An epic tussle unfolded as some fantastic achievements last month earned deserved recognition. Harriers voted in their numbers for those who either shone at training, raced faster, or completed one of the ultimate tests of endurance.
Here are the Runner of the Month nominees for July:
Dawn Blain drew praise for how her hard work and consistency has been paying off. “She has been improving every week.”
Alex Davidson was again in the reckoning for the coveted cup based on his speedy showings every Saturday morning. “Pains me to say it, but his many parkrun PBs and overall training make him a worthy candidate. But please never tell him I said that.” “Consistently beating and improving his 5k times at parkruns. Great efforts!” “Alex has quietly got himself back into PB shape with some stunning 5k efforts. In the process he’s shown there’s hope for the more “seasoned” runners still chasing times!”
And then there were two…
As the votes piled in, a pair of Harriers could barely be separated.
David Esler earned lavish praise and deserves an extra-special mention for the incredible accomplishment of becoming an Ironman at the Celtic Warrior triathlon event. “Consistently hard training and smashing his Ironman.” “One word – Ironman.” “For his outstanding versatility in train
Galvanised by the return of parkrun and increasing races, Harriers stepped up to the mark in June with some sparkling runs and gritty performances. A flurry of PBs, hiking in the mountains and a battle back from injury woes all caught the eye. So without further ado, here are the Runner of the Month nominees and what you had to say about them:
The indomitable Janet Grew drew praise for her steely spirit and refusal to remain on the sidelines. “Janet’s a perfect example of never giving up after injury after injury… good to see Janet back at training and doing races… one of my heroes.”
Patricia Curistan also impressed by completing the Mourne Seven Sevens, a test of endurance and mountain skills which this resilient Harrier met head-on. “For her efforts round the Mournes for charity. Awesome achievement.”
Moving on, speed obviously runs in the Davidson family genes. Our chairman, Alex Davidson, proved his regular exhortation that ‘winter miles equals summer smiles’ by getting into PB-shape at the Valley. “It was fantastic to be back at parkrun in June, and one of the results that really stood out on the first weekend was Alex. He’s obviously worked really hard through lockdown, and great to see him in terrific shape and running fast times again.”
Not to be outdone, Ben Davidson smashed his own PB with a spectacular 19:47 run at the Valley parkrun. “Ben has been training really well on Tuesdays and it paid off with a first ever sub-20 5k. Also special mention for Tom Fleming with a brilliant 18:35 at the Valley.”
Brilliant running and well done to everyone for the hard-earned nominations. However, top billing will come as no surprise given the stellar form this Harrier has shown on both road and trail.
Runner of the Month for June is: Kevin Donnelly. “Kevin is the most humble and unassuming man who seems to just get faster and faster. He has had amazing performances this month, including a PB at the Coast Road 10k.”
“Kevin’s had a brilliant all-round month of training and racing. He followed up a fantastic 10k PB at Down Royal with an impressive showing at the Cairncastle Fell Race.”
Congratulations Kevin on the richly deserved recognition!
It is hard to believe that our last Runner of the Month award was back in November! Thankfully as restrictions begin to ease and we can get back to training and racing, we can also get back to honouring the efforts put in by members each month.
There was definitely no shortage of effort throughout May, with a mixture of hard work in training, fast racing and mammoth distances completed. This has been reflected in a number of worthy nominees:
First up, Gemma Fowler: “Gemma has improved so much in her running.”
Next up, Neil Campbell: “Neil’s performance at the recent NIURA event was outstanding. Not only did he run 100K but he achieved a podium winning third place. Congratulations Neil.”
Not forgetting, Lee O’Boyle: “For his superb effort and 1st place at the NIURA 100k race.”
As always there can only be one winner and for May it is none other than Angela Stevens! “Serious amount of training and effort went into completing her recent ultra marathon! Such a fantastic achievement!” “Fantastic performance at her first ultra marathon!” “All I can say is 50k, unbelievable.” “Amazing lady running her first ultra.”
