27:31.
Victoria – Patrick McGuckin 23:01
Antrim – Danny Donaldson 19:40, Deborah Ewing 25:17, Tina Steele 26:11, Tiffany Donaldson 31:08.
Valley – Neil Campbell 21:53, Ciaran Skillen 22:43 new course PB, Owen Fulton 25:03, Nuala Muldoon 25:19, Alex Davidson 25:19, Laura Rose 27:01, Jennifer Butler 27:22, Neill McGlinchey 28:03, Fidelma McCoppin 30:17, Sarah McAuley 31:49, Sharon McAuley 37:56, Paul Skillen 46:55.

Later that afternoon 14 harriers took to the Ormeau embankment for the sold out event Seeley Cup. The highly prestigious event certainly brings out huge numbers with over 1000 registered. The club had a great mix of novice and auld hands running with Danny Donaldson leading the charge home for the club in 40 minutes, Danny was closely followed by the dynamic duo of father and son Robert & Robbie Gould, with Dad Robert taking home the bragging rights with a time 42:29 with a new PB for the distance, young Robbie returned in 43:04. Next home was Andrew Diver in a time of 47:09 notching up a PB also. Tom Wylie crossed next in 48:28, followed by James Hewitt in 48:33 with a new PB. Also hitting a new personal best for the 10k distance was new C25K graduate Nikki Fleck, taking it right to the line in a time of 51:38, Nikki was followed home by Anna-Marie Nolan 52:05. Next across the line saw yet more C25K graduates, mum & daughter Pamela & Sarah McCafferty both returning with PBs, Sarah in 55:43 & Pamela 55:49, smashing stuff ladies. Next up with a personal best was Kelly Carlisle in 60:46, closely followed by Tiffany Donaldson 62:19. Further PBs continued, this time with father & daughter Catherine & Dermot Boyd crossing the line together and Dermot collecting the PB in 63:25. Right to the line saw the ever improving Jennifer McCoppin also collecting herself a brand new PB in a great time of 64:55.

The final event of the weekend took place in the scenic town of Carrickfergus with the East Antrim Marathon Series. The club had a great turnout of 9 members taking on the half marathon, as the results are still to go to press, I can confirm that all our members had a really cracking day by the seaside with Susan Thompson taking top honours leading the field home for the ladies and Nuala Muldoon returning as third finisher for the ladies, Deborah Ewing came home in 5th place. Also finishing were; Allister Houldsworth, Joanne Milne, Sharon Dunn, Janet Grew, Tina Steele and finally Leeanne Skillen, with a very special shout out to Leeanne who completed her first (of many) half marathons.

Over the weekend it was fantastic to see many of our non-runners out supporting our members at the racing events both at the Seeley Cup and EAMS, can’t express the importance in seeing a friendly face in the latter stages of a race when the body and the mind wants to give up – the lift from the club member supporting is second to none, top marks Harriers……!!!

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…’

Finally it has been a pleasure reporting on all the races and more importantly seeing the club members growing in stature and running right to the line over the last 18 months / 2 years where I have been writing these reports. Unfortunately I have a few irons in the fire over the next few months to keep me overly active within the club, so therefore the secret quill of the Mallusk Harriers is to be handed down to the next ghost writer…

Best regards,

Paul

• On 13 Nov 2016
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Weekly(ish) Report

Superman eats kryptonite for breakfast…

Many thanks to all the Harriers out running and volunteering at the events over the last few weeks… Honestly have been totally blown away this past week and lost for words, so no holding back and straight into the results…

Parkruns 5th November
Waterworks – Danny Donaldson 19:53, Robbie Gould 20:39, Ryan Clarke 20:52, Dave Gibson 20:58, Matthew Cromie 25:13, Patrick McGuckin 25:14, Patrick Hamill 26:02, James Hewitt 29:00, Tiffany Donaldson 32:44.
Ormeau – Fidelma McCoppin 30:38, Jennifer McCoppin 32:35, Deirdre McCann 36:37.
Antrim – Deborah Ewing 25:13, Tina Steele 25:49, Elaine Kennedy 28:53, Dermot Boyd 30:41, Anne Boyd 34:52, Dawn Dubois 40:51.
Valley – Martin McCready 21:19, Alex Davidson 23:19, Ciaran Skillen 25:02, Owen Fulton 25:21, Karen Jamison 28:13, Neill McGlinchey 30:07, Laura Campbell 30:15, Jack McCready 31:23, Debbie Sterritt 31:40, Tom Wylie 31:40, Duncan Baxter 31:42, Leeanne Skillen 31:56, Paul Skillen 31:57, Sharon McAuley 39:04, Lorraine Forsythe 47:14.

