EAH Forest Series Race 3: Ballyboley Forest

Tuesday evening was warm, sunny and crystal clear; ideal conditions for the third round of the East Antrim Harriers’ trail race series. What a lovely little series this is! It is well organised, welcoming and gives those of us who take part an opportunity to run in some lovely locations in the southern foothills of the Antrim Plateau. This week the race was in the vicinity of Killylane Reservoir in Ballyboley Forest. Unfortunately the high temperatures brought the midges out and it was best to run fast to avoid their irritating attention.

Orangegrove was one of the better represented clubs on this occasion with eleven runners…Sharon Dickenson, Melinda Wilkinson, Lisa Fleming, Kirsty Buchanan, Kerris Hamilton, Emma McWilliams, Ian Grant, Rodney Corrigan, Michael O’Donoghue, Robin Montgomery and Brian Todd.

The route was just over four miles long, the reverse of what we experienced on the NiRunning trail race at the same location. However, the Harriers’ had managed to find a short but very steep hill to ensure that we returned to the finish with something to talk about. A number of the conversations I overheard contained more than the usual number of expletives regarding that hill, which came just at the ‘wrong’ moment. Nevertheless, a great night was had by all.

For the record the following times were recorded by Orangegrove members:

Robin Montgomery 26.03 (20th/169)
Brian Todd 28.14
Michael O’Donoghue 29.18
Ian Grant 29.37
Emma McWilliams 30.37
Rodney Corrigan 30.18
Sharon Dickenson 33.44
Lisa Fleming 33.44
Kerris Hamilton 33.55
Kirsty Buchanan 34.31
Melinda Wilkinson 37.44

Age category positions and points for this race were also published:

Category   Pos. Points
M40 Michael O’Donoghue 4th 7
M45 Robin Montgomery 3rd 8
M35 Ian Grant 10th 1
M60 Brian Todd 1st 10
F35 Sharon Dickenson 6th 5
F35 Kerris Hamilton 7th 4
F40 Emma McWilliams 2nd 9
F40 Lisa Fleming 5th 6
F40 Melinda Wilkinson 8th 3

Kirsty Buchanan finished in a very creditable 12th place in the competitive FO category, but unfortunately just outside the points. The race was won by local boy Mark McKinstry (North Belfast Harriers) in 21.58 with Paula McAllister (Ballymena Runners) first lady in 27.10.