Mallusk Harriers were one of three local community groups that were part of the Co-Op’s Local Community Fund. The fund helps pay for local projects that Co-Op members care about. Every 1% of what they spend on selected own-branded products and services goes to help fund community projects. The final total for Mallusk Harriers is £2,112,26. Jeanette from Co-Op Beverley Road presented the cheque today.#MakingADifference .
It’s Dark in the Morning, its Dark in the Evening…..Winter is coming and the restrictions remain but the Mallusk Harriers crazy crew are not letting that stop them from dusting off the hi-viz, putting the trainers on and getting the miles in the legs…..even though very few of us have anything to train for! Who needs training anyway, our members have lost the plot so much that they seem to practically wake up in the morning and decide to run a marathon without any training (not recommended by the way!). In early October we had several Harriers who put on the Harrier vest, or the vest of their charity, and took part in the Virtual London Marathon across various locations.
Suzanne was nominated for the energy she invested in taking part in the VLM with very little training and despite the horrible weather that day she always had a smile.
Angela was nominated for also completing the VLM, her commitment to her training and taking on a lone run in awful conditions was inspiring.
Paul was also nominated for a cracking PB at the VLM…he tried and failed to keep that one quiet! well done Paul.
Janet was nominated for her great determination coming back from injury, she is getting fitter and faster week by week – her hard work is paying off – keep at it Janet!
Sarah was nominated for always giving her all at training sessions, she fits her long runs and training around her very busy job working as an A&E Doctor.
Pamela Mooney was nominated for how she has persevered through injury. Pamela had planned to run the Wild Atlantic Way 500km but not one to let that stop her she pushed through and walked the distance instead. Great going Pamela and we will hopefully see you back at training very soon.
Alan Erwin was nominated for how he has returned to running after a long injury, he is getting fitter, stronger and faster and making huge progress…he was rewarded for his consistency in training by smashing his 10k PB at Down Royal – keep working hard Alan – no slacking off!
We can only have one winner though…..and this month it is Gemma!! Gemma had several nominations for how much her running and form has improved over the last few months.
Her friendly and happy nature does not go unnoticed (too happy at intervals so we will have to watch her and make her work harder )
Gemma puts every effort into her training while still being encouraging to others and is a wonderful asset to the club.
We are very nearly out of the dark nights and I for one cannot wait – although it hasn’t stopped the hardy Harriers and they continue to plod around the ‘not the bermuda triangle’ of Glengormley or crawl up and down the hills of Mallusk …..some even choose to run 50k from castle to castle!!
We had some lovely words about our nominees this month;
Suzanne Brennan was nominated for continuously giving 100% to her training.
Pamela McCafferty was nominated for her dedication to training and cross country, most recently she finished her long rung with Stormont cross country – her can do relaxed attitude makes her a great runner.
Dermot Boyd was nominated for representing the club so well at the Born to Run series, and still manages to find time to support the club as photographer at other events – thank you from us all Dermot!
This month we had one harrier who stood out for not only his commitment to his training, but also as an all-round great guy and fellow club member….our very own Ken McAuley.
Ken is a gentleman, he is encouraging at training, he listens intently to advice and cares about other club members training as much as he does his own.
He hasn’t always had it easy and has suffered his fair share of injuries…but his positive attitude has got him back running and he is in amazing form, which culminated in a PB at the Carlingford Half marathon at the weekend.
It’s always great to see Ken’s smiling face and hear his words of encouragement as we train. Well done Ken, a very worthy recipient of Runner of the Month
Eleanor Roosevelt said “Well-behaved women rarely make history”. I can only say that we must be one history making club.
