Scrabo Striders Storm Carrick Castle

The “Storming the Castle” 10K road race and Kids Fun Run took place on Sunday 27^th August in Carrickfergus. Now in it’s third year this very popular event saw 665 runners start the fantastic, fast, flat course at the Amphitheatre, encompassing the picturesque promenade along Marine Highway and waterfront areas, overlooking the world class marina and views of Belfast Lough before finishing at the impressive 12th Century Norman Castle near Carrickfergus Town centre.

We had 40 entrants, a fabulous turnout. First Strider home was Jared Martin in under 40 earing him 14th place overall. Then came Chris Stevenson, Connor McNamara, Shannon Clegg, Nigel Martin, Colin Harper, Justin Clegg, Jonny Kinney, Ian Frazer and Charles Allen with times all sub 50 minutes. Crossing the line in under an hour were Gary Clarke, Maureen Rea, Caroline Smyth, Abrar Hossain, Lorraine McCrum, Amanda Martin, Dawn Ross, Noel Angus, Deborah Erskine, Lindsey Allen, Steven McCormick, Scot Knight, Sheena Crone and Wendy Thompson.

Next came Nicola McNamara, Sharon Graham, Kathleen Henderson, Emma Geddis, Donna Dugan, Kathryn Chesney, Karen Clarke, Karen Farrelly, Manny Farrelly, Angela Crone, Greer Munday, Joanne Wray, Jonathan Wray, Denise Knight and Nikki Keery. Jonny Kinney also stopped during the race to help a fellow club member Carleen, who had injured her knee. Great to see team spirit in action and the committee would like to say a huge well done to all and thanks for representing the club so well. Also a big thanks to Seapark AC, the Council, the PSNI and of course the Marshals for making the race such a success.

At other weekend events Garry Cavill and George McGonigal completed the Great East Run, a half marathon starting and finishing in Killyleagh. Hannah McMorran completed the Strangford 10K in under an hour and Jonny Kinney, Mark Leathem, Robert Neill and Wendy Thompson all completed the Portrush 5 Mile Race on Friday 25^th. Jonny’s time was a whisker over 34 minutes, phenomenal. The next morning Mark, Wendy and Jonny ran the Portrush Parkrun along with Logan and Susan Kinney.

The regular Saturday morning Parkruns were also well supported by club members. At Ward Park in Bangor the club had 7 entrants where David Turton was first for the gents followed by Sharon Andrews, Christine Lougheed (new Personal Best time), Antoaneta Kisimova, Jimmy Andrews, Leanne Hanna and Kim Cochrane. Paul and Lynn Sheldon ran the Shipley Country Parkrun in England.

At Stormont Estate Parkrun Jared Martin and Nigel Martin were the first and second Striders across the line, both with new personal bests at this event. Then came first timer Paul Moore, Jonny Fitzsimmins, Amanda Martin, Paulette Reynolds, Kathryn Chesney and Laura Cooke.

Well done all!