The Portaferry 10 Mile Road Race, organised by NICS and East Down Athletic Clubs, took place on Tuesday 18^th July in dry and very warm conditions. This increasingly popular local race is organised in conjunction with the Portaferry Gala Festival, offering a challenging but fast course for recreational and elite runners alike. There is also a 2 x 5 mile relay race for teams of two runners.

We had 19 entrants and first Strider home was Jonny Kinney followed by Paul Sheldon, Gary Hunsdale, Kieran McNamara, Connor McNamara, Emmanuel Farrelly, Russ Armour, Graeme McGowan, Nigel Martin, David Turton, Garry Cavill, Ian Frazer, Lynn Sheldon, Alison Busby, Charles Allen, Jared Martin, Amanda Martin and Lindsey Allen. Sheena Crone ran relay. There was lots of support all along the route which contributed to a great atmosphere and a great evenings running.

Of course no running week is complete without mentioning the Saturday Parkrun (22^nd July). At Ward Park in Bangor the club had 11 entrants where Paul Sheldon came in first for our gents and Lynn Sheldon first for our ladies. Then followed Kevin Lewis (new Personal Best), David Turton, Mervyn Kinney, Sharon Andrews, Carol Bailie, George Cash (new PB), Barry Tate, Sharon Graham and Carleen Seeger.

At Parkway in Comber 14 club members ran. First lady finisher was Amanda Martin and Curtis McCaw for the gents. Then came Jared Martin, Nigel Martin, Mark Leathem (first time at this run), Matthew Halus, Mark Halus, Linda Dugan, Nicola McNamara, Catherine Lavery, Kathy Henderson, Karen Farrelly, Emmanuel Farrelly and Leanne Hanna.

At Stormont Gary Clarke achieved a new personal best time, Stephen Campbell also ran. At Victoria Parkrun Kathryn Chesney achieved a new PB and Andrea Da Silva completed the Ormeau Parkrun. The club even had a Parkrunner in Poland, well done Lorraine Adams for striding in Krakow.

Well done Striders!