A couple of late results off the vidiprinter last week from Malta. The results of the Malta jury were:
Half Marathon – Neil HOTM Campbell 1:23:50 and Marathon – Jay Scott 4:59:46
Taking the parkruns this week were:
Valley parkrun:
Paul Skillen 23:18, Ben Davidson 23:23, Karen McKee 26:16, Maeve Dunseath 26:48, Clare Teer 27:18, Anton Piatek 28:17, Bernie McAllister 28:50, Frances Kane 30:27, Dermot Boyd 32:53, Roseann McGeown 33:34, Neill McGlinchey 38:29, John Teer 39:37
Waterworks parkrun:
Dawn Blain 23:54, Maeve Kennedy 24:52, Ciaran Wright 26:25, Joseph Eager 27:06, Claire McCann 28:11, Tiffany Donaldson 35:23, Danny Donaldson 35:26
Victoria parkrun:
Angela Stevens 33:27PB
Antrim parkrun:
Tina Steele 30:07
Carrickfergus parkrun:
Lorraine Ann Forsythe 47:56, Zoe O’Prey 54:24
And congratulations to Lorraine on completing your 100th parkrun!
Stranmillis parkrun:
Elaine Kennedy 29:37PB
Sixmilewater parkrun:
Tom Fleming 19:13 (and first finisher)
The only tourist this week was Prof Alan Ladd who completed the Stretford parkrun in 17:10. This parkrun is in Manchester, the home of football, music and rain. It is also the name of the revered Stretford End in Old Trafford Stadium (2-0, mic drop, the end).
And the Rt. Hon. ADav was at the Valley finishing in 29:54
Jordanstown junior parkrun:
Ben Halliday 11:25, Matthew Hawkins 16:37
Plenty of other racing this week too as the road racing season really kicks into gear.
Yesterday, our own Team Kerr took on the Walled City 10 miler:
Andrew Kerr 1:21:00, Lisa Kerr 1:56:41
Yesterday also saw the latest Carlingford Half Marathon. They forgot to add the wind and rain this year, possibly a result of Coronavirus. But it didn’t stop the Harriers who caught it, binned it and killed it:
Ken McAuley 1:37:48PB, Patricia Curistan 1:43:39, Susan Thompson 1:57:36
Also yesterday was the Shane’s Castle Atlas Running Series. Taking on the Half Marathon for the Harriers there included:
Neil McCready 1:36:02, Jonny Smith 1:58:15
Today our own hasty header took on his latest ultra challenge. Lee O’Boyle, for it is he, took part in the We Run Wild Castle 2 Castle Ultra. This is a 50km run from Glenarm to Carrickfergus (see, castle to castle – geddit?) with over 4,000ft elevation. Not only did Lee take part, he went and won it, finishing in 4:17:18. Micky McAuley also got the headband out to finish in 5:15:55.
Finally, the Race to Recovery 10k also took place today. Nuala Muldoon finished in 49:20 and Anita Piatek in 56:32.
Another not so gentle reminder that not every race result notes your club name and not every race makes results widely available. So, if you want to show off your latest PB, please post in the results section in Team App to make sure you are included in the weekly report. If you’d rather not associate yourself with this drivel then don’t mention it and I won’t mention you. Totally understandable.
So, this week’s tune relates to International Women’s Day. I know it should be Beyoncé’s Run the World (Girls) but this is just better. Fact.
On Feb 29th 2012, construction was completed on the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in the world. On Feb 29th 2020, Ian Simpson and the Harriers took over the Valley parkrun, changed the route and survived. Not sure which was the more impressive organisational feat but I know which one involved the most Guinness.
Taking on just the 13 different parkruns this week were:
Mike Halliday 21:34PB, Ciaran Wright 22:16, Kevin Donnelly 22:53, Dawn Blain 24:06, Nikki Fleck 28:44, Roisin Brooks 30:17, Fidelma McCoppin 31:25, Philip Fleck 32:08, Aaron Ladd 34:53PB, Prof Alan Ladd 34:55, Louise Ladd 44:31
Victoria parkrun:
Stephen Gallagher 19:30, Karen McKee 24:01, Bernard ROTM McKeaveney 25:49, Susan Thompson 27:26
Queens parkrun:
Jim Guinn 28:59
Portrush parkrun:
Johnny Smith 29:48
Antrim parkrun:
Alan Kerr 25:07, Frances Kane 30:22, Tina Steele 55:38
Carrickfergus parkrun:
Patrick Hughes 26:00, Lorraine Ann “ice-cream with a flake” Forsythe
Bangor parkrun:
David Esler 29:27
Colin Glen parkrun:
Maeve Kennedy 25:40PB, Stephen Semple 26:05
Orangefield parkrun:
Neil McCready 20:35
Stranmillis parkrun:
Elaine Kennedy 36:43
Sixmilewater parkrun:
Tom Fleming 19:47, Peter Fleming 22:14
The only tourist this week was Owen Fulton. The Big O was on one of his frequent visits to Stretford parkrun, finishing in 24:38.
