SPERRIN HARRIERS IN AMSTERDAM It was an exciting weekend for the Harriers with the club in action both at home and internationally. The main billing being the Amsterdam Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K with Harrier Sean OGara setting an amazing Marathon personal best of 3:04:55 at it. AMSTERDAM 8K, HALF & FULL MARATHON Ten Harriers travelled to the Netherlands to join tens of thousands of competitors from across the world for this annual event which took place on Sunday. The main attraction was the marathon which started and finished in the atmospheric Olympic Stadium. To the sound of inspiring music, it was Harriers Sean OGara, Raymond Thom and Hannah Su who set off on the 26.1 miles challenge around the streets of the Dutch capital city. In humid conditions of over twenty degrees Sean OGara was the first Harrier to enter the Olympic Stadium to cheering crowds in an amazing time 3:04:55, taking over thirteen minutes of his previous best. Next Harrier into the Stadium was Raymond Thom who finished in a time of 3:43:16, while club mate Hannah Su rounded things off with a great time of 4:23:29. Next up was the 8K and Louise Kelly, Ciara Coyle and Michele Eastwood were the Harriers at the start line for this race. The first Harrier to cross the Stadium finish line was Louise Kelly on 42.46. Ciara Coyle accompanied Michele Eastwood around the course and both finished in the Stadium together on 59.37. The final race of the day was the half marathon and the Harriers were represented by Toirleach Gourley, Fiona Devlin and the irrepressible Maureen Mallon. Toirleach Gourley was first Harrier back into the Stadium in 1.45.36, while Fiona Devlin completed in 2.06.13. The final Harrier of the day to cross the stadium finish line was Maureen Mallon in 2.22.57. In all it was a real team effort with Nicky Burns, the flag bearer, along with others providing support, while Ciara Coyle was on hand to escort Sean OGara, Hannah Su, Fiona Devlin, and Maureen Mallon all over the last two miles each time. GR8 DUNDRUM RUN 8M On Saturday four Sperrin Harriers travelled to Dundrum, County Down to take part in the fifth year of this tough eight mile multi-terrain race. The course consists of a mixture of road, beach and boardwalks mixed with the stunning scenery of the Mourne Mountains sweeping down to the sea. Going on the route was tough with a head wind of gale force proportions for the first two miles along the beach. Representing Sperrin Harriers were Russell Bell, Kevin Devlin, Colm Gallagher and Nicola McIvor Henry. They were joined by friends of the club Paul Martin and Gregory Cahoon from Magherafelt Harriers. First Harrier home was Colly Gallagher in 61 mins, followed by Kevin Devlin in 63.18. Russell Bell crossed the line in 65.14 while Nicola McIvor-Henry who is no stranger to tough endurance courses completed in 96.51. After tackling the eight mile challenge, the hardy bunch celebrated their victory with afternoon high tea on the promenade. An enjoyable day was had by all with great running and results. EUROPEAN TRIATHLON Well done to Cheryl Cardwell who competed strongly in the European Triathlon in Paguera, Spain. Cheryl completed the 1.9km swim, followed by a 90 km cycle and finally a 21 km run to finish 11th in her age category in a time of 6:08:48. BALLYHOLLAND DUATHLON Congratulations to Harrier Gavin Corey in the Ballyholland Duathlon claiming second place. A superb performance. COOKSTOWN PARK RUN 5K A number of Sperrin Harriers turned out on Saturday morning for the MUSA parkrun where 47 competitors took part. Adrian Devlin was the first of the Harriers home in 18.32, finishing 4th overall, while club mate Ciaran Donaghy finished in 19.36, 6th overall. Other Harrier times were Martin Donaghy 21.38, Barry ONeill 22.14, Sean Hamill 25.10. Harrier Gail Lees managed a personal best of 29.16, Jason ONeill finished in 30.07, while Jacinta Morgan completed in 34.55 CRAIGAVON PARK RUN 5K At Citypark Harrier David Moan joined 133 runners for the weekly 5K and finished in 22.52. BALLYMENA PARK RUN 5K Gavin Wylie represented the Harriers at Ecos which had a great turnout of 114 runners. Gavin finished 10th overall with 19.55. WEEK AHEAD Enniskillen Spooktacular 5K on Friday 24th October @ 7.30pm Bobby Rea Cross Country, Jordanstown on Saturday 25th October @ 10am Dublin Marathon on Monday 27th October @ 9am Any member intending to participate in any of the above races is asked to send details in advance to pro.sperrinharriers@gmail to ensure inclusion in weekly report. WINTER LEAGUE 2014/15 Just over a week to the first race in our winter league trail series. First race is Davagh 10K on 1st November, followed by Lough Fea 5K on 6th December, Drum Manor 10K on 17th January 2015, An Creagan 5M on 31st January 2015 and Lough Fea 10M on 28th February 2015. Further details of the series on the clubs website and Facebook page. RUN 4 FUN This well established Sperrin Harriers introductory programme has proved very popular since it began in June with four groups having taken part this year already. The goal of the RUN 4 FUN programme is to assist each participant to run a 5K or at least run continuously for 30 minutes without stopping. The programme is based on the NHS Couch to 5K plan and is designed to get you to gradually working your way to running 5K or for half an hour, in just nine weeks. The plan is aimed at absolute beginners with little or no experience of running or even exercise.The programme combines a mix of running and walking, to gradually build up your fitness and stamina. While on the programme participants will be helped and supported by experienced runners in a nurturing and non-judgmental environment. The programme is open to everyone, both male and female over the age of 18. More information can be found at sperrinharriers.co.uk and on the clubs facebook page. Why not give it a go? TRAINING Train in a fun, friendly atmosphere. Training continues as usual at 6.30pm on Tuesday and Thursday nights at Loughry. Anyone wishing to train on Sunday morning can contact Sean Donnelly. All new members are welcome, whatever your current running abilities. Further details can be found on facebook and sperrinharriers.co.uk
Posted on: Tue, 21 Oct 2014 00:17:32 +0000
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