Weekly Report – 27th November-3rd December 2023

Seeley Cup

What we lacked in quantity of races this weekend we made up for in quality. The main event in Belfast was the 41st Seeley Cup 10k in Ormeau Park. Although it was a cold one, it was a brilliant day for racing with nine Orangegrovers taking part. Well done everyone racing, especially to Gemma Blake on a new personal best 10k – great running! Thanks to Jenny Powell also for her photos!

David Montgomery – 37.40
Gemma Blake – 40.19
Desmond Fahy – 41.43
Michael O’Donoghue – 42.14
Edwina Ternan – 42.16
Steven Gilliland – 44.08
Stephen Anderson – 44.52
Brian Todd – 47.50
Elaine Weston – 53.52

Valencia Marathon

Seeking a race in sunnier climes, four OACers made the trip to Valencia Marathon and, in what I think must be an OAC first, all four of them got a Personal Best – a 100% record. Congratulations to each of you, we all know how much work marathon training takes so you should all be proud of what you’ve achieved.

I’m praying that you overindulge over Christmas so I’m able to compete with you guys in 2024. Go on have a few beers and some dessert, you’ve earned it.

Andrew Tees – 2.37.29
Danny Bradley – 2.41.01
Andrew Carson – 2.46.32
Keith Weir – 2.49.16

Parkrun Report

02/12/23

A slightly quieter weekend at parkrun with the other races on, the big news being Andrew McIntyre finishing first at Orangefield parkrun. That’s his third 1st place finish at Orangefield in a row, well done Andy!

There was also some parkrun tourism as Emily Paisley was in my hometown of Lisburn doing Wallace parkrun for the first time – that’s her 28th parkrun location. Hope you enjoyed doing that big hill three times, dreadful.

Results

Belfast Victoria

Gavin McGucken – 20.06
Tom Smith – 23.01
Eoghan Rainey – 28.04

Wallace, Lisburn

Emily Paisley – 28.12

Stormont

Kimberley Reynolds – 24.54
Alison Canning – 25.17
Reg Sanlon – 26.32
Stephen Hamilton – 30.03
Anne Devlin – 33.27
Jackie Grant – 33.27
Stephen Craig – 34.42

Orangefield

Andrew McIntyre – 18.41
Colin Simpson – 23.57
Stephen Uprichard – 25.12
Verity Cornford – 26.43
Selina Myles – 27.21

Hillsborough Forest

Mairead Napier – 39.33