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  1. Weekly Report Monday 18th February – Sunday 24th February 2019

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    Report by David Doey

    With marathon training in full flow and the mildest February days in recent times, it seems that this week was one where there was minimal Orangegrove representation in the various races on offer.

    26 EXTREME NIGHT EDITION 10K STORMONT

    The fourth in the series saw runners tackle two laps of a course which started on the Prince of Wales Avenue, heading to Stormont gates before turning right and running the trails up to Stormont Buildings and then back down the opposite side. Orangegrove’s sole representative Keith Weir ran a superb race to finish first in a time of 46.11. Top class effort Keith, well done. The female winner was Caroline Girvan in 52.24.

    MALTA MARATHON

    Michael O’Donoghue’s latest adventure saw him travel to the Mediterranean island of Malta where you would expect hot and dry condition for a marathon. Unfortunately, the country was hit by an apocalyptic storm which gave the organisers no option but to cancel the event. As disappointing as it was Michael managed to make light of it by saying his next marathon is only two weeks away.

    PARKRUN

    As ever the biggest turnout was at Victoria Park and well done to Marcia Sharkey, Tom Smith and Luke Harte who achieved PBs. Simon Jackson was a first timer at Orangefield where David Gilliland and Reg Scanlon got PBs. A consolidated club report can be accessed by clicking the link below.

    http://www.parkrun.com/results/consolidatedclub/…

    There should be much more to report next week as there is a good number on their way to Carlingford for the half marathon. There is also representation at the Derry 10 miler whilst Michael O’Donoghue is off to Stranraer for a half marathon.

     

  2. Weekly Report Monday 11th February – Sunday 17th February 2019

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    Report by Gerald Harvey

    ‘Failure rocks’ (Dean Karnazes – U.S. ultra runner)

    ARMAGH INTERNATIONAL ROAD RACES, 3K OPEN RACE. 14th February, 2019.
    Paul Tyro was the only OAC competitor in this important event. He finished in a respectable 10:29, 78th out of 126 runners. The winner was Jamie Burns (Shettleston Harriers) in 08:44.

    NEAL KILLEN SHIELD + BELFAST VICTORIA PARKRUN 406. 16th February, 2019.
    The weather was dry and sunny as we gathered on Saturday morning for round one of the OAC Club Championship, the Neal Killen Shield, renamed in memory of our late friend and colleague who died at Bangor parkrun in January 2017.

    With many wearing the new lightweight Orangegrove AC vest, we went off in our handicap order at the tail end of the parkrun field, trying not to go too fast and blowing up, or too slow and failing to catch those within reach ahead. It is always a delicate balance.

    The three runners who finished on the podium were: Conor Walker, 1st place in an actual time of 24:27, Keith Weir, 2nd place in 18:19 and Lisa Nevin, 3rd place in 30:20 (PB) – well done to all three. The winner has only recently joined the club and was running at Victoria Park for the first time. The club raised £342 on the day and the money will go to Conor’s nominated charity, Dementia NI.

    Rodney Corrigan stormed through the field to finish in 4th place with an actual time of 19:39, only missing a podium spot by five seconds. Adrienne Savage was 5th in 25:12, Judith McCann was 6th in 25:01 and Anna Rankin was 7th in 25:08. Kimberley Reynolds was 8th in 22:42. Michael O’Donoghue was close to his best with a time of 19:43, 9th place. Kerris Hamilton had a very good run with a time of 22:15, 10th equal place with Sarah Steer who finished in 22:45.

    Reg Sanlon ran well to finish 25th in 23:42 and complete his 250th parkrun. Danny Bradley ran an actual time of 17:21 which was the fastest of the day.

    In summary, the top ten will be quite happy, but for the rest of us it is back to the drawing board before the Stormont Cup. Running is great, but don’t you remember, sometimes it hurts instead. Sorry Adele!

