Tuesday evening saw the return of the 10 mile road race as part of Portaferry’s Gala Festival, also featuring a 2x 5 mile team relay. With a rare appearance of some summer-like weather, runners on the scenic course were treated to some beautiful views between the undulating terrain as the route moved away from the coast, before returning for a fast downhill finish in the town centre.

Among those taking part were a large contingent of Scrabo Striders, led across the finish line in the 10 mile event by Andy Haylett in an impressive 1:04:11, followed by Norman Mawhinney (1:05:41), Michael Warke (1:08:08), James Cole-Boyle with a PB of 1:10:24, Colin Harper (1:10:40), Graeme McGowan (1:10:48), Jordan McIntyre with a PB of 1:13:25, Michael Burgess (1:17:24), Chris Burns (1:19:13), Russ Armor with a PB of 1:22:48, Michael Williams (1:24:05), Amanda Martin (1:24:31), George Johnston (1:26:44), Christopher Murdock (1:27:42), Michele Ennis (1:41:08), Lorraine Adams (1:50:25) and Gavin McDonnell in 1:50:30. Well done to all!

In the team relay event, the first team in for the club comprised Matt Bell and Rachel Lyttle, completing the course in a combined 1:13:21, followed by Jenny Taylor & Heather Baron in 1:15:07, Peter McGonigal & Jason Reid (1:18:30), Karen Collins & Simon Ferguson (1:18:55), Darren Johnston & Craig Simpson (1:20:33), Karen Wilson & Graeme Farrington (1:25:44), Judith Boyd & Sonya Summersgill (1:27:07), Karen Clarke & Gary Clarke (1:33:27), Naomi Magowan & Janice McCartney (1:36:57), Sheena Crone & Louise Barnes (1:37:24), Hector Adair & Diana Greenlee (1:38:19), Cheryl Alexander & Jenna Lavery (1:39:39), Sharon Murdoch & Alyson Lee (1:42:14), Elaine McGonigal & Georgia McGonigal (1:44:48), Vanessa Mannis & Hugh Lyons (1:47:01), Allan Ritchie & Noel Angus (1:50:12) and Chris Edwards & Stephen Braniff in 1:51:29.

On Friday evening it was the turn of another firm favourite in the race calendar with Born2Run’s Sea2Sky race in Newcastle. With a 10K starting on the promenade before an uphill climb into the foothills of the Mournes and a sharp descent back down to sea level, and a 5K option starting further uphill with the same downhill finish, the popular events this year saw a combined field of more than 1000 runners.

First Strider home in the 10K was Matthew Halus in 49:45, followed by Michael Warke (50:33), Graeme Farrington (59:27), Philip Adams (1:01:29), Lorna McMurray (1:06:34), Mark Halus (1:06:56), Karen Wilson (1:16:18), Kathryn Chesney (1:21:54), Kurtis Hunter (1:33:14), Cheryl Hunter (1:33:29), Noel Angus (1:33:29) and Nicola Forsythe in 1:35:29.

In the 5K option, Luke Braniff was first Strider across the line in 22:52, followed by Willow Farrington in 25:13, Stephen Braniff (37:34), Chris Edwards (47:35), Donna Dugan (50:03) and Kim Cochrane in 50:46.

On Saturday morning, resident club mountain goat Ismail took on the BARF Spelga Skyline. With a route encompassing 9 peaks and a total ascent of over 1500 metres, this event was not for the faint of heart!  Ismail completed the 21km route in 4:10:38.

Sunday was the Irish Runner 10 Mile race in Phoenix Park in Dublin, where Norman Mawhinney travelled to complete the 2-lap distance in an impressive 1:06:33. Also on Sunday was the Sligo AC 5 Mile Challenge, with Michael Warke earning a PB time of 31:56.

No running week would be complete without parkruns, and this week there were big celebrations in Comber, where Norman Mawhinney completed his 250th parkrun as a runner, but also his 500th event as a volunteer – both huge achievements which show a monumental and continued dedication to local running in all its forms – well done Norman! With a large crowd of 53 club members joining Norman, overall PBs were recorded by Heath Farrington, Peter Doggart, Louise Barnes and Elijah Ferguson. Karen Colins was also celebrating her 25th parkrun milestone, while Willow Farrington finished 2nd place female. Course PBs were recorded by Curtis Adams, Rory Braniff, Jenna Lavery and Lynn McGonigal.

Elsewhere, an overall PB was recorded by Andrew Caddoo at Portrush, Michael Warke Finished 3rd on his first time at Navan, and Francis Wills and Jonathan Winter ran at Bangor and Nose Hill for their first times respectively.

On Sunday it was the turn of the club’s Juniors, with a showing at 5 different junior parkrun venues. At Comber, Joshua Bingham claimed 1st place and a PB, joined by Elijah Ferguson and Michael Bingham with a PB. Willow Farrington was 2nd female finished at Jordanstown, where Heath Farrington finished 3rd male and claimed a course PB, as did Rory Braniff. Lough Moss saw Nathaniel and Harriet Frazer run with Nathaniel claiming a course PB. Lyla Rose McNamara ran at Bangor while Hamish Orr-Stewart represented the club on his first outing at Cobb Gate, claiming 2nd place in the process.

Scrabo Striders’ open race Run the Trails is on Saturday 3rd August at the beautiful Mount Stewart estate, with late entries still available. Offering a kids’ 2K as well as 5K, 10K and half marathon options, there’s something on offer for the whole family.

Also currently open for entries is Ards 5 mile road race on 6th September. With a bespoke medal and famous Strider post-race hospitality, be sure to enter soon to avoid disappointment!

Scrabo Striders is a friendly and welcoming running club where all abilities train together in mixed sessions up to 4 nights a week. In addition, the club offers up to 3 social runs a week, as well as members-only events. Why not come along to a few training sessions to see if the club is right for you?

More information on membership and our open races is available at scrabostriders.com or by searching for Scrabo Striders Running Club on Facebook.