6th November – Tough love… a great representation from many from the club at the Decathlon 10k with many coming home with PB’s for the distance, unfortunately as it wasn’t a timed event we can’t classify the results obtained by our competitors, however you now know what’s in the locker for the next one.

12th November
Waterworks – Mallusk Harriers on tour 2016… Back where it all began, well for many of us… The Harriers tour bus rolled into the Waterworks where we were met with an exceptional greeting from Race director Ruth and her merry band of volunteers. 31 Mallusk runners took on the 5k parkrun course and also in attendance – Ian and his helping supporting crew and cheerleaders for all the runners. Mr Simpson, setting up from early doors providing a great cuppa only to be out classed by Joanne’s MH cupcakes and cookies… As the club has grown rapidly over the past 18 months, with 4 nights training along with long runs at the weekends, this is a smashing opportunity to catch up with everyone within the club, providing an opportunity to dress in the club top and pitch it to those thinking of joining up with a club.

Over to the results for the parkrun; Danny Donaldson 19:28, Robbie Gould 20:59, Robert Gould 21:09, Ciaran Skillen 21:46, Susan Thompson 22:41, Paul Skillen 22:54 New PB, thanks to ‘Elbows D’ clearing a pathway… Alex Davidson 22:54, Matthew Cromie 23:15, Noel Bloomfield 23:55, Owen Fulton 24:48, Patrick Hamill 24:53, Nikki Fleck 26:28, Laura Rose 27:24, Christopher Campbell 27:46 New PB, Neil Campbell 27:48 (you’re not getting a PB, you ditched Laura) Elaine Kennedy 27:54, Lisa Marie White 28:38, Gillian Bainbridge 29:19, Tiffany Donaldson 29:21, Laura Campbell 29:28, Dermot Boyd 29:48 New PB, Duncan Baxter 30:02, Neill McGlinchey 30:03, Kelly Carlisle 30:58, Anne Marie Craig 32:32 New PB, Ellen Butler 32:40 New PB, Jennifer Butler 32:43, Louise Keenan 34:18, Martin Keenan 34:58, Margaret Craig 39:53, Joanne Haddock 40:12.

Must say a huge thank you to Ian Simpson who has put a vast amount of work into arranging these touring events for all at the club to enjoy, many thanks Ian, already looking forward to the next one…

Victoria – Patrick McGuckin 23:01
Ecos Ballymena – Fidelma McCoppin 29:47, Jennifer McCoppin 33:06, Rosalind Stitt 38:34, Deirdre McCann 38:40
Omagh – Martin McCready 21:20
Antrim – Deborah Ewing 25:38, Tina Steele 26:09
Valley – Nuala Muldoon 23:51, Tom Wylie 27:40, Martin McCourt 27:41, Debbie Sterritt 32:09

Fresh from his Mourne Skyline run and back working in the Daily Planet, Superman… oops I mean Michael McAuley was lured back down to Co. Down for a wee run around Tollymore forest. The race had several options from the 10K, half marathon, full marathon and the Ultra marathon. Yep Micky decided to get full value out of his entrance fee and go all out with the 39mile Ultra. The lad has certainly put in some serious miles and hasn’t been daunted by any of the challenges he has faced in recent weeks, from the NIMRA Mountain fell running series to the Mourne Skyline and now has moved on another level to complete the Ultra marathon in a highly creditable 26th place in a smashing time of 6 hours 58 minutes & 10 seconds… though I took my hat off to you and Nuala for completing the Skyline, I’m lost for words matey for this, fantastic achievement lad…!!!