    Full Results:
    1. Conor Walker, 24:27 + 5:30 = 29.57;
    2. Keith Weir, 18:19 + 11:45 = 30:04;
    3. Lisa Nevin, 30:20 + 00:00 = 30:20 (PB);
    4. Rodney Corrigan, 19:39 + 10:45 = 30:24;
    5. Adrienne Savage, 25:12 + 5:15 = 30:27;
    6. Judith McCann, 25:01 + 5:30 = 30:31;
    7. Anna Rankin, 25:08 + 5:30 = 30:38;
    8. Kimberley Reynolds, 22:42 + 8:15 = 30:57;
    9. Michael O’Donoghue, 19:43 + 11:15 = 30.58;
    10. Kerris Hamilton, 22:15 + 8:45 = 31:00;
    11. Sarah Steer, 22:45 + 8:15 = 31:00;
    12. Robin Montgomery, 19:04 + 12:00 = 31:04;
    13. Danny Bradley, 17:21 + 13:45 = 31:06;
    14. Alison Canning, 23:37 + 7:30 = 31:07;
    15. Steven Gilliland, 21:23 + 9:45 = 31:08;
    16. Michael Broadhead, 17:24 + 13:45 = 31:09;
    17. Ian Grant, 21:41 + 9:30 = 31:11;
    18. Ryan Kerr, 19:43 + 11:30 = 31:13;
    19. George Gribben, 25:15 + 6:00 = 31:15;
    20. Pauline Bayliss, 21:31 + 9:45 = 31:16;
    21. Alison McConnell, 23:02 + 8:15 = 31:17;
    22. Julie McKimm, 21: 21 + 10:00 = 31:21;
    23. David Gilliland, 22:38 + 8:45 = 31:23;
    24. Brian McFarland, 26:56 + 4:30 = 31:26;
    25. Reg Sanlon, 23:42 + 7:45 = 31:27;
    26. Catherine McIntyre, 25:58 + 5:30 = 31:28;
    27. David Roberts, 21:13 + 10:15 = 31:28;
    28. Chris Woods, 20:14 + 11:15 = 31:29;
    29. Stephen Anderson, 21:08 + 10:30 = 31:38;
    30. Andy McIntyre, 17:34 + 14:15 = 31:49;
    31. Selina Myles, 27:37 + 4:15 = 31:52;
    32. Gerald Harvey, 23:54 + 8:00 = 31:54;
    33. Darren Houston, 20:42 + 11:15 = 31:57;
    34. Gillian Fisher, 26:40 + 5:15 = 31:55;
    35. Martin Walker, 26:29 + 5:30 = 31:59;
    36. Heather Flint, 21:53 + 10:15 = 32:08;
    37. Jacqueline Maxwell, 24:24 + 7:45 = 32:09;
    38. Brendan Bannon, 23:52 + 8:15 = 32:07;
    39. Tony Liken, 21:40 + 10:30 = 32:10 (PB);
    40. Marcia Sharkey, 27:14 + 5:00 = 32:14;
    41. Gavin McGucken, 19:30 + 12:45 = 32:15;
    42. Sharon Howe, 23:46 + 8:30 = 32:16.
    43. Gillian Logan, 23:03 + 9:15 = 32:18;
    44. Martin O’Brien, 22:06 + 10:15 = 32:21;
    45. Roy Skillen, 28:22 + 4:00 = 32:22;
    46. Jenny Powell, 25:55 + 6:30 = 32:25;
    47. David Gribben, 19:56 + 12:45 = 32:41;
    48. Anne Devlin, 31:09 + 2:00 = 33:09;
    49. Des Fahy, 20:44 +12:30 = 33:14;
    50. Sharon McFarland, 30:25 + 5:00 = 35:25.

    Thanks to the regular volunteers and all who helped with delivering the Neal Killen Shield event this year.

