On Saturday 28th November 37 NDAC runners braved the awful weather conditions to take part in the popular Seeley Cup 10k hosted by Willowfield Harriers. This is one of the biggest road races of the year and this year’s event was no exception with the race filled to capacity with 1000 runners taking part in the 10km course through Ormeau Park and the embankment.
As the rain started and the wind picked up it really did make some miserable running conditions as there was nowhere to hide on the exposed embankment. The runners may have had a respite from the wind within the twists and turns of Ormeau Park but the slippery and very wet conditions underfoot made it a battle against the elements. As the runners approached the finish it was Craig McMeechan who was first over the line for NDAC in 32:57 finishing a very commendable 16th overall and also 1st male Junior athlete. Not far behind was Jordan Stokes who finished 20th with a time of 33:32. Francis Marsh claimed 2nd in the M45 category finishing 30th overall with a time of 34:23.
Making up the 6 to score for the team prize were Dennis Scott who ran 34:51 (37th), Ben Caughers with a time of 35:58 (58th) and Jamie McMeechan who had a good race to finish in 36:26 (72nd overall & 5th male Junior). Also having good runs were Mark Weir 36:43, Gareth Watton securing a PB 38:00, Gavin Megaw making his club debut 38:34. Chris Moran 39:05, David McMeechan 39:34, Eamonn O’Reilly 39:53, Nick Irvine 40:07, Colin Walker 40:20, Terry Eakin 41:05, Andrew Muir 42:03, Keith Gilmore 42:05, Robert Martin 42:07, Gary Swenerton 42:14, Alan Massey 42:17, Philip Mulligan 42:19, Stephen Wise 42:30, Paul Galloway 47:08, David Seaton 48:16, Trevor Patterson 48:04, John McGarvey 48:36, Roy Sittlington 50:59 and Simon Cumming 52:28.
In the ladies race Jodi Smith managed to battle through the wind to finish in 39:55. Catherine Roberts was next 42:33 followed closely by Valerie McDonough 42:58. Also running well in horrid conditions were Lynne Kerr in 45:23, Jo Moran in 47:49, Helen Byers in 48:03, Heidi Rodgers 51:05, Joanne Harris in 52:29 and Clare Russell in 54:21.
The men’s team managed to clinch second in the team prize behind North Belfast Harriers who had their sights firmly set to lift the trophy for a third time in three years.
To get 37 club runners to take part in such a miserable day was true dedication to not only the sport but the dedication to the club as a whole. A massive thank you to all athletes for coming out and representing the club at such a prestigious event and in such stinking weather.
Thanks also to Brian, Norman, coach Roberts, Gemma, Colin, Simon and Daly and the Balmers who made the journey up to support the club runners and to shout encouragement from the sidelines.
The next race is the Malcolm Cup XC in Ballyclare on Saturday, it is part of the club Grand Prix series. It would be great if we could get similar numbers out for this and make a mark on the xc league table.
Full results can be found here: http://www.nirunning.co.uk/results
Images from the day can be found here (Thanks to Roy Kerr): Seeley Cup 2015