Les Jones Memorial 10k

Nearly three hundred athletes descended on the Mary Peters Track in Belfast for the annual Les Jones Memorial 10k, an event hosted by Athletics NI and sponsored by ChampionChip Ireland.

The race was also the fourth event in the ongoing Novosco 10k Grand Prix, a new age graded Series which is in its inaugural year. The 6.2 mile course started and finished on the track and took in the roads, paths and trails in close by Minnowburn, Shaws Bridge and Lagan Towpath area.

North Belfast Harriers man Philip Goss finished 1st, over a minute clear of his nearest rival in 33:57, whereas, in the ladies race, North Down AC’s Northern Ireland XC international Jodi Smith put in an impressive showing to secure top spot in 39:30.

This was another lovely evening and a good OG turnout with the ever-humble Andy McIntyre getting close to a 10k PB with his fabulous time of 36:42 finishing in 11th place.

This is the closest I have got to looking like an athlete…standing close to Andy at the start of a race and having started and finished on the Mary Peters Track! A really good experience for those who haven’t tried it…keep the well-organised Les Jones 10k in mind next year.

The OG ladies were really impressive on Friday too with Lyndsey being the 4th lady behind a very strong top 3 and Antra and Anne flying home with Linda ensuring a dynamic and stylish finish (reminiscent of Sharon’s at Woodburn!). The OG times were:

Thanks to Robin again for post-race refreshments, collecting the rubbish and for lending us some warm clothes when the temperature dropped!

Tags: 10K, Les Jones Memorial 10k, Mary Peters Track