This week seems to have been a bit of a post marathon comedown. Some reflecting and basking in personal glories; others still traumatised. Or both.
But firstly, taking on the parkruns this week were: Valley parkrun: Adam McCann 20:19, Joe Mathers 23:06, David Esler 25:00PB, Leo McAuley 25:46, Clare Teer 27:28, Neill McGlinchey 29:01, Ramunas Stanevicius 30:55, Galina Stanevicius 30:56, Joanne Milne 31:10, John Teer 40:47
Waterworks parkrun: Kevin Donnelly 18:50 and 2nd finisher, Lord Ian Brennan 25:08, Susan Thompson 27:09, Emily Murphy 27:14PB, Claire McCann 31:18
Our sole 26.2 warrior this week was Marty O’Neill who took part in the Manchester marathon earlier today. Despite picking up an injury during the race, Marty delivered (geddit?) a great time of 3:16:22. 😎
So, this week’s tune is for the Martython himself. His trip gave me a chance to pick a classic tune from the fabled music city of Manchester. So I didn’t. https://youtu.be/425GpjTSlS4
We were delighted to see our Junior club member Adam McCann return to action. Adam suffered a horrific injury at school some time ago. He has battled back through a lot of hard work and dedication.
Throughout his rehabilitation he helped out the club coaches by acting as an assistant coach at out Junior sessions. A great young man we are proud to have at the club
Today’s 10@10 has turned into tv@10, and 11 and 12 as we watch London on the tv and check for Belfast updates online. Or else we are out on the road shouting support, banging pans and ringing the obligatory cowbell. Whatever way we support the runners, marathon day always bring a lump to the throat and a tear to the eye. A bit like the bag drop queues.
But firstly, taking on the parkruns this week were: Valley parkrun: Ben Davidson 19:49, Adam McCann 20:17PB, Stephen Armour 21:58, Brendan ROTM McGeown 23:24, Leo McAuley 26:01, David Esler 26:21, Aidy Hughes 27:04, Neill McGlinchey 28:59, Sharon Dunn 29:00, Cathy Ryan 29:01, Marie McBrien 29:24, Ramunas Stanevicius (and Ugnius) 30:26, Galina Stanevicius 30:29, Karen McKee 30:29, Prof Alan Ladd 30:30 (obviously reliving their Berlin highlights on the way round), Emily “the comeback kid” Dowling 31:40, Roseann McGeown 31:43, Roisin Brooks 32:10, Janet Grew 32:35, Joanne Milne 33:06
And well done to Marie who tried to sneak through her 200th parkrun without anyone noticing!
Waterworks parkrun: Dawn Blain 23:18, Susan Thompson 27:43, Claire McCann 29:00
Victoria parkrun: Tom Fleming 17:22PB
Ormeau parkrun: Bernard McKeaveney 27:33 Brave boy a day before the big one!
Antrim parkrun: Elaine Kennedy 29:03
Carrickfergus parkrun: Anton Piatek 25:09
Orangefield parkrun: Martin McCready 35:20
Knockbracken Reservoir parkrun: Stephen Semple 23:38, Maeve Kennedy 24:39 and first female finisher
Jordanstown junior parkrun: Joseph Eager 8:32 and 2nd place finisher, Emily Murphy 9:21, Sinead O’Hare 10:31, Matthew Hawkins 13:32
Waterworks junior parkrun: None today! Big boy (and girl) stuff on.
Today, attentions turned to the majors – London and Belfast – as our 26.2 warriors took to the streets.
Let’s start with our much loved home marathon. 8 Harriers were in action: Alan Erwin 3:10:35PB, Micky McAuley 3:12:43, Pamela Mooney 3:46:19, Ken “is that really a beard?” McAuley 3:51:28, Johnny Carey 4:00:18, Ciaran Wright 4:13:19, Bernard McKeaveney 4:35:53PB, Angela Stevens 4:39:56
Over in London there was a great turnout for the Harriers as qualifiers for the last few years finally got a chance to run the streets paved with gold.