    Remember to help out at least a few times this year by contacting: belfastvictoriahelpers@parkrun.com

    OTHER PARKRUN NEWS. 16th February, 2019.
    Locally there were OAC runners at Stranmillis, QUB, Ormeau, Orangefield, Stormont, Delamere and Portrush. In England, Antra Balcuna was at Sale Water, Manchester and Gemma Blake was at Southwark, London. Much further afield, David Montgomery was at Constantia Greenbelt, Cape Town, South Africa and Edwina Ternan was at East End, New Plymouth, New Zealand.

    FPSG SCOTTISH ATHLETICS INDOOR MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS, GLASGOW. 16-17th February, 2019.
    Jim Harris was 2nd in the M70 category of the Men’s 65+ 200m race in 32.09 seconds, 4th overall. In the Men’s 70+ 400m race he was 1st in 73.74 seconds and was 1st again in the Men’s 64-74 800m race (no time as yet). Great running.

    Photos: Alan Montgomery.

  3. Weekly Report Monday 4th February – Sunday 10th February 2019

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    Report by Michael O’Donoghue

    This year, there has been a strong commitment from the club for marathon training. We have had outside coaches brought in to help with the marathon plans for Belfast, London and Edinburgh. We have had an injury prevention workshop, and on Friday 8th February we had over 50 members attend a Psychology of Running workshop . It covered the importance of self-belief, motivation, concentration and how it fed into results. Also, the underestimated importance of smiling! We have more workshops planned in the near future.

    Randal 10k, Shane’s Castle Estate. Saturday 10th February by Brian Todd
    Rather than risk an injury before he jetted off to ski in unfashionable Bulgaria, Brian decided that he would be better occupied taking in this race rather than the mud of Stormont. There were 10k and 5k options, both in support of Randalstown’s two primary schools, Mount St. Michael’s and Randalstown Central. The location was absolutely stunning. Even in the depths of winter the Shane’s Castle Estate is beautiful, bisected as it is by the raging torrent of the River Maine…..and it really was a very angry river indeed! The 10k route was a single loop around the mainly wooded estate, including the shores of Lough Neagh. It was entirely off road and the wide gravel paths (no stones) made for very enjoyable running. There was chip timing, a medal, after race bits and pieces and a very pleasant spread back at Mount St. Michael’s. Brian managed to emerge from the experience uninjured, although he didn’t exert himself too much….and so to the piste! Definitely worth a revisit!
    Brian Todd…44.05 (11th/60).
    The 10k race was won by Martin Craig (PACE) in 41.39 and Judith Worthington (Ballymena Runners) was first lady in 43.28. The 5k was won by Daniel McLornan (Antrim/Ballymena Athletics) in 19.42.

    Stormont XC, Saturday 10th February

    The Stormont cross country organised by NICS, under the watchful eye of Mags and her team, has been a fixture in the cross country league for some time now. There have been many revisions of the course over the years, from rough waterlogged terrain, to something more resembling a trail race. Recently it has settled down with a 1 mile loop near the front gates of the estate heading up towards the parliament building.

    It would be considered as one of the more accessible cross country events, both due to its location on the edge of Belfast, and also being a comparatively flat course where runners are unlikely to be knee-deep in the mud.

    It being a league event, there was a large turnout from the cross country minded Belfast and County Down clubs. From OAC we had 9 enter for the men’s senior race, 1 for the Male Vets race, and we did not have any ladies on this occasion.

    The results were as follows:

    Senior Men (4 miles)

    Andy McIntyre 25:23
    Andrew Tees 25:36
    Michael Broadhead 26:18
    Danny Bradley 27:21
    David Montgomery 28:04
    Robin Montgomery 29:25
    Michael O’Donoghue 30:22
    Gerald Harvey 37:35
    George Gribben 38:49

    Vet (3 miles)

    Reg Sanlon 27:04

    Overall results were that Jarlath Falls (Ballymena & Antrim AC) was in 1st place with a time of 23:21, and Laurence Johnston (NBH) won the VET race with a time of 19:28. In the team results North Belfast Harriers managed 2nd, 3rd and 5th places in the senior race, easily coming first in league points with Willowfield and Annadale 2nd and 3rd. OAC had a good showing in 7th place in league points..

