Striders on top at London Marathon

By Amy Forsythe

London was calling last weekend for 8 Striders who flew to the capital to take part in the iconic TCS London Marathon.

The course sees over 50,000 participants competing from all over the globe, in the 26.2-mile route that takes runners through the heart of London, finishing on the famous mall.

A record-breaking time by Norman Mawhinney saw him retain his British Championship for the Male 65-69 category, with an astonishing 2:58:56.

Also representing the purple pack was Martin Strachan (2.58.59), Matt Bell, who achieved a PB of 3.02.51 and Peter McGonigal (3.49.42).

The ladies came quickly behind with Penny Hamilton achieving a PB of 4.19.00. Also finishing was Martina Finn (4.32.01), Fiona McAvoy (4.36.07), and Kathryn Chesney (4.36.08).

Fantastic effort everyone, you did the Striders proud!

Other events taking place this weekend was ‘Not the London Marathon’ in Armagh, part of the East Antrim Marathon Series. Two of our runners took part: Colin Campbell (4.44.54) and Maxine Dynes (4.50.54).

It was a busy week for the club, with 5 Striders travelling to Dundalk for their annual 10k.

Norman Mawhinney was first over the line for the Striders in an impressive 39.36. Also representing team Purple was Trevor Woodside (40.05), Mark Arnold (49.45), Clare McIlveen (56.01) and Michele Ennis (1.00.07).

58 Striders took part in Parkrun in 12 different locations across the country.

Comber was the most popular location with 27 Striders taking part. Matthew Halus was first over the line in an astounding time of 18.48.

6 of the Purple Crew travelled to the new Monalto Estate Parkrun for the first time, and there was purple power in Orangefield, Stormont and Victoria.

Ahead of their marathon, Martina Finn and Fiona McAvoy completed Southwark Parkrun in London. Also in the capital was Michael Burgess and Cheryl MaCartney who completed the first ever Parkrun in Bushy Park, along with Peter, Elaine and Georgia McGonigal who completed Mile End Parkrun.

Closer to home, there was plenty of PBs in Bangor, with Gareth Davies (18.47), Francis Gilmore (20.11) and Cameron McEwan (21.47) achieving personal best time.

Member of the month was also awarded this week to Stephen Braniff. Former club captain, Andy Haylett, was full of praise for the very deserving recipient: “Truly deserving, Stephen provides constant support and encouragement to club members (both senior and juniors) and to his family who are all club members.”

“Your enthusiasm and dedication to running and Scrabo Striders is ever present Stephen.  Congratulations and thank you. You are a very worthy member of the month.”

Scrabo Striders Running Club has four coach led sessions every week (Monday-Thursday) and a trail run on Sunday evenings. There are also non coach led runs on Friday evenings and Sunday mornings usually followed by an obligatory coffee. To find out more information visit scrabostriders.com.