Strong Start for the Scrabo Striders

By Chris Edwards

While many were content to see out the festive period wrapped in blankets, glued to television screens and sheltering from winter’s icy grip, the members of Scrabo Striders Running Club were doing what they do best, lacing up their trainers, braving the elements and clocking up the miles. From marathon milestones to snowy parkruns, the Striders ushered in the New Year in fittingly energetic fashion.

For some runners, one marathon is a lifetime achievement. For Colin Campbell, it was simply another box ticked, albeit a very special one. Not content with “just” one or two marathons, Colin headed to Carrickfergus to take part in the East Antrim Marathon Series (EAMS), where he completed his 100th marathon in a time of 5:12:13. Reaching triple figures is a monumental achievement in endurance running, requiring not just physical stamina but years of dedication, resilience and mental strength. Battling winter conditions and tired legs, Colin’s landmark finish was greeted with admiration from fellow runners, and it stands as an inspiration to Striders of all abilities. Maxine Dynes also travelled to Carrickfergus for her third festive Marathon, coming home in 4:36:15, and Jennifer McAteer brought the year to a close at Carrickfergus with a solid 10km run, finishing in 1:17:33.

As the clock edged towards midnight on New Year’s Eve, a number of Scrabo Striders chose a unique and memorable way to welcome in 2026. Rather than gathering indoors, they made their way up to Scrabo Tower, timing their ascent to coincide with the strike of twelve. From the elevated vantage point, runners celebrated the arrival of the New Year surrounded by sweeping views across Newtownards and the Ards Peninsula, with fireworks lighting up the night sky below. It was a magical moment, combining fitness, friendship and festivity. Serving as a reminder that for the Scrabo Striders, running is about far more than stopwatches and finish lines.

New Year’s Day saw three Scrabo Striders swap road shoes for trail footwear as they took on the Race Over the Glen, Ballymena Runners’ annual off-road challenge set in the stunning surroundings of Glenariff Forest Park. The demanding 10km route is renowned for its steep climbs, technical descents and testing terrain, offering a true workout even for experienced runners and rewarding participants with breathtaking views. Martin Oakman led the Striders home with a strong run of 1:00:19, followed closely by Simon Ferguson in 1:01:42. Karen Collins completed the trio with an excellent time of 1:03:17, rounding off a successful start to the year.

New Year’s Day also presented runners with a rare opportunity, the chance to squeeze in an extra parkrun, with many venues hosting special events to mark the beginning of a new running year, and while the historic double parkrun days no longer exist, members of the Striders attending an impressive ten different parkruns across Northern Ireland.

The most popular destination was Comber parkrun, where 21 Striders gathered to tackle the familiar figure-of-eight course. Despite freezing temperatures, spirits were high, and Andy Haylett was the first Strider home in a speedy 18:48, not letting the cold weather take the spring from his step!

Stormont parkrun also attracted a strong contingent of Striders. Jonathan Winter led the club finishers in 24:22, while there were notable personal achievements from Faye Alexander and Lisa Boal a clocking a course best of 28:08 and 35:05 respectively.

Elsewhere, Trevor Woodside took full advantage of the flat and fast course at Craigavon parkrun, delivering a superb new parkrun PB of 19:28, an outstanding way to kick off 2026.

At Belvoir Forest parkrun, Harry McCready and Sarah Luce made their debuts, enjoying the scenic woodland route and adding another venue to their growing parkrun tally.

The Striders’ reach even extended beyond the northern hemisphere. A special mention goes to Donna and George Johnston, who, despite being on the other side of the world, managed to squeeze in a parkrun at Shelley parkrun in Australia. Running the simple out-and-back route along the foreshore of the Canning River, they ensured the Striders’ colours were represented internationally as the New Year dawned.

As the weekend progressed, winter tightened its grip, with snowfall affecting much of Northern Ireland and only a limited number of parkruns went ahead, with Scrabo Striders battling the elements to attend Stormont, Orangefield and Waterworks parkruns.

At Orangefield, Harry McCready continued his fine form, finishing as first Strider home in 22:02 on his inaugural run at the venue. He was followed by Mark Halus in 25:50, and Judith Boyd, whose time of 26:39 earned her a course best. Maxine Dynes crossed the line in 28:11 followed by Sarah Luce in 29:33, with both runners also recording course bests, proving that icy paths are no barrier to personal progress.

At Waterworks parkrun, young runner Jodi Morton tackled the course for the first time, finishing just ahead of David Morton in 46:51, a proud moment for the family and another example of the club’s inclusive spirit.

Unfortunately, Sunday brought further freezing conditions, and the Scrabo Striders Juniors were left disappointed as their junior parkruns were cancelled due to snow and ice. While the young runners were unable to take part this week, their enthusiasm remains undimmed, and they will be eager to return once conditions improve.

On Sunday, a brave group of Scrabo Striders defied the biting cold to take on the Bangor Coastal Path, enjoying picturesque, frost-covered views across Belfast Lough while sensibly keeping off the province’s icy roads. The run combined fresh sea air with stunning winter scenery, making the challenge well worth the effort. A welcome stop at Crawfordsburn Country Park café offered the perfect opportunity to thaw out, enjoy a hot drink and share a few laughs, rounding off another sociable and memorable club outing.

As 2026 gets underway, the Striders have already laid down a strong marker for the year ahead, proving once again that no matter the weather or the occasion, they are always ready to rise to the challenge.