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…’

• On 31 Oct 2016
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Weekly report

Don’t half make it tough…

With over 1,000 ladies taking part in the Runher event, 16 of our very own athletes took on both the 5k and 10k distances with many of our runners recording new Personal Bests for the distances. First up for the 10k saw Deborah Ewing cross the line in 50:27, Tina Steele 51:56 new PB, Laura Smyth 52:59 new PB, Nikki Fleck 53:15 new PB, Karen Jamison 58:10, Lisa White 58:49 new PB, Lee-Anne Skillen 61:25, Jennifer Butler 62:45, Tracey Whittley 63:46 new PB, Michelle Ker 63:55 new PB, Kelly Forsythe 63:55 new PB, Nicola McCullough 71:17 new PB, Mairead O’Hare 86:52 first 10k run. Competing in the 5k event; Anne Boyd 35:25, Lisa Thompson 37:43 & Dorothy Ramsey 43:27 with all three ladies recording PBs for the distance.

The previous day many of our club members and family took to the road for the first of our parkrun visits set up by Ian Simpson. This allowed a few of the members to party at Victoria park, with 27 runners challenging the 5k distance:
Belfast Victoria parkrun
Robbie Gould 20:05, Ryan Clarke 20:26, Robert Gould 20:48, Susan Thompson 21:31, Laura Rose 25:40 a new course PB, Jennifer Butler 26:34, Alex Davidson 26:34, Jack McCready 26:41, Louise Keenan 26:45, Karen Jamison 27:19, Clare Teer 27:33, Kelly Carlisle 28:23 new PB, Christopher Campbell 28:41, Neill McGlinchey 28:52, Neil Campbell 28:53, Ian Simpson 29:03, Leeanne Skillen 29:10 a new course PB, Martin Keenan 29:24, Elaine Kennedy 29:28, Duncan Baxter 29:41, Dermot Boyd 30:04 new PB, Joelene Byrne 30:25, James Hewitt 30:26, Ryan McCready 31:33 new PB, Anne Marie Craig 31:35, Alan Ladd 32:50, Joanne Haddock 40:21
Antrim parkrun – Dawn Dubois 39:57
Valley parkrun – Martin McCready 27:10, Fidelma McCoppin 30:03, Debbie Sterritt 34:39, Deirdre McCann 38:09, Lorraine Ann Forsythe 46:36.

Crazy is, as crazy does… Not for the faint hearted, the club had two members take on the Garmin Mourne Skyline MTR 2016. Nuala Muldoon & Michael McAuley lined up against some serious mountain goats in the shape of Team GARMIN, Salomon International, Inov8 and not to mention the more established Fell running clubs both local and across the ponds… Michael came home in an extremely creditable 95th place after completing the 7 peaks of 22 miles in a fantastic time of 6 hours 12 minutes 51 seconds. Nuala returned home in 8 hours 29 minutes 5 seconds. Honestly guys totally amazed, brutally brilliant the pair of you, can only take my hat off to you both… If that wasn’t enough, Mr McAuley topped off the Skyline result with a fantastic 26th place finish in NIMRA Championships 2016 Results by completing all nine races in the series.

Well that was all last week, moving on to this week the club had runners at the local parkruns and a few down sampling the Guinness in Dublin…

Waterworks parkrun – Matthew Cromie 20:11, James Hewitt 24:52, Patrick Hamill 26:31, Lisa Marie White 29:09, Kelly Carlisle 30:02 new PB, Fiona Wylie 36:20 & Deirdre McCann 36:21 new PB.
Antrim parkrun – Robert Gould 20:51 new course PB, Robbie Gould 21:37, Ryan Clarke 21:45, Rosalind Stitt 38:41, Jennifer McCoppin 38:42, Joanne Haddock 40:32, Anna-Marie Nolan 40:34
Valley parkrun – First home was our very own Neil Campbell 20:19, Nuala Muldoon 24:13, Owen Fulton 28:01, Jackie McCreesh 28:29, Sean Lavery 29:11 new PB, Neill McGlinchey 30:12, Ian Simpson 33:14, Debbie Sterritt 33:24, Christopher Campbell 36:47, Sharon McAuley 37:44, Tom Wylie 37:45, Alan Ladd 48:38, Lorraine Ann Forsythe 48:42.

And then there was Dave… didn’t the lad do well, under the watchful eye of Mr D, Dave Gibson has been putting in some sterling work in training and Saturday proved how far he has come in a short space of time. From 22 minutes park run time Dave has pushed this down to 18 minutes 13 seconds with his latest run at Victoria, although in the words of Dave, ‘he done a Ciaran’ and overdone it and had the luxury of a 24 hour visit to the hospital. Apologies, also running under her daughter’s barcode was Gillian Bainbridge in a time of 27:48.

