It may have been a cold and blustery Sunday morning in Belfast’s harbour estate, but that didn’t stop nearly 400 athletes gathering to raise money for a good cause and to test themselves on a flat and fast route starting and finishing at Holywood Exchange. In the one lap 10k, David Massey was the first club member home, 39:09 good enough for 4th place overall. Terry Eakin (42:35) placed an excellent 18th, whilst Alex Irvine posted 53:25, just ahead of Angela Fawthrop (53:40/69th overall). Patricia Nickell (1:01.56) was next over the line, followed not long after by Julie Massey (1:03.38).
In the two lap half marathon the club was well represented with at least eleven members toeing the line. Andrew Muir was first to finish, 1:28.27 good enough for 25th overall. Neil O’Driscoll realised a long held ambition to break 90 minutes and given his recent good form it was no surprise to see him do with a bit to spare (1:29.36/25th). Alan Massey (1:32.01) finished in 39th position, just in front of Catherine Roberts (1:33.03) who claimed a podium spot for 3rd lady overall. Eamonn O’Reilly (1:35.44) finished just inside the top 50, followed shortly after by Phillip Mulligan (1:38.22), before a group of fellow marathon men looking to clock up the big miles. Mick Hall, Richard Garrad and Allen Cox finished together in 1:50.05, with Jill Aicken, not far behind in 1:50.19. Michael Stevenson clocked 1:52.09, before Pat O’Driscoll rounded out club participation in 2:28.03
* photo credits – Sharon Cove, Paula Simpson & Oran Kane