    Parkrun

    We had plenty of parkrun activity this week from the club. There were some 25 at Belfast Victoria with several using it as part of their marathon training, along with club captain Heather and Lisa Nevin, who were introducing a large group of teachers to the wonders of parkrun. Both Lisa and Steven Gilliland bagged themselves PB’s in the process. On the tourism front we had Marcia Sharkey in Edinburgh, Kim Reynolds and Alison Canning up in Larne, and Edwina Ternan out in New Zealand doing the Millwater parkrun, where apparently it’s too hot to run in shoes! Lastly, David Doey joined the prestigious 100 club up in Portrush. Well done David!

  4. Weekly Report Monday 28th January – Sunday 3rd February 2019

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    Report By Andrew Tees

    It was a relatively quiet week with regards to racing, as winter delivered us the first proper snow of the season, and a large portion of the club continued training towards their spring marathon goals. However, a few Orangegrovers escaped to sunny Spain for a half-marathon, and the ever-active Brian Todd managed to fit in two races over the weekend. Thanks go to Brian and to Gerald Harvey for the weekend race reports.

    Moira Cross Country, Saturday 2nd February 2019.
    Report by Brian Todd.
    It was a sublimely beautiful day at Moira Demesne for the Moira Cross Country Races organized by City of Lisburn AC. It was cold, but the sun was shining and the bare trees were absolutely majestic against the blue sky. It was one of those ‘good to be alive days’, which are rare enough at this time of the year. The course at Moira is a linear one and fairly flat. There really should have been a bit of mud and there was, but it was frozen solid and so it was certainly no impediment to forward motion. When you run around Moira Demesne you become aware of the history of the place. The magnificent trees are a giveaway. This was once, a very long time ago, one of the foremost botanical gardens in the British Isles thanks to its owner, Sir John Rawdon, who died in the late 1690s. It was also the demesne of the magnificent Moira Castle which, sadly, fell into dereliction and was demolished. If you look carefully you can spot some features that give clues as to the former importance of this place. Anyway, it was a joy to run in the Demesne although, sadly, numbers were quite low, particularly on the adult side. However, there seemed to be lots of enthusiastic youngsters running the route. Brian, as usual, being intrinsically lazy ran with the ladies, although I don’t think he had a choice anyway. His run was without drama or incident….although he had to concentrate. The very low sun made it difficult in places to identify the route. One or two were caught out. Emma McWilliams was the other Orangegrove member at Moira. Getting back into running after a bit of a layoff she acquitted herself well and finished in a very respectable time. This was Emma’s second run at Moira Demesne in as many months. She likes the place! By the way, it was great to be able to take the train to Moira and to use the lovely walk from the pretty station to the Demesne as a warm up. On the way home, on the train. I was able to pick the mud off the back of my legs and ping it at the other passengers. Maybe that is why I was thrown off the train in Lisburn……

    Brian Todd…..18.29…
    Emma McWilliams….23.28.

    The ladies race was won by Laura Bickerstaff (Dromore) in 15.43 and the men’s race by Jonathan Scott (Mourne Runners) in 19.12.

    Lagan Valley AC 5K Charity Run, 3rd February 2019.
    Report by Gerald Harvey.
    The weather was overcast and damp on arrival at Mary Peters Track for John Glover’s annual charity run. Recent colds may have taken their toll as pinning on the race number became a major chore. Then the TomTom resolutely refused to lock on to a signal when loitering near the timing mat. Patience must have been wearing wafer thin as Glenn Grant muttered something about my watch and Brian Todd suddenly took off without me around the wet track (he did slow down thereafter). The route was through the Lagan Valley Regional Park by the towpath to Shaw’s Bridge, doubling back by circuitous trails, up to the tarmac paths near Malone House, then winding through the QUB Playing Fields (where we dodged a volley of footballs) and back along the edge of the forest to Mary Peters Track. Not easy.

