Junction 5k, 08/03
While most visitors to the Junction shopping complex in Antrim are lured by the promise of bargains, several North Down AC runners were among approximately 650 athletes who were more attracted by the prospect of a new flat, fast 5k course around the centre. David Massey was 34th in the elite race in 18:14, 3 places ahead of Simon Boyle, 1st M60 in 18:38. Recent injury prevented Sarah Gibson from running at her usual pace and she finished in 22:31.
Dean Willis was the first NDC finisher in the standard race, coming 4th in 19:24. Sarah Wilson claimed a new PB of 21:41 and earned 2nd F45 honours in the process. Heather Beattie was the next club finisher in 22:14 followed by Claire Scott 23:22 and another age group winner in the M75 category, Pat O’Driscoll 32:13.
https://www.championchipireland.com/index.html#results
Bohermeen Half Marathon, 08/03
Some of North Down’s speedy half marathon runners made their way to Bohermeen near Navan in Co Meath for the Bohermeen Half Marathon, an annual road race over 2 laps renowned for being one of the fastest half marathon courses in Ireland. The prospect of PBs and racing against fast runners attracted almost 1650 athletes to the race.
Michael Le Nu ran his first half marathon, finishing in 1:16:45. Jonathan Gibson ran 1:18:02 and Francis Marsh 1:18:04 was 1st M60. Alasdair Mair 1:19:35 was the next finisher with Andy Lowry 1:21:48 rounding off the NDAC quintet.
https://myrunresults.com/events/bohermeen_ac_half_marathon/5948/results
Slieve Gullion Race, 07/03
At the first NI Mountain Running Association race of the year on Slieve Gullion, Gareth Hardy finished the 6.3k course with more than 340m of ascent in 27th place in 36:48. John Adgey was 1st M80 in 59:46.
https://www.nimra.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Slieve-Gullion-2026-Results.pdf
The Tunnel Ultra
The Tunnel, a 200 mile ultramarathon, is a mind bending test of extreme endurance and sensory deprivation. Runners take on a 200 mile ultramarathon through the darkness of the UK’S longest foot tunnel, the Combe Down tunnel near Bath. The terrain is flat and pitch dark between 11pm and 5am with low level lighting in effect at other times. The entrants have 55 hours to run approximately 100 out and backs, or 200 times through the tunnel with 99% of the course underground in the darkness. Few runners complete the full distance and huge credit is due to anyone even attempting the unique challenges this race brings. Mark Walker, no stranger to extreme ultra marathon events, raced in the 2026 edition from Friday to Sunday, completing 47 laps, or 94 miles in 19:32:39.
UK Inter Counties XC, 07/03
The annual UK inter counties cross country championship was held in Wollaston Park in Nottingham on Saturday. First held in 1926 this annual competition pits the best runners from each part of the UK against their peers, with the senior women racing over 8k and the men taking on a 10k course. Following their outstanding performances at cross country and road racing all season, North Down AC’s Tara McDonough and Craig McMeechan were both selected for the Northern Ireland & Ulster team.
Tara finished 4th NI female in 39th place in 29:57m part of the NI team who came 2nd overall while Craig was 16th overall, his highest ever placing in this extremely competitive event, and the first Northern Ireland finisher in 31:32 helping the NI team to 4th pack against strong competition.
https://results.sporthive.com/events/7435331573337030656
All Ireland Schools XC, 07/03
The Irish Schools cross country took place on Saturday in Mallusk. After two qualifying
rounds characterised by awful weather, the athletes enjoyed a relatively warm and sunny day on
which to compete. As always, there were some great performances by North Down AC
members.
In the minor (year 9) girls, Catherine McBrinn of Sullivan Upper (SU) finished in 11th place
marking a great debut season for her. In the junior (year 10) girls, Sophie Rankin of Bangor
Academy topped off another great season by also finishing 11th . Following her race, Sophie
was selected to represent Ireland in a home countries’ event in Wales on March 21st . In the
junior boys, Seb Mair (Campbell College) and Carter Rolston (Bangor Grammar School) had
their usual battle before finishing 16th and19 th respectively.
In the intermediate (years 11 and 12) boys, Ethan Constable (BGS) started, but
unfortunately had to pull out as he was feeling unwell. In the senior (years 13 and 14) girls,
Holly Blease (SU) finished 36th , a great result as she was running against older girls.
Holly Blease