STRIDERS GO THE DISTANCE!

The streets of Sweden’s capital came alive on Saturday, 30 May 2026, as around 18,000 runners took part in the annual Stockholm Marathon, one of Europe’s most scenic city races. Competitors from across the world tackled the 42.2-kilometre course, which winds past historic landmarks and waterfront views, before finishing in the city’s Olympic Stadium. Favourable conditions helped produce strong performances at the elite level, where Kenya’s Edwin Kiptoo claimed victory in 2:10:46, while Rebeca Chesir led the women’s race in 2:30:58. Among the thousands of amateur runners was Strider Jonathan Winter, who completed the demanding course in approximately 4 hours and 34 minutes—a personal achievement reflecting the determination and endurance required to conquer one of Scandinavia’s most celebrated marathon events.

In other events this weekend, Endurance runner Graeme Black completed the gruelling 106-mile “Run Wild NI” ultramarathon along the Ulster Way, starting at Ballintoy on the North Coast and finishing in Gortin. Battling challenging terrain and long hours on the trail, Graeme crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 24 hours and 35 minutes. This was Graeme’s 5th consecutive time completing this demanding route testing his physical and mental resilience, making this achievement a remarkable feat in one of Northern Ireland’s toughest endurance challenges.

A strong turnout of Scrabo Striders was evident across the parkrun circuit on Saturday 30 May 2026, with 63 members taking part in 15 different events.  Most popular was Comber with 18 members.  Other venues were, Stormont, Ormeau, Queens, Victoria, Newry, Lurgan, Hillsborough, Crawfordsburn, Dunleath, Carrickfergus, Bangor in Northern Ireland, Some members travelled further afield, Rosemary Harper and John Potts travelled to University of Galway for their parkrun fix.  Michael Burgess travelled to Carlow Town while Ally Gray travelled to Haga Parkrun in Sweden.

On Sunday 31st May was the turn of junior Parkrun.  The club had 12 participants running in 3 venues.  Most popular location was Comber junior parkrun with 5 club members.  Other venues were Bangor and Ballymena.

BY Nicola Forsythe