• On 16 May 2019
• By admin
• Harrier of the month
• 0 Comments

Harrier of the Month – April 2019

Connemara, London and Belfast marathons have been and gone and let’s hope with the weather forecast for this week that the rain and hailstones are done and dusted too. Like the Runner of the month report there was a few nominations for May that will be carried over to next month.

A number of harriers were nominated for Harrier of the Month for the month of April and rightly so for going that extra mile for the club and its members.

Alan Ladd was nominated for all the time he puts in with the training plans and setting aside time to deal with anyone’s queries. Alan’s Monday night clinics at Bothy, gave support with advice, he is so patient and understanding with us all. Thank you Alan.

Ian Simpson aka Social Boy was mentioned for giving so much time and dedication to MH, with his organisation of social events, providing of tea, coffee and cheer, he’s a more than worthy winner of HOTM.

Janet Grew and Mairead O’Hare got a joint nomination as one member could not choose between these two amazing ladies who both ran London Marathon. Both have shown true spirit – Janet’s determination in running for her Meningitis charity while injured and Mairead’s grit and perseverance through her training and the marathon itself. These ladies could rule the world.

Sarah McCafferty was mentioned for showing dedication and commitment to her training and always being supportive to everyone.

As always there can only be one winner, and this Harrier stood out as no matter what the event, he was there using planes, trains and automobiles to support Harriers at events. This harrier will brave all weather elements and was stuck up a hill for hours, in the freezing cold with nothing but a flask of tea for company (in fairness it was probably to get away from the gurning of Ian Brennan and Joanne Milne).

Harrier of the month for April is Owen Fulton. His support to other Harriers while he is unable to run himself shows what a lovely guy Owen is. He will travel some lengths to support his friends and this is much appreciated by the runners and the other cheerleaders. Some of the comments include:

“Owen is a friendly face in the club and despite his own injury always comes along to races or club events to cheer – he supported at Larne, Connemara and London to name a few”.

“Because of his quiet demeanour Owen’s support and dedication to the cheerleading role often gets overlooked and I think he deserves some recognition for the selfless effort he makes to cheer on the Harriers everywhere and anywhere”.

“Always a great supporter of other runners at the club whether it be a message to wish you luck or out on the course cheering on as he was at Connemara and London. He also does this despite his own injury issues”.

“Owen deserves a HOTM for being such an amazing support to his club mates. Despite himself being injured, there’s hardly a race goes by that Owen doesn’t turn up to cheer, support, take photos and lots more. He stood in the cold, wet freezing rain on top of a hill in Connemara for hours on end – he deserves a medal for that alone, and also supported at London, Larne and in Belfast”.

“Owen has not been able to run this last few months due to injury to most this would put them off getting involved in events. He is always at races cheering everyone on, taking pictures and motivating others. He was at Larne and Connemara encouraging all club members. For me him coming to London to support me just shows what true harrier spirit is and I will forever be thankful for him and the others being there to push me when I didn’t think I couldn’t go on any further”.

“Owen is at just about every Harrier race/event and gives up so much of his time to support club members and I know this is greatly appreciated throughout the club. In addition to this he is also a regular volunteer at parkru.n”

A long overdue HOTM!!!!!! We salute you Big O !!!!!!!!”

There are lots of opportunities in the next coming months so get involved and support your fellow harriers and you too could be a worthy winner of the Harrier of the Month Trophy. Be good and keep running, until next next month…….

• On 13 May 2019
• By admin
• Run report
• 0 Comments

Club Report – Sunday 12th May 2019

Some Harriers spent the week recovering from last Sunday’s marathon. Others hit the racetrack again. Some wound down with a 55 mile ultra. Takes all sorts I suppose.

Firstly, taking on the parkruns this week were:
Valley parkrun:
Prof Alan Ladd 19:34, Alan Erwin 22:47, Paul Skillen 23:45, Anton Piatek 27:08, Neill McGlinchey 27:19, Stephen Weir 30:44, Sharon ROTM Dunn 33:31, Marie McFarlane 35:17, Lorraine Forsythe 56:42,

• On 13 May 2019
• By admin
• Runner of the month
• 0 Comments

Runner of the Month – April 2019

After a long winter it is always great to get into April with the better weather and extended nights. So it was rather disappointing to get pelted with hail stones in our first training session back at the playing fields in a scene that took me back to our XC race in 2018 (nicknamed ‘In the bleak Mallusk winter’).