    The first person to finish was Peter Carty in 18:15 and the first lady home was Alice Monaghan in 21:21, in a field of 107 runners.

    Only two people from OAC ran: Gerald Harvey, 27:06; Brian Todd, 27:32.

    Many prizes were raffled and £990 was raised for the Mary Peters Trust. ChampionChip Ireland provided chip timing free of charge.

    Torremolinos International Half Marathon, 3rd February 2019.
    A small group of Orangegrovers cleverly used the guise of running a half marathon to swap cold, rainy Belfast for a short break on the Costa del Sol, and who could blame them? On race day the runners were treated to the clear skies,sunshine, and favourable temperatures (16C) that they had hoped for. It wasn’t all plain sailing though, with a stiff breeze and a few hills adding some difficulty, which makes the fast times achieved even more impressive.
    Special congratulations to Ali McConnell for taking 3rd in her age category, and to Gavin McGucken on a very impressive club debut, one to watch!

    Eric Fairfield 1.25.48
    Gavin McGucken 1.27:59
    Colin Simpson (NBH) 1.37.22
    Gillian Logan 1.45.59
    Ali McConnell 1.49:47

    Parkrun
    With so few members racing over the weekend, many took the opportunity to integrate parkrun into their long runs and as a result here was a big club turnout at Victoria Park, with 26 Orangegrovers taking part. Elsewhere, Andy McIntyre was 1st finisher at Stranmillis, while Victoria Murray and Judith Dalzell both reached their 50 Parkun milestones at Victoria and Ormeau parks repectively.

  5. Weekly Report Monday 21st January – Sunday 27th January 2019

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    Report by Martin O’Brien

    This week’s report commenced on Blue Monday, the third Monday of January having been awarded the gloomy title due to a combination of post-Christmas blues, cold dark nights and the arrival of unpaid credit card bills. This (holiday-company inspired day) may well be the reason for a lack of Club racing this week or it could be that we really are all waiting on our long-awaited February pay-packet; there aren’t actually many races on; it’s too cold or; we are simply too engrossed in our new Half and Marathon training plans!

    Yes, we have recently been bestowed with various appreciated and creative January indulgences from our Club Committee to not even miss any races…including an Injury Prevention and Nutrition Workshop (with another Workshop pending); expert guidance and personal input from the fabulous official Belfast City Marathon Coach Stuart Kennedy; superb OG coach training and structured planning and advice; the 1st steps towards planning the Neal Killen Shield and; …(drum roll…) the announcement of the 2019 Orangegrove Club Championship Fixtures!

    A big thanks from the club members to all the work that has already been put in…its gonna be a great year!

    Now to the minimal races that a couple of our stalwarts did participate in:

    FEARR NI 10K

    No, its not a spelling mistake, it is either an acronym to represent arriving at the last second on the start line without having linked your watch to the satellite: Flippin Eck Alright Ready?…Run! or…it means…Forget Everything And Run Races.

    Our very own Jenny Powell prepared for this race on Wednesday at 7pm by eating carrots for a week but also luckily brought the compulsory head torch for the Forget Everything And Run Races NI 10k FEARR The Night Run at Clandeboye Estate Courtyard.

    This is the 2nd in this year’s series and appears an attractive proposition running through such a lovely location whilst relying on some under-used senses plus…there were post-race hotdogs on offer and a bling of all bling medal which glows in the dark! Now that does sound illuminating. Jenny also lit up the night with a shining 85th position out of 143 in what must have been a challenging race at times. Jonathon Gibson and Kerry Speers (North Down) won the race in 40:29 and 42:05.

    Jenny Powell 1:01:01

    St. PATRICK’S COLLEGE, DUNGIVEN 10K
    Report by Brian Todd

    I am usually quite good at organising my race entries in advance and in good time. However, recently I was completely confounded by the organisers of the Intermediate and Masters’ Cross Country who inexplicably closed online entries on 15th January, eleven days before the race! Why? Worse still, ‘strictly no entries on the day’! I had hoped to run in all the local cross country races this season, but it was not to be! You would have thought they should be encouraging participation rather than making it difficult!