And the Rt. Hon. ADav was at the Valley finishing in 24:12
Waterworks junior parkrun:
Leo McAuley 8:40 (and first finisher!!), Joseph Eager 9:44, Eloise McAuley 10:23
Jordanstown junior parkrun:
Matthew Hawkins 12:16, Ben Halliday 13:52
In non-parkrun news, some of the Harriers took on the Gaithouse Back to Basics events at Victoria Park today.
5k
Dermot Boyd 33:40
10k
Martin O’Neill 37:52 (and 9th place finish), Andrew McNevison 38:42
Results from Malta have not made it home yet so I’ll catch them up next week.
So, this week’s tune was going to be Robert Plant’s 29 Palms to celebrate leap day. But then I remembered it was rubbish. So I have yet another storm song. And its class. So there.
“I love the feeling of the fresh air on my face and the wind blowing through my hair”
So said modern philosopher, and all round deep thinker, Evil Knievel (look him up kids).
But he had a motorbike and didn’t live in Mallusk.
And should he not have been wearing a helmet?
Anyway…
Taking on the parkruns this week were:
Waterworks parkrun:
Paul Skillen 22:17, Neil McCready 23:06, Nuala Muldoon 23:42, Ciaran Wright 25:35, Maeve Kennedy 25:40, Joseph Eager 28:48, Claire McCann 29:55
Victoria parkrun:
Angela Stevens 37:19
ECOS parkrun:
Tom Fleming 20:51, David Esler 28:24
Carrickfergus parkrun:
Alan Kerr 26:15, Lorraine Ann Forsythe 48:30
Sixmilewater parkrun:
Owen Fulton 25:08, Frances Kane 30:25
With the Valley parkrun being cancelled, it was good to see everyone heading further afield for their weekly fix. This week’s tourism winner though is Susan Thompson. She headed to Liverpool, finishing Princes parkrun in 27:20. Princes Park was opened in 1842; Liverpool FC were founded in 1892. So at least there was no complaining to be heard for the first 50 years. Within the park is a gravestone, dated 1926, in memory of a donkey called Judy who gave “21 years of service”. Rumours that something similar is being planned for Jamie Carragher are still to be confirmed.
And the now Rt. Hon. ADav was at Waterworks finishing in 23:28.
Jordanstown parkrun:
Matthew Hawkins 18:01
On Friday night, Scrabo Striders held the Mount Stewart Run the Trails Night Edition 10k. This is a race around Mount Stewart, over 10k, at night. Taking part for the Harriers were:
Anton Piatek 58:43, Victoria McCready 1:22:08
And today, Dermot Boyd continued his Born2Run streak finishing the Castlewellan 5k in 33:30.
Just in, Nuala Muldoon completed the Stroke Association Resolution Run in 50:03 and was second female finisher. Well, that’s what she says anyway. But seeing as its her birthday, we’ll believe her. This time.
So, this week’s tune once again about wind and storms. Again.
Apologies for the delay this week but I didn’t think it was right to issue the report without including the junior results from yesterday. Just as important as the seniors. And better in many cases!
Back to just one parkrun a week. Thankfully. But we had bigger and better things to think about this week anyway…..
First, a couple of late results off the vidiprinter.
Jay Scott finished the EAMS new year’s day half marathon in 2:34:14 and Elaine Kennedy completed the full marathon distance on the same day in 5:05:24.