Friendly, Atmospheric, loud, totally supportive, and extremely amazing at all points throughout the course, these are just some of the words that I can muster for now about Dublin Marathon, whether this was your first or your 101st marathon, Sunday the 30th October was a fantastic day for 16 of our club members, many new to the distance and many still novices with a lot to take in and learn from, truth be told we will always learn something new.

First home for Mallusk:
Susan Thompson< took part in her second marathon, with the first in Belfast May 2016. Belfast saw Susan record a good for age category for London 2017 with a time of 3hrs 42mins 51sec. For Dublin Susan just defied logic and powered her way home with yet another personal best 3hrs 30mins 51sec, in a highly creditable 25th place in her age category. Dubbed the Marathon man in the club, Martin McCready< has competed in many, many marathons and Sunday Martin recorded a new Personal Best in 3hrs 38mins 19 sec. The trio of Patricia Curistan, Deborah Ewing and Benny Mc Geown ran step for step throughout the 26.2miles and crossed hand in hand with Benny recording a new Personal Best, however a special shout to Deborah for having to put up with those other two for the distance, especially as this was your first marathon, but to cross the line in under 4 hours, epic… all three runners came home in 3hrs 57mins 52sec. Another newbie to the distance, and yet another cracking run, Tina Steele recorded a time of 4hrs 17mins and 17 sec. Tina set off on her journey with Alan Kerr and Paul Skillen and after 9 miles she had enough of the lads chit chat and allowed them to run on, only to take them in the final stages of the race. Alan came home in 4hrs 20min 37sec and Paul came across the line with a new personal best for the distance in 4hrs 21min 21sec. Jennifer Butler running in her second marathon after completing London, picking up the dreaded ITB injury during the race, couldn’t be told not to run, Jennifer accompanied by club coach Noel Bloomfield picked up a new personal best as both crossed the line in 4hrs 34min 29sec. Competing in her first official marathon, Hilary Faith returned in a smashing time of 4hrs 39min 12sec. I say official, as Hilary has had the luxury (madness) of completing a full Ironman event, not too sure what it entails, please look it up, I found it sore reading about it. Next home, Janet Grew completed the race in 4hrs 42min 53sec. Janet, running her 5th marathon in about as many months may have just over run many niggling injuries. However credit where it's due, many may not have turned up with the issues Janet has had to carry, but the start and finish lines were crossed and the job was done. Like many who have trained for and run marathons this year Janet, a well-deserved break should be taken. David Mullan has covered the distance on a few occasions previously and with his training going well, many things just didn’t click during the race on the day for David. However there was no throwing in the towel and David returned home in 5hrs 5mins 36sec. The final runners, newlyweds Danny and Tiffany Donaldson, accompanied by Christian Spies all ran the 26.2miles together. Tiffany took a huge chunk off her Belfast time and crossed the line in 5hrs 28min 43sec with Danny 1 sec later, Christian finished 5hrs 28min 26sec. Now for the other 15 runners that finished Dublin they can now live to tell the tale of how they beat Danny Donaldson in a marathon, although I don’t think that will last too long. Danny unfortunately, a few weeks before Dublin, suffered a broken elbow. With his training he was looking to record a time better than Belfast’s time of 3hrs 13mins, wishing you a full and speedy recovery Danny… Final big thank you to the wonderful support crew from the Harriers throughout the Dublin course, Elaine, Maeve, Laura, Roseann and kids and Leeanne and kids… #Can’tBeataFriendlyFace 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…’

• On 16 Oct 2016
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Slacking – weekly(ish) – report

Slacking, me not you…
Apologies I haven’t kept on top of the report over the last few weeks, no excuse, irons in to many fires, if truth be told.

Anyway rewinding a few weeks previous the club had the luxury to progress from the previous year to enter an additional 2 teams in this year’s entries of 5 teams at the NI road relay championships at Victoria park hosted by Orangegrove, top marks to club captains Martin and Nuala for arranging the teams.

First up saw the 2 Masters ladies teams comprising of Team 1 – Nuala Muldoon, Susan Thompson & Patricia Curistan & Team 2 – Mairead O’Hare, Laura Campbell & Catherine Boyd. Smashing running ladies something probably totally new to you all; however both teams did extremely well, coming in 16th and 34th place. The Senior Ladies comprised of: Leeanne Skillen, Lisa Marie White & Lisa Brown, again great running coming home in 20th place, especially when you looked around at the stern competition you faced.