    Anyway, rather than sit at home and sulk I jumped on a Derry bound Goldliner and alighted at Dungiven for the local St. Patrick’s College 10k race…and what a good decision this turned out to be.

    The rain that dogged Belfast had already passed through Dungiven and it was both sunny and dry. It was very distinctly a course of two halves! The first 5k through the town environs was flat, smooth and fast. Then it turned a little nasty with a trip north into the foothills of the Sperrins. As proof, minutes per mile in my case ranged from 6.32 to 7.55! Nevertheless, the scenery was stunning and there was very distinctly a feeling of Spring in the air, but not quite. The second half ups and ups and ups ensured that despite the ground made in the first half this was not to be a personal best course regardless of the downhill finish.

    Numbers were small and there were not too many club running vests about, bar a few Springwell. So, rather than wear my orange vest I ran incognito in green. For £10 we got chip timing, an officially measured course, superb marshals and signage, a traffic plan with PSNI presence at critical points, a medal, soup and wheaten bread, tea/coffee and biscuits, a great welcome and a goodie bag to take home. You know, some of those other organisers we come across would appear to be taking the mickey!

    A thoroughly enjoyable day given that I was not able to run at Barnett Demesne. I think I might return to Dungiven in 2020……if I am still alive! The 10k was won by Ciaran Ferris and Stephanie McKillop in 36:05 and 44:58.

    Brian Todd 45.46.

    PARKRUN

    With January known for being being miserable and tight on generosity, there weren’t too many PBs or landmarks to comment on, however, well done to Jessica Skillen who achieved a PB of 30:23 at Stormont Parkrun and although Reg Sanlon was a 1st-timer at Carrickfergus Parkrun, he was out-trumped by Kimberley Reynold’s further-afield 1st-timer at Coldham’s Common.

    What should be common is a little bit of volunteering at Parkrun so please consider doing so at Victoria Parkrun 1, 2 or 3 times this year.

     

  6. Weekly Report Monday 14th January – Sunday 20th January 2019

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    Report by Brian Todd

    This week OAC members did a lot of sitting about although it was all in the good cause of running. With quite a few of our members embarking on spring marathon training it was thought good practice to organize a seminar to highlight the importance of nutrition and injury avoidance. The workshop was attended by dozens of our members and took place on Saturday morning at the Aslan Centre at Knocknagoney Church. Hopefully, the information and tips gained will provide a foundation for some very good marathon times between now and the summer period. I am glad to see that at least some of the information will be made available on the main club website for members who were not able to attend. Grateful thanks to those who were to the forefront in organizing this innovative event. And, on a similar theme, early next month, on the evening of Friday 8th February, we will be running a Psychology of Running workshop led by Dave Woods who has a considerable pedigree in this area. Those of us who run know only too well that races can be won or lost in the head regardless of the efficiency of the physical effort applied in training, especially when running marathon distance. Once again we thank the club office holders for their initiative in providing this opportunity for our membership.

    Saturday will be a very important day in local cross country with Athletics NI hosting a round of the International Association of Athletics Federations cross country championships at the Billy Neill Centre of Excellence on the Comber Road at Dundonald. This is the fifth round in the series, the previous rounds all being in either Spain or Italy. Saturday’s event on the Comber Road is the only round of the series to be held in the British Isles. The series wraps up in Portugal next month. Hosting such a prestigious event is not a task to be taken lightly and behind the scenes dozens of officials and volunteers have been working hard to prepare the new track at Comber Road and to attract, accommodate and welcome some of the world’s best athletes to our shores. Rio Olympic silver medallist Paul Tanui (Kenya) has indicated that he will compete as will Britain’s Adam Hickey (National Cross-Country Champion). The NI team will have Commonwealth Games steeplechaser Adam Kirk-Smith and UK Masters’ champion Mark McKinstry. In the ladies race double European cross-country silver medallist Kate Avery will compete as will Gemma Steele, Louise Small, Emelia Gorelich, Ireland’s Fionnuala McCormack and Kenya’s Pauline Kamulu, one of the fastest 10’000m runners in the world at the moment. The Senior International Women’s race (8k) will be at 2.15pm and the Senior International men (10k) will go at 2.50pm There will also be an Open Mixed Race for seniors and masters, U13, U15, U17 and U20 races (male and female) and a host of school children’s races.