Taking on the parkruns this week were:
Valley parkrun:
Ramunas Stanevicius ROTM 20:26, Neil Campbell 20:40, Martin O’Neill 20:44, Neil McCready 23:02, Andrew Kerr 24:45PB, Paul Skillen 24:56, Owen Fulton 26:10, Stephen Semple 27:35, Galina Stanevicius 31:36, Stephen Weir 31:41
Waterworks parkrun:
Susan Thompson 25:19, Lord Ian Brennan 29:02, Claire McCann 30:45, Tiffany Donaldson 37:13, Danny Donaldson 37:17, Angela Stevens 37:33
Wallace parkrun:
Jim Guinn 30:10
Ormeau parkrun:
David Esler 29:47
Antrim parkrun:
Elaine Kennedy 28:48
Carrick parkrun:
Alan Kerr 28:51, Lorraine-Ann Forsythe 43:50PB
Stormont parkrun:
Kevin Donnelly 23:59
Sixmilewater parkrun:
Tom Fleming 19:47, Peter Fleming 23:23, Anton Piatek 34:34
On the tourist front, just Sarah Ross this week. Back at Dunedin, finishing in 28:00.
And the lovely ADav was at Antrim 22:34
Jordanstown junior parkrun:
Mathew Hawkins 12:22, Ben Halliday 13:59
But, parkruns aside, the schedules were cleared this week for the main event of the week, if not the year. Yes, let the heavens open and the thunder gods roar, it’s the Mallusk XC!
Paul Skillen and his accomplices must have prayed to the right gods though as Saturday’s weather receded, the sun shone and the rain stayed off. Still baltic though.
Now an established XC league event, the Mathieson Cup and Shield attracted over 600 runners to its 6 races. Never has Mallusk been so popular. Never.
Paul (or is it really all Leeanne??) also remembered to bring the mud and put the hills in. Thanks.
The event has grown hugely in a few short years and is now considered to be one of the best events on the circuit. So a big well done, and collective downing of pints, to all those involved. Paul said it much better in his Team App post but I have to agree it would not be possible without either the main organisers or those who came along on the day and did their bit. Almost enough to make me like you all. Almost.
Primary 800m
Leo McAuley 2:55, Jasper Brooks 3:13, Joe Eager 3:14, Oran McKee 3:20, Peter McCann 3:22, Ben Halliday 3:33, Rory Brooks 3:38, Owen Millar 3:39, Matthew Hawkins 3:49, Riley Kerr 3:49
Eloise McAuley 3:25, Erin Dunseath 3:40, Rachel Simpson 3:46, Hollie Brennan 4:21, Jessie Smith 4:59, Lexi Smith 5:01
U14 2km
Jacob Simpson 8:09
Ladies 6km
Nuala Muldoon 30:09, Suzanne Brennan 31:03, Janine Nevison 32:17, Maeve Dunseath 32:52, Maeve Kennedy 32:52 (battle of the Maeve’s anyone? better than that battle for 12th disaster!), Sarah McCafferty 33:13, Pamela McCafferty 33:14, Angela Stevens 33:55, Bernie McAllister 34:51, Gemma Fowler 36:28, Clare Teer 36:44, Galina Stanevicius 36:55, Leah Burns 37:55, Joanne Milne 38:54, Sharon Dunn 38:54 (battle of the sisters then?), Roseann McGeown 43:00
The ladies team finished 8th overall in the Mathieson Shield team event.
Mens 8km
Lee O’Boyle 30:24, Andrew McNevison 32:10, Mark Smith 32:27, Ramunas Stanevicius 32:31, Prof Alan Ladd 32:45, Stephen Gallagher 34:24, Mike Halliday 37:40, Paddy Brooks 39:46, Jonny Smith 40:57, Owen “4%” Fulton 41:52, Lord Ian Brennan 42:30, Brendan McGeown 42:30, Bernard McKeaveney 44:47
The men’s team finished 8th in the Mathieson Cup team event.
Full results are available on the Mallusk XC Facebook page, at all good bookshops and at some rubbish ones as well.
So, this week’s tune is for Paul/Leeanne and the team. I really wanted to use “Skillin’ in the Name Of” by Rage Against the Machine but the lyric police wouldn’t let me. So here’s one by a popular 60s beat combo I found on the internet instead.