Lee “why is this so flat?” O’Boyle 2:42:20, Kevin Donnelly 2:59:52PB, Neil Campbell 3:18:52, Stephen Gallagher 3:31:03, Patricia Curistan 3:34:08, Paul Skillen 3:57:00, Suzanne Brennan 4:06:25PB, Joe Mathers 4:09:12, Lord Ian Brennan 4:32:15, Leeanne Skillen 6:17:41, Laura Campbell 6:18:49
So, this week’s tune is for those who took on the 26.2 tests today.
Your time is irrelevant. You all beat the distance. And for this we salute you. https://youtu.be/Y1D3a5eDJIs Until next week, behave. CAVILLATOR
Mallusk Harriers star in the Latest Active Running advert for Volunteering at Parkrun. Have you Volunteered lately?
It’s so easy to volunteer and show your support. Why not give a little back and support your running community.
How to volunteer at parkrun We would be lost with out the many volunteers who keep all our Parkruns running and giving up their free time.
If you can help volunteer at your local Parkrun , please see how too below and become part of a great team of people who make sure our Parkruns takes place and is safe for everyone each Saturday.
parkruns are community events delivered every weekend by volunteers. Anyone and everyone can be a volunteer. You need no prior experience and you can volunteer regularly, or just once in a while.
All the roles are explained to you on the day, it’s super easy, fun and rewarding. Plus you get to feel a part of your local community. Fancy giving it a go? Here’s how.
Send an email to your local parkrun
The simplest way to sign up to volunteer is to send an email to your local parkrun. You can find your local event here, and you can locate their email address on your event’s home page, under the ‘volunteer’ tab.
Let the team know when you’d like to volunteer (it might be the coming event, or further ahead), and if you have a preference, you can say what role you might like (or not like!) to do. Include your parkrun barcode number too. Then, the volunteer coordinator will be in touch to book you in. Easy.
Tell the event team when you’re at parkrun
When you’re at parkrun or junior parkrun, just tell the team (someone in a high-vis vest) that you would like to volunteer (again, you may want to volunteer the following week, or another date in the future) and they will help book you in.
Sign up to receive Volunteer emails
You can choose the events you would like to hear from by signing into your parkrun profile here.
Or you can click the ‘volunteer opt-in’ button when you receive your results email after taking part in a parkrun. This then means that you’ll receive emails in the future from your local event when there are specific roles still available . You can just reply to the email to sign yourself up.
Marathon season is upon us folks. Some have been delayed; others moved from Spring. But however they got here, many of us will be taking part in them in the coming weeks.
Why, we ask ourselves? Why?
Taking on the parkruns this week were: Valley parkrun: Paul Skillen 23:38, Joe Mathers 23:39, Aidy Hughes 26:25, Leo McAuley 27:39, Emily Murphy 28:46PB, David Esler 29:04, Marie McBrien 30:05, Joanne Milne 32:36, Neill McGlinchey 32:59, Janet Grew 33:18
Waterworks parkrun: Dawn Blain 23:22 (and 1st female finisher), Lord Ian Brennan 23:56, Kevin Donnelly 24:01, Cathy Ryan 27:44, Claire McCann 32:13
Antrim parkrun: Maeve Kennedy 25:01
Limavady parkrun: Johnny Carey 27:35
Sixmilewater parkrun: Tom Fleming 17:55 and yet another first place finish
Knockbracken Reservoir parkrun: Clare Teer 27:37
Our tourist this week is Sarah Ross. Our Scotland correspondent completed the Queen’s parkrun in 24:20. This parkrun is held in south Glasgow. Glasgow was founded by St Mungo, the patron saint of salmon. It has an underground called The Clockwork Orange and is the birthplace of both the ultrasound machine and chicken tikka masala (maybe). I also understand it has some football teams. Who knew?
