Weekly Report Monday 4th November – Sunday 10 November 2019

This was a remarkably quiet week for racing, which was probably a relief for many runners given the weather in recent days. Wind and rain are definitely not ideal race conditions but we have still been out training hard in the harsh conditions as many of our athletes prepare for Seeley Cup 10k at the end of the month.

Below is a roundup of all the weeks action:

Sperrin Harriers Winter League – Davagh Forest 10k

The annual Sperrin Harriers Winter League kicked off on Saturday at Davagh Forset  on the outskirts of Cookstown. On what can only be described as abysmal conditions, 3 hearty OAC’ers made the trip to the heart of Mid-Ulster to take part in the 10k event. The trail race comprises a small loop and a larger loop around the picturesque forest park. 

Michael O’Donoghue (MOD) was first OAC’er home in a time of 46.30. MOD was using the event as taper for this 100th marathon in Tollymore this weekend. Good luck MOD and congratulations on an outstanding achievement.

Colin Simpson (2nd claim member) was not too far behind MOD in a time of 49:57. Catherine McIntyre continued her run of good form with a solid 1:02:16.

We are advised of a good spread laid on afterwards to allow all athletes to defrost and dry-out after the cold and wet conditions!

The Winter League comprises 5 events in picturesque venues across Co Tyrone which are well organised, attended and all with post-race hospitality. Perhaps one of the remaining 4 events could make it onto your race diary:

Lough Fea 5k, on 14th December 2019

An Creagan 5M, on 11th January 2020

Drum Manor 10k, on 1st February 2020

Parkanaur Forest 10M, on 15th February 2020

Run to Remember 5K

On Remembrance Sunday the Ballynahinch Branch of The Royal British Legion alongside Atlas Running hosted ‘Run to Remember 5K’ with the fitting tribute of a Poppy shaped medal for all finishers. The first 80 to cross the line were also rewarded with a free pint of Bud Light from the local pub!!!

Elaine Weston was representing OAC and produced a super time of 29:20. All the months of racing and training are paying off for Elaine!

ParkRun

As always, we’d a good representation of OAC at ParkRun’s all over NI and some further afield.

John Girbben was running in Huddersfield, Lyndsey Tyro was 1st female at Orangefield. Keith Weir 4th at Queen’s and new member Mark Lennon 13th at Ormeau!

A consolidated view of all OAC ParkRunners can be seen below:

https://www.parkrun.com/results/consolidatedclub/?clubNum=17953

This week, we look forward to Run in The Dark, Tollymore Marathon events and The Co Down 5k – hopeful that the weather will pick up for some more good racing!