If the weather didn’t hot up then at least the performances from our runners did. As always there were plenty of different races to choose from with club members taking on new distances and notching up PBs all over the place.

Belfast marathon was held on a new day with a new route but not as some of the club thought on a new month with a few nominations coming through for performances in May. We’ve ‘adjusted’ the results accordingly and you may have to wait slightly ‘longer’ to see your comments come through… Rest assured we’ll save these nominations for May’s ROTM.

April started with Manchester marathon where Kevin Donnelly had a fantastic run smashing his marathon PB by 17 minutes. He backed that up with two 5k PBs and a 5 mile PB:

“Kevin amazed us all with his performance at Manchester marathon. He is flying these days with a big marathon PB in Manchester! Go Kevin!”

Another Harrier setting new PBs left right and centre in April was Anita Piatek. A half marathon PB at Subway was sandwiched (get it…?) by bests for 5 mile and 5k at Ballymena Belles and Springwell’s Purple ladies race:

“Anita has been absolutely smashing out PBs this month from Ballymena Belles to Purple Ladies. She has been very committed to her training + it is more than reflecting in these great results!”

Mairead O’Hare was nominated for a brilliant performance in her first marathon at London this month which followed a 7 minute half marathon PB at Subway:

“What a fantastic performance in the London Marathon. A very determined Mairead embraced the training and did herself and the club proud getting right to the line. Well done Mairead.”

Running a marathon isn’t easy. Running a marathon a few days after being on crutches is definitely not easy. However, Janet Grew did just that and her achievement of finishing was rightly picked out as an inspiration to other club members:

“Janet showed great determination getting through London Marathon despite adversity and extreme injury”

For some at the club, a marathon isn’t long enough anymore. Congratulations to everyone who completed the Connemarathon (39.3 miles); for many it was their first ultra distance.

Lee O’Boyle has obviously been reading too much Scott Jurek. The legendary ultra runner finished second in his first ever ultra… and that’s exactly what Jurek did 25 years ago 🙂. Lee’s tireless work ethic is an inspiration to others at the club:

“His dedication to sport and training is inspiring and his achievement at Connemara ultra was incredible. Couple all that with his unassuming attitude and his willingness to help and encourage others embodies what I love about running. Congratulations Lee.”

We also had two ladies running their first ultra at Connemara. Our ladies’ captain Suzanne Brennan was nominated for her ultra training and race:

“Suzanne really dedicated herself to the training and was always positive about the whole experience which paid off with a great run on day”

Well done to everyone nominated and keep doing what you are doing. However, our winner this month pipping the rest on the list was Sharon Dunn. Sharon has been knocking on the door of ROTM for many months and her ability to maintain her levels of excellence has finally got her the biggest share of the vote this month. Here’s what you all had to say:

“Sharon worked and trained so hard for her first ultra and absolutely smashed it! What I love about Sharon is how modest and humble she is about her achievements. Her attitude towards training and her strength and determination is inspiring. Go girl x”

“I’m nominating Sharon Dunn for her total dedication to training and it was brilliant to see that pay off at Connemara ultra. Well done Sharon!”

“EAMS, Connemara and now taking on 24 in 24, this girl is amazing”

“She trained so hard for Connemara and showed great dedication which paid off on race day with a great performance. She continues to go from strength to strength and fully deserves ROTM for April”

Well done Sharon, a very deserved winner. Good luck with your preparation for 24in24!

• On 7 May 2019
• By admin
• Run report
• 0 Comments

Club report – Sunday 5th April 2019

Sorry that the report production was longer than expected this week. Seems to be a bit of a theme…..

Firstly, taking on the parkruns this week were:
Valley parkrun:
Ramunas Stanevicius 19:33PB, Tom Fleming 22:45, Paul Skillen 24:26, Brendan McGeown 25:59, Alan Erwin 26:01, Anita Piatek 28:02PB, Lee-Anne Hutchinson 29:35, Karen O’Boyle 31:46, Roseann McGeown 32:02, Loraine Forsythe 1:17:03

• On 29 Apr 2019
• By admin
• Run report
• 0 Comments

Club Report – Sunday 28th April 2019

“Dull would he be of soul who could pass by a sight so touching in its majesty”

“If, when, why, what, how much have you got? Have you got it, do you get it, if so, how often? And which do you choose, a hard or soft option?”

