Striders Deliver Strong Performances Across a Packed Race Weekend – by Sarah Luce

Runnerz and Stunnerz

The week’s racing calendar opened with Sperrin Harriers’ ladies-only Stunnerz and Runnerz 5K, held at Loughry College in Cookstown for the event’s 15th year. Jenna Lavery was the first Strider home, finishing in 30.01. She was followed by the Alexander trio — Faye in 34.55, Cheryl in 36.07 and Eva in 37.20 — while Elaine McGonigal completed the run in 44.25.

Hill and Dale

Thursday evening brought race eight of the Hill and Dale Series, with runners taking on the demanding Loughshannagh Horseshoe. Often regarded as one of the most difficult and technically challenging races in the series, the route led athletes anticlockwise over Carn, Doan, Loughshannagh and Ott before the final push to the finish. Striders Simon Ferguson and Karen Collins both delivered strong performances on the tough mountain course, finishing in 57.54 and 1.39.00 respectively.

Co. Down 5K

Friday evening saw another milestone event this time 10 years for the Co. Down 5K in Downpatrick. Known for its fast and flat 7 and a half loops of the town centre, this year the adult’s race was split into 4 categories. Race 1 (30 mins plus) where Jennifer McAteer finished in 35.33. In race 2 (25-30 mins) Alyson Graham ran a course personal best (CPB) of 26.11 with Sarah Luce following in 26.54. Race 3 (sub 20 mins) featured Harry McCready running a CPB in 18.57 with Norman Mawhinney hot on his heels in 19.34 and race 4 (20-25 mins) saw the Braniff brothers crossing the line in 20.44 (Luke) and 23.53 (Rory). Primary School races ran throughout the evening and earned Toby Heywood a podium finish placing 3rd in the P3/P4/P5 race.

Enniskillen 10K

On Saturday, five Striders travelled west for the Enniskillen 10K, hosted by Enniskillen Running Club. More than 1,200 runners started at historic Enniskillen Castle beside the River Erne, before passing through Castle Coole Estate, tackling the notorious Ardhowen Climb and finishing at Derrychara Playing Fields. Simon Ferguson was the first Strider home in 47.06, followed by Karen Collins in 49.26 and Karen Wilson in 56.49. David Morton and Martina Finn completed the Striders line-up in 1.08.43 and 1.26.08 respectively.

Centurion South Downs Way 100

The Centurion South Downs Way 100 is a formidable, continuous point-to-point footrace traversing the 100-mile National Trail from Winchester to Eastbourne. Featuring 12,700 feet of climb and a strict 30-hour cut-off, it tests runners across stunning but exposed chalk ridgeways, demanding both intense physical endurance and mental grit. Former captain Matt Bell lined up at the start line and retired after the Houghton Farm checkpoint, 09.56 hours and 80.53km later, an outstanding achievement!

Glenmore AC Marathon

The Glenmore Challenge Running Festival on Saturday saw two Striders take on the marathon distance at the event. The race took runners through the stunning, unspoiled valley of Glenmore, nestled in the heart of the Cooley Peninsula and provided breathtaking views overlooking Omeath, Carlingford Lough and the magnificent Mourne Mountains. Maxine Dynes completed the 26.2 miles in 4.28.54 and Colin Campbell in 5.09.44.

Parkrun

Striders took part in parkruns at 12 venues on Saturday. At Comber, Michael Williams recorded another personal best (PB) of 21.23, alongside PBs for Gareth Gordon (28.51) and Paul Breen (30.00). Colette McKelvey also had a strong run, finishing as second female with a CPB of 22.30. Peter Doggart achieved a PB at Belfast Victoria in 22.03, while Bangor saw triple PBs for Andy Scase (23.19), Catherine Lavery (25.33) and Claire Fowles (32.18). Gareth Miskimmin, Calum McCready and Sarah Luce all ran CPBs at the hilly Crawfordsburn Country course, and Amanda Martin recorded a CPB at Ormeau. Further afield, Georgia Reid celebrated her 100th milestone parkrun in Paarl, South Africa.

Down Triathlon Club Aquathon

The Down Triathlon Club held its 5th annual Beyond the Wall event on Saturday at Castle Ward and introduced its first Youth Aquathon (swim-run). Junior Captain Iona Chanas competed in the 13–14-year-old category with an overall time of 14.45 and a 6th place finish.

Florida Manor Challenge

Saintfield Striders hosted their annual multi-distance challenge at Florida Manor Estate on Saturday, where Sonya Summersgill and Craig Simpson completed the six-hour endurance event. Showing impressive stamina and determination, the pair completed nine loops, covering 28.38 miles, with Craig earning a podium finish as second male.

Junior Parkrun

The juniors were out in force again at Sunday’s 2K events. At a busy Comber, Harry McCready finished first with a CPB of 07.05, followed by Iona Chanas, who placed 3rd in 08.10, and Joshua Bingham, who was 3rd male in 08.14. Keara Simpson finished 2nd female in 09.11, while Michael Bingham ran a PB of 09.36. At Woodvale, Harriet Frazer was 1st female in 11.32.