Jordanstown junior parkrun: Joseph Eager 8:32PB and 1st finisher, Emily Murphy 9:20PB and second finisher, Kayden McClelland 9:33 and third finisher, Kobe McClelland 9:51, Matthew Hawkins 10:40, Sinead O’Hare 11:04PB
In other racing, Anton and Anita Piatek both took on the Ecotrail 30k in Wicklow. Anton finished the hilly trail course around Bray in 4:11:22 and Anita in 4:50:11.
Today, our focus turned to Berlin. Bekele may have got his pacing wrong but Prof Alan Ladd certainly did not, finishing in an amazing 2:49:07. Karen McKee finished in 4:23:46 and Elaine Kennedy in 5:11:21.
Time to raise a few steins folks!
So, this week’s tune is for those who tackled the heat of Berlin today. I could use “Take My Breath Away” by Berlin but this is officially a Top Gun free zone (more of a Cocktail man myself, if I’m honest). I should use Bowie but we’ve done that before. So here’s one from a group of guys from Dublin who recorded this in Berlin. Not bad, but they’re no Prof Ladd.
https://youtu.be/5HDPenYIPtg Until next week, behave. CAVILLATOR
As the evenings are getting dark quickly, now is time to get out your night running gear. Even if you are heading out and its still bright, it could get dark as you are out on your run, so be prepared.
Wear bright coloured clothes, but this alone is not enough. Have some reflective material on also, while you think the bright clothes may be easily seen by oncoming cars, this will only be the case when the car is already close, reflective gear will allow the car to see you from a further distsnce away.Have your head torch/chest light or any other light up wearables ready and on.
The head/chest light will help you see where you are going, and help keep you visible. Don’t run with earphones on, or at least use bone conducting headphones, as these help you hear oncoming traffic. Run with someone if you can, and always tell someone where you are running and when you expect to be home or you could take your phone and share your location with someone.
Keep the evening runs enjoyable, but also be safe.
Harriers took to the roads, track and parkruns in August to set new PBs galore – earning plenty of praise in the process. And as Runner of the Month votes were cast, a photo-finish developed between two club stalwarts whose hard graft has certainly paid off.
Here are the nominees and what you had to say about them: The frighteningly fast Tom Fleming continued to shine, making it all look so effortless. “Tom has stepped up from the junior section to the senior training sessions. “He listens to the coaches and has a great attitude. His hard work and dedication to training has resulted in a number of PBs at his parkruns and a number of first finishes.”
The slightly less youthful Kevin Donnelly blitzed his times yet again. “Kevin’s excellent PB at the Larne half marathon is yet another example of how he keeps improving and challenging himself. Well done Kevin.”
Dawn Blain’s dedication and excellent progress didn’t go unnoticed either. “Dawn keeps improving every week in training.”
At one stage it looked like Aidy Hughes had it in the bag for his 5k exploits. “Puts all his effort into training sessions and it seems to be paying off with his recent PB.” “Aidy has been putting in a lot of training and it’s showing on the track and 5k PBs.” “Aidy has been working hard and always puts the effort in on Tuesday nights, which is showing in his recent PBs.” “His dedication to training and for his recent well deserved 5k PB. A great representative for the club. Go Aidy!”
“Gets himself out to represent the club nearly every week and has hit numerous PBs in the last couple of weeks.” Ultimately, however, Brendan McGeown’s stellar performance at Larne proved decisive. Amid wise-cracks about a club colleague’s socks, Benny trained hard and reaped the rewards by slashing his half marathon record.
“Unbelievable commitment to training for Larne, which resulted in a well deserved PB.” “Easiest pick ever for ROTM. What a display at Larne Half Marathon… big PB and well deserved for the hard work Benny has put in. Absolute legend.”
“Great consistent training and taking three and a half minutes off his half marathon PB at Larne.” “He has been putting in the hard work in the last number of weeks and this paid off with an awesome PB at Larne. Well done.”
“His hard work and determination certainly paid off in Larne for him. Well done.” Congratulations Benny on being Runner of the Month for August… and well done to all who were nominated!
In the fine tradition of The Pixies, you have been quiet, loud, quiet over the last few weeks. This week was quiet with only the parkruns involved. Even Aidy couldn’t find a 5k somewhere in darkest Tyrone! Must be marathon taper time?
