Scrabo Striders were showing their love of running this Valentine’s week, racking up impressive performances across a range of events, from the Ballygalget AC Valentines Run to the gruelling East Antrim Marathon Series 6 Hour Challenge.
The Ballygalget races on Saturday saw a strong contingent of Striders taking part in both the 5K and 10K distances. In the 10K, Norman Mawhinney finished in 43:06, followed by Jenny Taylor in 45:00, claiming 3rd female overall. Amanda Martin completed the course in 52:26, followed by Mark Arnold (52:47), Sonya Summersgill (53:10), and Naomi Magowan (53:26). In the 5K race, Harry McCready finished in 24:25, followed by Luke Braniff (24:47), Rory Braniff (25:20), Calum McCready (29:03), Sarah Luce (29:11), and Stephen Braniff (43:11).
Thursday saw the running of the prestigious Armagh International Road Races 2025, with elite athletes of all age groups from across the UK and further afield competing in 3K or 5K distances. The event is well known for its record-breaking performances, this year seeing 152 sub-15 minute finishes in the men’s 5K. Norman Mawhinney was running in the Men’s 3k and stormed home in 11:04 to clinch 1st place in his M65 age category.
On Sunday, the East Antrim Marathon Series Valentine’s 6 Hour Challenge tested the endurance of several Striders. Maxine Dynes completed the marathon distance in 4:25:45, while Sonya Summersgill and Darren Johnston showed their grit by running 21 miles in 3:46:30. Jennifer McAteer also ran 8.4 miles in 1:52:05.
On Saturday, Striders were also out in force at the local parkruns. In Comber, Personal Bests were had by Andy Haylett (who also secured 2nd place overall) and Martin Conroy. Other PBs were had by Michael Warke taking on Victoria parkrun for the first time, and Jenny Taylor when she claimed first female across the line in Bangor. Course PBs this week were set by Nicola Forsythe at Orangefield, and Chris Burns and Lyndsey Blair at Stormont.
Sunday saw the club's juniors out in force at the junior parkruns. At Comber junior parkrun Harry McCready claimed 1st place, Keara Simpson was 2nd, and Joshua Bingham came in 3rd. Joel Boyd and Micah Boyd recorded PBs. Additionally, Elijah Ferguson, Calum McCready, Nathaniel Frazer, Charlie George Stewart, Lydia Blair, Michael Bingham, Olly Simpson, and Harriet Frazer all participated. At Jordanstown junior parkrun Heath Farrington placed 3rd, and Rory Braniff also ran. At Bangor junior parkrun Lyla Rose McNamara also participated.
Looking further ahead, the first of the Club’s open races on the calendar, Run The Runways on 9th May is now open for entry. With a 10K, 5K and kids’ 2K race on offer, as well as plenty of post-race refreshments, there’s something on offer for everyone. Be sure to get signed up for this unique opportunity to run on the runways of Ards Airport – perfect for PB potential.
Men's Captain Michael Burgess this week announced Jonny Swann as the winner of January's Member of the Month award, sponsored by Boyd Rice Solicitors. Jonny joined Scrabo in 2023 and embodies the club's spirit of inclusiveness and mutual support. Despite a busy family and work life, Jonny trained hard in 2024, averaging 116 miles a month, and performed well in a number of races. He has also regularly represented the club at cross country events. Congratulations to Jonny!
Scrabo Striders is an inclusive running club offering sessions where all abilities train together in an encouraging and supportive atmosphere. With up to 4 training nights per week on Monday – Thursday, as well as 3 social runs per week, club-only events and social gatherings, there’s something to suit everyone. Why not come along to a few sessions and see if the club is what you’ve been looking for? Visit scrabostriders.com or search Scrabo Striders Running Club on Facebook for more information.