Weekly Report Monday 3rd February – Sunday 9th February 2020

Last week was yet another quiet week on the racing front. With Storm Ciara due to arrive on Saturday afternoon, the vast majority opted to dispatch their weekend long run on Saturday morning. There were however a few who braved the wind warnings to compete at our local cross-country event at Stormont. Further afield, the brothers Gribben were in action at the British Masters in Sheffield, running and jumping their way to the top of multiple podiums. Thanks to Gerald and Alan for contributing reports and photos.

Stormont XC, 8th February, 2020.

By Gerald Harvey

Women’s U20, Open, Veterans and Men’s 60+ Race (3.3 miles) & Men’s Race (4.4 miles).

It was a sunny Saturday afternoon and there was hardly any mud around the Stormont Estate course. Unfortunately, Storm Ciara was due to arrive later in the day and a yellow alert was in place. It was certainly very windy, but the event went ahead without mishap.

The ladies’ race of 181 runners was won by Claire Tonry (Dub Runners) in 20:51. Norman Mawhinney (Scrabo Striders) won the M60+ race in 21:04. Reg Sanlon finished in 27:46, 14th out of 17 runners with Gerald Harvey next in 28:00, 15th place.

PhiIip Goss (North Belfast Harriers) won the men’s race in 23:43. Martin O’Brien was the only OAC runner, finishing in 33:31, 158th out of 201 runners.

Thanks to Mags Mathieson and all the volunteers and to Glenn Grant of ChampionChip Ireland.

British Masters Indoor Grand Prix, Sheffield

By Alan Martin

On Saturday 8th February, George Gribben travelled to England to meet up with his brother John (an OAC Athlete, currently based in England) to compete in the British Masters Indoor Grand Prix in Sheffield.

 John, who until now had never competed indoors had a fantastic day with 3 age category (m75) wins.

 60m (00:12:31), 200m (00:43:39) and a superb 1500m run (07:47:00)

 George also had a good day (still recovering from knee surgery) with 2 age category (m65) wins as well as a 3rdplace.

 Long jump 1st (2.89m)

200m 1st (00:34:42)

60m 3rd (00:10:00)