Miles That Matter: From Málaga’s Streets to Tollymore’s Trails

BY AIMEE BRANIFF

From Tollymore to Malaga, there were many amazing finishes from Striders. On Saturday, Tollymore’s Born 2 Run race saw seven striders completing their annual 10K race. The race route takes in panoramic views of the Mourne Mountains and follows the forest path alongside the Shimna River in a gradual ascent past the Hermitage and through the beautiful forest. First Strider across the line was Jonathon Caughey in (45.47) followed by both Karen Collins and Simon Ferguson in (52.08), then Nichola Caughey (56.27), Georgia McGonigal (1.07.07), David Morton (1.12.13) and Jennifer McAteer in (1.22.51). Amazing Finishes!

The McCready family completed a 5K race in the Sunny, Warm Malaga. Harry crossed the line in a flying time of (18.06), Followed by Callum in (26.35) and Sarah in (26.48). Amazing times, Well Done, Hope you enjoyed your Holidays!! Sarah McCready then completed the Malaga half marathon on Sunday in a time of (2.12.37) which is Course Personal best, Well Done Sarah!

Striders travelled to Wallace Park, Lisburn on Sunday to complete the Running Bubbles Santa Dash 5K. First strider across the line was Trevor Woodside in (21.35), followed by Willow Farrington in (22.41), Iona Chanas (23.40), Chris Edwards (27.38), Karen Wilson (28.48) and Clare McIlveen in (29.14).

Also on Sunday, Alyson Graham Travelled to Liverpool to complete the Aintree 10K, she completed the race in a time of (1.01.57). Well Done Alyson!

Congratulations to Louise Bingham and Paul Magee who were awarded November’s Member of the month.

Now, We Can’t end off the week without a parkrun or two! On Saturday 51 Striders attended 9 Venues, The Most popular location was Comber with 18 Club members. Well done to Judith Boyd who achieved 3rd Female at Comber Parkrun, Matt Bell who achieved 2nd overall at Crawfordsburn Parkrun and Jenny Taylor who was 2nd female at Crawfordsbrun parkrun, Amazing! Well done to following PB’s and CPB’s, PB’s - Gareth Robson (Comber – 28.02) and Gary Spence (Comber – 30.28). CPB’s – Luke Braniff (Crawfordsburn – 22.28), Rory Braniff (Crawfordsburn – 26.18) and Kathryn Chesney (Stormont – 27.28). Incredible results!

On Sunday the junior parkrun saw 8 striders running in 3 venues. Our most popular was… you guessed it Comber!! With 6 Striders in attendance. Special Mention to Rory Braniff who had achieved his first ever top of the podium finish which was also a CPB at Woodvale in a fast time of (8.49), Amazing Rory. Well done to Heath Farrington who came 2nd overall and achieved a PB at Comber in a time of (8.24), Well Done Heath! Close behind Heath was Keara Simpson in 3rd Place with a time of (8.51). Well done to Kyla Murdoch who competed her first ever parkrun in a time of (17.37).

EXCITING NEWS, Scrabo Striders are pleased to announce that Run the Runways will be returning on Friday 8th May 2026, this is open to all runners and clubs. There is a Kids 2k Race and a 5k and 10K race available, Registration is open now so sign up quickly before spaces go as this is a very popular race. Thank you to our Sponsors Regent Flooring, Quality Flooring supplied and Fitted by local experts.