• On 22 Apr 2019
• By admin
• Run report
• 0 Comments

Club Report – Sunday 21st April 2019

Happy Easter to all you Harriers, hope the bunny brought you plenty of chocolate. The Cavillator has took his well earned break so you’re stuck with work experience boy this week.

Glad there is not much to report with very little racing this week, as everyone has their taps aff, Benny McGeown is regularly seen running around Mallusk with not a tap on when the big yellow thing is high in the sky.

• On 15 Apr 2019
• By admin
• Harrier of the month
• 0 Comments

Harrier of the Month – March 2019

Harrier of the month – March

It was great to see so many nominations this month for Harrier of the month and for so many different people too. The success of the club shines through in many ways. In the winter months the team spirit was so evident at the XC races where the vociferous support helped our runners round each course and climb the league.

In March, as many of us started to tackle our big goals of the year, the support may not have been so concentrated in one place. For many there have already been huge ups and downs, PBs and injuries.

What makes being part of a club great is the arm round the shoulder following disappointment or the quiet words of encouragement after a hard session and of course celebrating each other’s successes. The nominations this month prove that this kind of support in the club is widespread and appreciated.

In March there were nominations for:

Cavillator – where would we be on a Sunday night if we didn’t have our weekly dose of Mallusk Harriers news and a tasteful tune (mostly!).

Emily Dowling – collected all our packs for Larne half marathon and waited around in our typical baltic weather to distribute them.

Ian Brennan – “Ian’s progress through his current marathon training shows his strong spirit and determination.”

Karen McKee – “Karen is such a positive person to be around in the club, always encouraging and supporting others.”

Lee O’Boyle, Alan Ladd and Neil Campbell – deservedly described as ‘rookies’ in the fell running arena, were nominated for helping Micky on the Denis Rankin round with “Military precision and true Harrier spirit”. Alan was also nominated for the Monday night ‘drop in clinic’.

Micky McAuley – as well as his numerous nominations for ROTM was nominated for HOTM “This man is a true inspiration and doesn’t allow anything beat him!”

Suzanne Brennan – was nominated for all the work she does as ladies’ captain and coach on top of training for her first ultra! “Suzanne constantly attends events encouraging folk; that’s just what she’s does.”

Well done everyone who was nominated and also those who weren’t this month but who are still doing great work for the club – you can’t all be nominated every time!

This month’s winner by a country mile (if that country mile is the last mile of the Larne half marathon) was Patricia Curistan. Patricia always has a kind word to say to others and her own running feats are an inspiration to many at the club.

However, Patricia probably managed to clock up more miles on the day of the Larne half marathon than anyone else that day despite only running the last half mile, by running it over and over again to give each weary harrier a final push over the line.

Here’s what some had to say:
“Patricia showed brilliant support at Larne, running alongside plenty of Harriers on the final stretch. I was in pain, but her encouragement helped me over the line.”

“After a long run, Patricia ran back and forward getting Harriers over the line. I wouldn’t have finished without her, the epitome of true harrier spirit.”

“For running so many in in Larne giving them that final push. A fantastic girl and always smiling”

“Selflessly helping other Harriers across the line at Larne. Always offering support to her fellow Harriers and a hug to those in need. A true asset to the club.”

A very worthy winner Patricia, we wish you all the best in London at the end of the month!

• On 15 Apr 2019
• By admin
• Run report
• 0 Comments

Club Report – Sunday 14th April

Another week full of running. A week full of headers and heroes. So let’s shut up and get on with it.

Firstly, taking on the parkruns this week were:
Valley parkrun:
Ramunas Stanevicius 21:13, Noel Bloomfield 23:55, Neill McGlinchey 28:03, Anton Piatek 29:18, Lee-Anne Hutchinson 29:25, Ethan Hutchinson 29:25, Galina Stanevicius 29:58, Jennifer Maguire 46:40

Waterworks parkrun:
Kevin Donnelly 18:34PB, Sean Doherty 22:19PB
I should note that Mr Donnelly not only set a new PB, beating his previous sub 20 course best by almost a minute. He was also first finisher. Please stop now Kevin as you are making the rest of us look bad. But we still salute you Sir.

