The annual Northern Ireland Civil Service Athletic Club organised 10k and 5k road races around Greyabbey attracted a large number of North Down athletes on Friday evening.
In the 5k race two of our younger middle distance runners featured with Hollie Massey winning 2nd female and 16th overall in a time of 23:52 and Oliver Smith was 10th overall in 20:28. The youngsters were supported by Gareth Watton finishing 5th in 18:34 and Gemma McAnirn 18th in 24:19 and collectively they won the mixed team event. Marie Devine crossed the line in 20th place with a time of 25:04 and also won first O50. Kathryn Blomley was 22nd in 27:42 and Janice McCartney finished with 52:40 for 91st place.
The 10k race also produced success for the club as Catherine Roberts, 43:06 and Ben Caughers, 35:35 won their respective races finishing 29th and 1st overall. Sarah Benton was also in the prizes with first O45 in 41st position overall and 45:07.
Colin Walker ran his usual steady pace to complete in 39:56, 13th and David Massey made it home in 40:45 and 16th place. Frankie Rea was next in on 42:42 in 26th place with Keith Gilmore a little over 30 secs behind with 43:10 and 30th. John Ferguson completed the two laps in 45:00 giving him 40th position and Andrew Muir celebrated his last day as a thirty something with a 53rd place, 47:14 finish. Andrews’ fitness will undoubtedly benefit from his new found status as a 40 year old.
Jill Aicken wasn’t far behind finishing in 55th with 47:39 while James Barr and Heidi Rodgers finished close by on 49:00, 64th and 49:07, 66th. Clare Smith, having sent her son off on the 5k race where he flourished, returned in 53:07 and 83rd place. Lindsay Doulton 53:49, 91st and Gavin McDonnell 54:01, 92nd completed the successful North Down outing.
Report from Colin Walker:
Friday evening seen a good representation of the club attending the Greyabbey 5