Well done to all of our relay runners and individual athletes who ran around the streets of Belfast on bank holiday Monday, some in fancy dress.
The “elite” ladies team once again proved their quality with a resounding win in the all ladies relay team. Jessica Craig led them off from the City Hall followed by Rachel Gibson taking them up to Sarah Lindsay who ran the 7 mile leg. Katie Moore sustained the pace along the M2 embankment to hand over to Jodi Smith in Corporation Street.
The men were impressive as they finished 2nd in the all male relay event. Craig McMeechan ran the first leg bringing them onto Bridge End marginally behind the leaders. Jamie McMeechan immediately took over the lead on the 3 mile leg before handing over to Jordan Stokes who was somewhat surprised to see Jamie approach. The quality of the eventual winners, St Malachy’s shone through on the 7 mile leg as they took the lead which they retained until the finish. Jordan had a strong run over the distance as he passed onto team captain Dennis Scott. 6 steady miles later Dennis passed the baton to Alex Donald who completed the race, feeling like it was a sprint after his London marathon efforts.
There were various other relay teams both representative of the club and with runners involved in other teams. The popularity of the relay event vastly boosts the numbers of the marathon and undoubtedly creates competitive spirit.
Several full distance runners included Alan Massey, Simon Sexton, Gavin Megaw, Mick Hall, Elaine McDonnell, Alison and Steve Wise, Neil O’Driscoll and in fancy dress we had Michael Stevenson, Cara Jeffrey – no surprise there, Andy Belshaw and Donald Smith. The fancy dress was inspired by the East Antrim marathon group who decided on Batman as this year’s theme. All of the ND runners looked impressive as Andy carried off the “Joker” role in great style.
(Apologies for any omissions)
Results Belfast marathon and relays