A late result off the Vidiprinter as we can confirm the times for the Lecale Way 50k (or 53k if you believe Bernard). Bernard McKeaveney finished in 6:58:46 and Angela Stevens finished in 7:38:53.
Angela and Bernard, taking on the Lecale Way 50k
Well done to both. Great efforts, plus it also gains you official entry into the headers section.
Taking on the parkruns this week were: Valley parkrun: Tom Fleming 18:30PB and first finisher, Adam McCann 20:21PB, Ben Davidson 20:50, Karen McKee 25:12, Leo McAuley 25:34PB, David Esler 26:56, Clare Teer 27:58, Neill McGlinchey 30:35, Joanne Milne 31:22, Roisin Brooks 31:58
Waterworks parkrun: Claire McCann 29:23
Victoria parkrun: Alan “Bertie Bassett” Erwin 18:24PB (huge PB!), Emily Murphy 27:51PB
Wallace parkrun: Andrew Nevison 21:40
Antrim parkrun: Maeve Kennedy 24:55, Susan Thompson 27:09
Just the one tourist this week as our own Obi Wan McCready made it as far as Inch Beach parkrun in Kerry. Marty completed the course in 34:47. Inch beach is actually almost 4 miles long so wee bit of inaccurate naming there if you ask me.
Jordanstown junior parkrun: Matthew Hawkins 10:13
Waterworks junior parkrun: Leo McAuley 8:16 and 2nd finisher, Eloise McAuley 8:53PB, Hollie Brennan 15:50
So this week’s tune is for all those Harriers currently tapering and working through the taper madness. Signs of “maranoia” include an unnatural fear of stairs, ladders and kerbs, an unhealthy addiction to hand gel, reluctance to meet anyone socially (except on a run for some reason), all pacing plans are questioned, redone, then questioned again and, of course, everything hurts.
Don’t worry, it’ll all be over soon. And it won’t hurt a bit……….
Sixmilewater parkrun:Tom Fleming 18:06 and 2nd finisher
Hillsborough Forest parkrun: Elaine Kennedy 34:50
And the Rt Hon ADav was back at the Valley this week. He finished in 29:09, not a PB. Oh yeah, this was also his 300th parkrun. Begrudging congratulations on reaching this milestone.
I think he is the first Harrier to do so. But please correct me if I am wrong. Please. And 2 tourist trips this week! (Sorry Jonny but Limavady is not tourism; it’s a wrong turn)
Kevin Donnelly donned the running goggles in Letterkenny this weekend. He finished in 19:10 and was first finisher too!!
But this week’s winners are Maeve Kennedy and Stephen Semple who completed the Rising Sun parkrun in 26:18 and 26:19 respectively (brownie points for Stephen! Well played Sir).
This parkrun is not held in Japan. Although it should be. It is actually, and less interestingly, held in The Rising Sun Country Park in Benton just north east of Newcastle Upon Tyne.
James Michael Aloysius Bradford was born in Benton. After standing on a six inch spike in work he was called Jimmy Nail, and the rest is history. Sort of. Every day is a school day round here, kids.
Jordanstown junior parkrun: Emily Murphy 9:27PB and first female finisher, Matthew Hawkins 10:04, Rhys Kerr 15:44
On Wednesday evening, the Harriers took up the kind invitation of Tafelta AC and took part in their Night of Friendly 5000s in Magherafelt: Anita Piatek 26:50, Gemma Fowler 24:31, Sarah McCafferty 24:09, Aidy Hughes 25:40, Dawn Blain 23:14, Lord Ian Brennan 23:03, Suzanne Brennan 22:54, Jonny Carter 22:10, Pamela Mooney 21:38, Paul Skillen 21:08, Sean Doherty 21:05, Stephen Armour 20:55, Stephen Gallagher 19:57, Alan Irwin 19:14
Not aware if any of these were PBs but another great night’s racing and another excellent example of this really successful format. Thanks again to Tafelta AC for the invite.
