Spring Road Races Heat Up

By Chris Edwards

Race Round the River

The week’s racing began on Wednesday evening at the ever-popular Queen’s “Race Round the River” 5k, hosted by Queen's Sport. With over 1,000 runners entered across the evening’s races, the event once again delivered a fantastic atmosphere and a fast course around the River Lagan.

Club action began in the highly competitive Elite 5k race, where three Scrabo Striders lined up against some of the province’s strongest runners. Leading the way was Max Burton, who produced an outstanding performance to cross the line in 17:40, securing a new personal best (PB) in the process. Close behind was club captain Matt Bell, who ran strongly throughout to clock 18:01. Completing the trio in the elite race was Michael Warke, who finished in 18:44, claiming a well-deserved PB.

The main Round the River 5k race also saw a large turnout from Scrabo Striders, with Trevor Woodside leading the Striders home with a solid 18:56, maintaining a strong pace throughout the race. Just one second behind him was junior athlete Harry McCready, who delivered one of the standout performances of the evening. McCready crossed the line in 18:57, earning a new personal best while also dipping under the 19-minute mark for the first time a milestone that highlights his rapid development as a young athlete.

Next across the line for the club was Jordan McIntyre in 20:32, followed by Alyson Graham, who continued her impressive form, finishing in 25:49 PB. Close behind, Catherine Lavery produced an excellent run of her own, finishing in 25:55 PB.

Sarah Luce followed with a time of 26:37 course personal best (CPB), while Clare McIlveen was close behind at 26:55, also claiming a CPB, next was Samuel Weir in 27:38, while Georgia McGonigal enjoyed a particularly rewarding evening, clocking 28:18 to secure a new 5k PB. Jenna Lavery finished shortly afterwards in 28:21, while Jennifer McAteer completed the club’s representation with a time of 39:06.

Although the event is traditionally famous among participants for its post-race pizza, the increasing popularity of the race combined with the speed of many runners, meant the much-anticipated pizza ran out earlier than expected. Nevertheless, the atmosphere remained lively, and all involved agreed that the evening delivered plenty of great craic.

Derry 10 Mile Road Race

Another highlight on the racing calendar was the Derry 10 Mile Road Race, one of the most popular 10-mile events in Northern Ireland. This year’s race attracted more than 2,700 runners to the streets of Derry.

Representing Scrabo Striders was Jennifer McAteer, who made the journey to take on the challenging course in 2:13:08, adding another notable race experience to her growing list of events.

Jimmy’s 10k

Twelve Scrabo Striders travelled to Downpatrick for the annual Jimmy’s 10k, now in its 26th year, the race is named in honour of Jimmy Murray, a respected Downpatrick school teacher and athletics enthusiast who helped found East Down AC in 1987. The event continues to be a staple on the local running calendar and once again delivered a well-organised and enjoyable race for all involved.

First home was Trevor Woodside, producing an outstanding run, finishing in 39:00 and securing a 10k PB. Close behind was Niall McIver, who also ran superbly to cross the line in 39:39, earning a PB of his own. Simon Ferguson was next home for the club in 46:20, followed closely by Karen Collins, who finished in 46:22 PB.

Continuing her impressive run of form, Alyson Graham delivered yet another strong performance, completing the 10k in 56:19 and claiming her fourth personal best in four events. Martin Oakman finished in 56:45, while Sarah Luce and Chris Edwards crossed the line shortly afterwards in 57:22 and 57:24 respectively. Karen Wilson followed in 57:47, while Clare McIlveen rounded off the club’s finishers with 59:50.

The Scrabo Striders juniors were also represented in the Jimmy’s 10k Relay, where brothers Rory Braniff and Luke Braniff teamed up under the team name “Ginger Ninjas.” The pair combined strongly to finish in an impressive 45:14, demonstrating excellent teamwork and speed across the two legs.

Parkrun

At Comber parkrun, Norman Mawhinney led the Striders home with an excellent 20:28, followed by Michael Williams in 22:17 and Mark Halus in 22:46. Caroline Dwyer was the first female Strider there, finishing in 25:35, while solid runs also came from Andy Scase, Judith Boyd and Karen Wilson.

At Paisley Park parkrun, young Harry McCready took first place overall in 20:52 CPB. Willow Farrington impressed with 22:08, finishing second female and earning a CPB, while Heath Farrington ran 23:01 and Calum McCready finished in 25:15, both recording course PBs.

At Stormont parkrun, Karen Collins ran 23:33 for a CPB, while Colin Campbell clocked 24:30 and Keara Simpson ran 25:12.

Elsewhere, Iona Chanas delivered another excellent run at Orangefield parkrun, finishing second female in 22:24.

Several members also enjoyed visits to new venues, including Rachel Lyttle and Matt Bell at Newry Greenway parkrun, Abrar Hossain at Armagh parkrun, where he finished second overall in 22:08, and Richard Murray and Jonathan Keenan at Victoria parkrun and Lough Head parkrun respectively.

Junior Parkrun

For the Scrabo juniors, junior parkrun events once again provided plenty of success.

At Comber junior parkrun, Heath Farrington led the juniors home in 8:42, finishing second overall. Close behind was Keara Simpson in 9:09, securing second female. Kalia Murdoch enjoyed an excellent outing, finishing in 14:34 PB and Kya Murdoch completed the junior’s finishers in 16:20.

Elsewhere, Iona Chanas enjoyed Woodvale junior parkrun, attending the event for the first time and producing a superb run of 8:02 to secure first place overall and a PB.

With the racing calendar continuing to gather pace as the spring season unfolds, Scrabo Striders will no doubt be looking to build on this momentum in the weeks ahead. Attention now turns to the festive SPAR Craic 10K, which takes place on Saint Patrick's Day, where many club members are expected to once again take to the start line.