Antrim parkrun:
Neil McCready 20:11PB, Alan Kerr 25:20, Tina Steele 28:55, Elaine Kennedy 29:10, Ryan McCready 31:50

Stranmillis parkrun:
Susan Thompson 25:44, Ken McAuley 25:45

Ormeau parkrun:
Eamonn Donaghy 23:03

MUSA parkrun:
Aidy Hughes 24:55

Newcastle parkrun:
Stephen Weir 29:38

Oughterard parkrun:
Lord Ian Brennan 25:11, Amy O’Boyle 51:00, Karen O’Boyle 51:03, Owen Fulton 51:14, Suzanne Brennan 51:15

Waterworks junior parkrun:
Joseph Eager 9:23, Matthew Hawkins 11:43, Jamie Campbell 16:07PB

The racing started back on Tuesday evening with ladies only Ballymena Belles 5 mile road race:
Karen McKee 37:06PB, Sarah McCafferty 37:53PB, Petunia McCafferty 39:32PB (okay, Patricia), Maeve Dunseath 41:29, Anita Piatek 45:12PB, Roisin Brooks 46:50, Louise Long 47:20, Angela Stevens 48:48, Suzanne Brennan 50:40, Mairead O’Hare 55:11PB
Many thanks ladies for postings all your results on Team App. No club name on official results so it really helped. (Especially as I was late writing this after watching the golf!)

Then on Saturday, 2 Harriers headed off to scenic Glenarm for the last Born2Run event. Dermot Boyd came out from behind the camera to complete the 5k in 34:26. Jonny Smith completed the Half Marathon in 1:53:30.

Today was a busy day too. Several Harriers continued their training for the Belfast Marathon by taking part in the scenic Craigavon Three Quarter Marathon, just 6 laps of the balancing lakes:
Stephen Gallagher 2:18:41, Karen McKee 2:37:13, Jim Guinn 3:08:12, Neill McGlinchey 3:46:41, Leeanne Skillen 3:53:01

Also today was the MS Society Subway Half in Belfast:
Alan Ladd 1:19:37PB, Angela Stevens 2:10:35, Roisin Brooks 2:02:06, Anita Piatek 2:13:03PB, Yasmin Lynn 2:19:52, Mairead O’Hare 2:26:49PB

Doing the full marathon distance today was Craig Mills who completed the Brighton marathon (his 89th!!) in 3:34:24.

But even this distance was not enough for some. Yes, our header department had a day out as 8 of them took on the Connemara Ultra. A nice flat 39 mile course. In the wind. And the rain. And the cold. Lovely.
First Harrier home was Lee O’Boyle who finished in second place with an amazing time of 4:42:15
Well done Sir. A real reward for all the training you have put in.
Micky McAuley 5:52:17, Joe Mathers 6:15:59, Danny Donaldson 6:33:04, Christiaan Spies 6:33:04, Sharon Dunn 7:26:23, Suzanne Brennan 7:40:48, Tiffany Donaldson 8:28:43
Also, Kevin “only here for the beer” Donnelly decided he had done enough with 2 PBs in a week and “only” did the Half Marathon distance in 1:41:49 (unofficial)

This week’s tune speaks for itself.

https://youtu.be/6FOUqQt3Kg0

Until next week, behave.

CAVILLATOR

• On 12 Apr 2019
• By admin
• Runner of the month
• 0 Comments

Runner of the Month – March 2019

• On 9 Apr 2019
• By admin
• Run report
• 0 Comments

Club Report – Sunday 7th April 2019

Plenty of running this week, so let’s crack on.

Taking on the parkruns this week were:
Valley parkrun:
Martin O’NEILL 19:21 (and 2nd overall), Neil CAMPBELL 23:48, Sean DOHERTY 24:08PB, Paul SKILLEN 24:11, Lee-Anne HUTCHINSON 29:33, Ethan HUTCHINSON 29:33, Roisin BROOKS 31:00, Amy O’BOYLE 45:19, Karen O’BOYLE 45:21, Rosalind STITT 46:42, Patricia KANE 46:42, Lorraine Ann FORSYTHE 50:11, Jennifer MAGUIRE 50:41, Noel BLOOMFIELD 50:41
And well done Lee-Anne on your 50th parkrun!