WEEKLY REPORT – 4th JUNE 2018 TO 10th JUNE 2018

The continuing period of good weather meant most local races were run in warm conditions and there was no shortage of different types of races for Orangegrove members to take part in.

FAIRHILL 5 MILE, BALLYMENA

The ever popular 5 mile race was run in warm conditions on Wednesday night. The course is two laps and is pretty flat so good times are a possibility. However the heat may have slowed a few down. The spread afterwards was certainly worth the run around the County Antrim town. The race was won by the North Belfast Harriers duo of Mark McKinstry (25:14) and Gladys Ganiel (28:52). Times for Orangegrove participants are below.

Pos Name Time
91 Michael O’Donoghue 00:34:29
100 Martin O’Brien 00:35:19
106 Brain Todd 00:35:28
112 David Roberts 00:35:53
117 Gillian Logan 00:36:09

325 David Doey 00:47:04

HILL AND DALE RACE 8 LOUGHSHANNAGH

The Hill and Dale series continued on Thursday night with probably the most difficult race which takes in 4 tops- Carn, Doan, Loughshannagh and Ott. Maybe this would explain a slightly smaller Orangegrove turn out but a magnificent seven rose to the challenge with a number of excellent performances noted. Seamus Lynch (Newcastle AC) and Esther Dickson (Newry AC) continued their dominance of the series. There are two races left and a number of Orangegrove members have already completed the series (minimum six races). Race 9 is this Thursday with the final race being next Friday (22nd June)
Pos Name Time
16 Andrew Tees 00:47:54
91 Robin Montgomery 00:57:57
165 Michael O’Donoghue 01:10:33
184 Edwina Ternan 01:17:33
191 Sarah Steer 01:20:01
198 Lisa Fleming 01:24:27
Selina Myles

26 EXTREME MOURNE WAY RUNNING FESTIVAL

Unlike last year when a spectacular storm ripped through the Mournes the night before the event, participants were greeted with blue skies and very warm conditions. The marathon starts in Donard Park and makes its way roughly along the Ulster Way whilst the Half Marathon starts near Ott Track and the 10k starts near Leitrim Lodge with all races finishing in Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor. Heather Shanks-Miller braved the full marathon and finished in a fine time of 5:40:13. Four adventurers took on the half marathon course and times are below. Congratulations to Andrew Tees on his sixth place finish.

Name Time
Andrew Tees 1:34:21
Robin Montgomery 1:44:48
Sarah Steer 2:03:39
Steven Gilliland 2:12:18

FROG (FUN RUN OF THE GLENS)
The ironically named Fun Run Of The Glens was held on Saturday with a number of cycling events and running events taking place to raise money for Cancer Focus. In near perfect conditions Marcia Sharkey was the sole Orangegrove representative and she completed the 10 mile race in an admirable time of 1:55:51.

STUNNERZ N RUNNERZ

Verity Cornford was conspicuous by her absence at the latest Hill and Dale race bit she was obviously saving herself for an assault on the Stunnerz n Runnerz race in Magherafelt. Verity finished in a fantastic 17th place (39:02) in a race won by Julie Murphy of Lagan Valley AC in 32:46.

FIELDS OF LIFE 5k, STORMONT

This is the third year of this race and it offers a 5k and 10k option of a run around the Stormont grounds. The sting in the tail is the run up the main hill which you have to do twice if doing the 10k race. There was Orangegrove representation in the 5k race with John Ferris finishing in 31:13 in a race won by Peter Moffett (18:36) and Catherine O’Connor (20:03)

MAN v HORSE
The event began in June 1980 following a chat over a pint (or three) in the back bar of the Neuadd Arms Hotel. The then Landlord, Gordon Green, overheard two men discussing the relative merits of men and horses running over mountainous terrain. The enterprising Gordon, never one to miss an opportunity to promote Llanwrtyd Wells and improve business at his hotel, decided to put it to the test. And so began Green Events and its first, longest standing and now internationally acclaimed event, Man v Horse. I’m sure it is no surprise that Michael O’Donoghue took up this challenge and to date there are no results available.

PARKRUN

There was Orangegrove representation at seven parkruns on Saturday with the biggest turnout at Victoria Park. Michael Broadhead’s training with Paul Pollock is paying off as he secured a PB with 17:30. Paul Pollock was first finisher in 15:45. Ben Magee was a first timer at Queen’s as was Kimberley Reynolds at Portrush. Clare Kelleher and Ronan McPeake had PBs at Ormeau and Lisa Fleming joined the PB club at Castlewellan. Team Tyro were on their travels again as they were in Co Cork and Bere Island parkrun. Lyndsey was first lady finisher and Paul celebrated his 200th parkrun by finishing fourth, no doubt pushing a pram. A consolidated club report can be found by clicking below:
http://www.parkrun.com/results/consolidatedclub/…