The other racing this week included Matthew Cavill competing the Ards 5 mile race in 38:40. Our vest in the West was back in action again, continuing his PB tour of Tyrone’s darkest hedgerows. Aidy Hughes completed the Washing Bay Green run on Saturday morning in 25:14. Not sure what he was up to that evening…
Today saw the return of the Great North Run, one of the most popular half marathons on the calendar. Impressing for the Harriers were: Anton Piatek 1:40:43PB, Maeve Kennedy 1:59:43, Stephen Semple 1:59:43, Cathy Ryan 2:05:27 Finally, back to headers corner where Bernard McKeaveney and Angela Stevens were competing today in the 50k Lecale Way. This We Run Wild NI event takes place between Strangford and Newcastle.
Results are not available at the time of writing so I will update in next week’s report. As if this wasn’t enough, Micky McAuley headed for the Welsh mountains to take part in the UTS 100k event. 100k and 22,000 ft of elevation within Snowdonia National Park. Micky finished in an amazing 23:54:54 and a Top 40 finish.
This week’s absolute tune is for ADav, as he hits the big 300. Ironically, a film he auditioned for. Unsuccessfully. It could also apply to Micky and the rest of the headers. You frighten us a bit but we salute you all!
(This video was actually filmed at the Harriers 1971 Xmas party. True fact.) https://youtu.be/9f4CyQto-0E Until next week, behave. CAVILLATOR Jean Knight – Mr Big Stuff YOUTUBE.COM Jean Knight – Mr Big Stuff
Well, a quieter week this week after all the thrills of Larne last weekend. (Well, there’s a sentence I never thought I’d write!).
Taking on the parkruns this week were:
Valley parkrun: Ben ROTM Davidson 20:51 (and ahead of his Da, again), Alan Erwin 24:34, Joanne Milne 35:12, Sharon Dunn 55:43, Stephen Armour 55:43
And a big congratulations to SB and the whole Valley parkrun team on reaching their 300th event. And a big thanks to the Harriers who took over volunteering for the occasion. Waterworks parkrun:
Kevin Donnelly 18:13PB, Dawn Blain 23:17, Eloise McAuley 24:23PB, Micky McAuley 24:25, Hollie Brennan 44:12, Suzanne Brennan 44:28, Lord Ian Brennan 44:28, Claire McCann 48:42 Well done Kevin on the PB and Dawn being 2nd female finisher but the big performance was from Eloise who was 4th female finisher. For those that don’t know, Eloise is 8 years old.
Victoria parkrun: Emily Murphy 30:36
Carrickfergus parkrun: Maeve Kennedy 26:16PB
Sixmilewater parkrun: Tom Fleming 18:01, Elaine Kennedy 32:48, Lisa Kerr 33:51
And the Rt Hon ADav finished well behind Ben, again, at the Valley in 24:10. More from him, probably, next week….. We had a tourist this week too!
Anton Piatek was at the Queen Elizabeth parkrun. This parkrun, surprisingly, is not held inside Buckingham Palace, although it definitely should be. It is held in the QE Country Park on the South Downs which are somewhere in Southern England. The nearest town is Petersfield.
Mark Owen, from Take That, lives in Petersfield. But it didn’t take a minute. It took Anton 24:28
Sorry, that’s all I’ve got. It’s been a long week.
Jordanstown junior parkrun: Joseph Eager 9:05PB, Emily Murphy 9:38PB, Matthew Hawkins 10:05
Waterworks junior parkrun: Leo McAuley 8:23PB, Eloise McAuley 8:54PB, Hollie Brennan 16:10 Well done to Eloise on a weekend PB double!
My final note is for Helen Torr. Helen, I can confirm that Alex Davidson does not write the reports. To be honest, I’m not even sure he can read them.
This week’s tune is for our own pocket rocket. It’s from well before her time but it’s still a tune. Congrats again Ms McAuley!
https://youtu.be/b31L4P7G5j8 Until next week, behave. CAVILLATOR