Next up was the mens Masters team comprising of Robert Gould, Jim Hewitt, Michael McAuley & Patrick McGukin – the lads also facing a highly competitive line up, with North Belfast looking to retain their title only to be eclipsed by a very strong team from Acorns. Our own Masters lads did extremely well and returned in 34th place. On to the finale with the line-up of the senior mens; the Mallusk team was made up of Matthew Cromie, Darren Taggart, Alan Ladd and Danny Donaldson. The lads did us proud and battled in with the big boys and returned in 27th place.

Smashing stuff lads and ladies, the club is extremely proud to have you out there wearing the club colours at a highly prestigious event, who knows what next year shall bring, maybe even more teams from Mallusk taking part. A very special mention goes out to Ian Simpson for his hospitality in setting up the club gazebo, tea & coffee, snacks and water. Also the kind gesture of the highly sought after personalised club bags.

A week later on the 8th October two of our members travelled to Dundrum to take part in the annual GR8 Dundrum race. First over the line in the club colours in 74th place from a field of 855 runners, was Patrick McGuckin in a great time of 56.40. Patrick was very closely followed home by Susan Thompson in a fantastic time of 59.54, Susan was 11th lady over the line and also recorded first home in her age group.

Also running on the Saturday afternoon at the Commedagh Chase Mountain Race, Michael McAuley continued to run in the mountains, returning in a time of 1.36… top man Michael.

Parkruns 10th October 2016
Waterworks – Matthew Cromie 20:01, Robbie Gould 21:16, Robert Gould 21:25, Patrick Hamill 25:28, Lisa Marie White 30:02 new PB, Jennifer Mc Coppin 31:56 new PB, Fiona Wylie 32:53, Mairead O’Hare 37:04, Deirdre McCann 37:44, Rosalind Stitt 39:44.
Belfast Victoria – Alex Davidson 20:20 & Dave Gibson 20:58 new PB
Antrim – Tom Wylie 23:59, Deborah Ewing 26:46, Tina Steele 26:46, Dawn Dubois 40:18.
Valley – Neil Campbell 20:49, Jackie McCreesh 27:35, Sarah McCafferty 28:28, Karen Jamison 28:33, Pamela McCafferty 28:40, Ryan McCready 29:47, Neil McCready 29:47, Duncan Baxter 30:02, Maeve McGinley 31:23, Anne Marie Craig 34:10, Katie McManus 35:00, Elaine Kennedy 45:30.

On to the Parkruns for the 15th October, the main event for the Harriers saw 37 members join Patrick Hamill on his milestone of 100 parkruns. Cracking performance Patrick, we all at the club are extremely pleased for you in achieving the infamous black jersey…
Matthew Cromie 19:42, Robbie Gould 20:09, Robert Gould 21:06, David Mullan 23:06 new PB, James Hewitt 24:53, Brendan McGeown 24:54, Patrick Hamill 25:31, Paul Skillen 26:02, Laura Rose 26:21, Neil McCready 26:46, Martin McCready 26:50, Karen Jamison 27:30 with new PB, Lisa Marie White 28:35 new PB, Jack McCready 28:58, Fidelma McCoppin 29:28, Catherine Mullan 29:32, Christopher Campbell 29:40 new PB, Ryan McCready 29:42 new PB, Neil CAMPBELL 29:47, Tiffany Donaldson 30:28, Fiona Wylie 32:04, Gordon Ward 32:11, Joelene Byrne 32:25, Dermot Boyd 32:26, Anne Marie Craig 32:33 new PB, Tom Wylie 32:33, Jennifer McCoppin 32:34, Debbie Sterritt 33:44, Sophie Davidson 34:25, Alex Davidson 34:26, Rosalind Stitt 36:47 new PB, Deirdre McCann 37:16, Anne Boyd 37:23, Mairead O’Hare 37:36, Joanne Haddock 42:43, Anna-Marie Barrington 42:44, Alan Ladd 44:21, Danny Donaldson 51:29.
Antrim – Deborah Ewing 24:35, Tina Steele 25:56 & Dawn Dubois 39:56.
Valley – Susan Thompson 22:42, Nuala Muldoon 24:08, Jackie McCreesh 27:46, Neill McGlinchy 28:56, Elaine Kennedy 39:35, Lorraine Ann Forsythe 45:20

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…’