[Not a valid template]In awful weather at the Derry Waterside Half Marathon on Sunday, incorporating the Northern Ireland Championship, Julie Balmer had a superb win in the womens’ race in 84:12 min to take the title. Former winner Helena Crossan was 2nd 13 secs behind and Anne Paul 3rd in 86:06 min. Stephen Duncan took the mens’ race in 66:56 min from Stephen Scullion 69:31 and Declan Reed 70:36. Other North Down runners were Simon Robinson 111:38 min and Fred Murdoch 126:00 min.
[Not a valid template]Both team contests were very tight, the mens’ title going to North Belfast from City of Derry and Foyle and the womens’ race going to Innishowen from City of Derry and Tir Chonnial.