The very popular “Race around the river” was held on Wednesday evening around the Stranmillis embankment where over 700 athletes completed the 5k loop and in excess of 100, the 3k loop.
As is the norm for this particular race pb’s were in abundance and too many to mention. The 3k race was first off and Rachel Gibson led the ladies home in this race recording 10:18 and was followed in by Rio Catney in 11:24 and Jessica Scott, 11:38 with sister Anna clocking 13:25.
The 5k version saw 43 of our runners participate. First man in was Craig McMeechan who broke the tape in 15:24 for 8th place and 1st U20. Dennis Scott was next in after passing Francis Marsh on the run in to give him 37th with 16:19 and Francis 39th, 16:20.
Thomas Patterson wasn’t far behind with 16:38 and 51st with Ben Caughers returning in 16:51 for 62nd.
Our first female home was Jessica Craig who was 3rd female overall and timed at 17:13, which placed 79th. Sarah Lindsay was next in 19:09, 220th and Melissa Eccles stopped the clock on 19:23 to finish in 236th.
Continuing her fast times was Clair Quigley who crossed the line in 19:38 to finish in 255th overall.
A successful night for our runners with 1st for Rachel Gibson ladies 3k, 1st Rio Catney ladies U20 3k, 1st Craig McMeechan mens U20 5k and 3rd Jessica Craig ladies 5k which led to the ladies team picking up 2nd place. A successful few days for this quartet having represented Northern Ireland in Wales at the weekend.
Interestingly the last sub 20 min chip time placed 291st, an indication of the quality on show on the night.
