As races begin to return to normal, the Portaferry 10 miler took place on Tuesday evening, first strider home was Thomas Steele (1.02), followed by Norman Mawhinney (1.06), Jonny Kinney (1.12), Graeme McGowan (1.16), Jonathan Winter (1.19), Charlie Allen (1.210, Duncan McAllister (1.22),Michael Burges (1.24), Stephen Gargan (1.27), Leanne Campbell (1.28), Graeme Farrington (1.29), Amanada Martin (1.29), Christopher Murdock (1.30), Hector Adair (1.30), George McGonigal (1.31), Gavin McDonnell (1.49), Lorraine Adams (1.57) .The 2 x 5 mile relay was ran by Robin Adams & Amanda Piesse (1.41) Well done to everyone who represented the club on a humid night.

On Wednesday 20th July, The longtime favorite Donaghadee 5k took place. Martin Strachan was the first strider, running an impressive 18.08. With Pbs achieved by Jenny Taylor (23.05), Nicola McNamara (27.55), Daniel Clarke (19.27) and Catherine Dobbin (29.49). We had several member finishing within the top 3 in their age categories. Jonny Kinney finished 2nd in the M50 category, Christopher Murdock finished 3rd in the M55, Norman Mawhinney finished 1st and Ian Bailie finished 3rd in M60. Our juniors had a brilliant performance with Luke Braniff finishing 3rd in the U13 Boys, Eva Coey and Isabella Haylett placing 1st and 2nd in U13 Girls, Riley Hanna and Bobby McGonigal taking the top spots in U15 Boys, Faye Alexander 3rd in U15 Girls, Matthew Harris winning the U17 Boys. Jenny Taylor and Amanda Martin also placed highly in their age category. A truly phenomenal performance from everyone.

For a change of scenery, three striders made the trip to Castleblaney to run the 10 miler, an event ran by the Blaney Rockets. However, these three wanted more and attended the Castleblaney parkrun as a warmup! Norman came in 1st place (20.42), followed by Jonathan Winter who came third (23.33) and then Mark Arnold in sixth (25.52). Norman Mawhinney was the first strider to finish the 10 mile race (1.05), finishing 1st in his age category. He was followed by Jonathan Winters (1.19) and Mark Arnold (1.33). An excellent event, you three will sleep well! On Saturday, Graeme Black ran an incredible 19 laps for Team Ireland at the Scottish Last One standing, despite the horrific conditions and torrential rain. This format is where individuals have 1 hour to complete a 4.2 miles until there is one person left. We run our own “last one standing” event for striders only and it is taking place on September 3rd, get signed up!  Jennifer McAteer took on the We Run Wild midnight Half Marathon on Saturday in Carrickfergus, racking up a nice 14 miles due to a logistical error, finishing in 3.58. Well done Jennifer

Parkrun saw numerous striders take part in events. PBs were achieved by Louise Barnes (26.23) and Sharon Gamble (43.52). Thomas Steele celebrated his 50th parkrun in Craigavon and placed 2nd (17.58). Willow Farrington also came 2nd female at Comber parkrun.

On Sunday 24th July Hillsborough festival of running took place. There were striders in the half marathon, 10k and 5k. Daniel Clarke ran the half in a superb time of 1.38.57, a very much well earned PB for Daniel. He was followed by Martina Finn (2.12), Alison Busby (2.13), Jenny Taylor (2.13) and Lorraine Adams (2.24). The 10k saw first strider home as Fiona McAvoy (57.46) followed by Katie Irvine (1.05). The 5k was ran by Luke Braniff (27.34), Eva Coey (32.05) and Nikki Kerry (38.44). A great performance from all in warm conditions and a hilly route, giving the Ards half a run for its money!

We also saw the return of junior parkrun after a busy week of races. Riley Hanna placed first at Comber and Willow Farrington placed 3rd. Eva and Faye alexander went to exotic portrush and both ran a course PB! Well done to all juniors!

Scrabo Striders is an all abilities club, we welcome individuals from various backgrounds and abilities. We have sessions running throughout the week, Mondays 6.15pm and 7.15pm, Wednesdays 7.15pm and a progression group that run on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Alongside this we offer two social runs on Fridays and Sundays, all distances catered for.