    Probably in an attempt to preserve the elite nature of the two main races it was decided this year to include a Mixed Open race of 4k (two laps). It doesn’t sound too long but having competed in it I would suggest it was long enough! The shorter the race distance the faster you tend to run! Conditions at Dundonald were just about perfect on the day. It was cool but dry and the very mild winter to date ensured that there was a minimum of mud in which to become stuck. The rolling nature of the course and the great views all round made this an ideal location for this superb event. The organizers are to be congratulated for their efforts. There was a good crowd of spectators, but there could have been more given the quality athletes on show in the two main races.

    Men’s Open Race (4k/2.49 miles)……Brian Todd (18.30)
    Boys’ U15 Race…Luke Harte…11.12 (19/53)

    The Men’s Open Race (4k) was won Ben Morrow (Ballymena Runners) in 13.52. The Ladies Open (4k) was won by Claire McGuigan (Lifford-Strabane AC) in 15.00. The Men’s International Race was won by Balew Birhanu (Brunei) in 29.42. Mark McKinstry (North Belfast Harriers) was the first local finisher in 31.45. The Ladies International was won by Meskerem Mamo (Ethiopia) in 26.10 and Breege Conolly was the first local finisher in 28.47.

    The Novosco season ended for 2018 with an awards ceremony and lunch in the Titanic Hotel during the week. I am glad to report that contrary to rumours the whole thing will happen again this year and on a much greater scale. Glen Grant and the sponsors are contemplating 19 races in total although to date one or two of them have yet to be confirmed. More prize money will be available and there will be an attempt to spread it wider than has been the case in the last two or three years. One or two other innovations will also be included which will be announced in due course. It all begins on March 17th with The Craic and Jimmy’s, both on the same day. By the way, significant cash team prizes were awarded at the ceremony and to clubs who managed to get runners entered and running. Surely a club of our size should be able to target the majority of races in this incredibly generous and innovative series and perhaps benefit from the significant cash available. The team cash is courtesy of Forestside Shopping Centre rather than Novosco.

    What a week it was last week at Victoria Park. Myself and Jean Stone happened to be the timers and we were well and truly entertained by the quality of the performances at the top end; five runners in the 16s, six runners in 17s and 10 runners in the 18s. Overall, the first 31 finishers were sub 20! Tommy Hughes’s (Termoneeny Runners) 16.46 was particularly amazing given that he runs in the MV 55-59 category. He earned a staggering 94.18% for his run and I am reliably informed that this was a parkrun world record, certainly world class.
    So, what happened this week?

    Well, this week there was a dearth of OAC members at Victoria Park due to the nutrition and injury avoidance seminar. Gavin McGucken was first OAC finisher in 20th place with a very respectable 19.44. There were a few Orangegrovers at Stormont but nothing too much to report from there or from Ormeau or Queens or anywhere! The was a little bit of parkrun tourism this weekend. The Tyros didn’t travel too far to Waterworks where apparently Sky television cameras turned up for Eric’s pre-run song. David Doey was at Portrush, Greg Calvin was at Antrim, Darren Houston was at Bangor and Reg Sanlon was at Comber. However, overall it was not a vintage Saturday morning for OAC at Parkrun.
    By the way, don’t forget the volunteering bit. If you don’t volunteer occasionally the whole thing will come tumbling down some day. We need volunteers every week and the tasks that are allocated are far from rocket science. So, do the decent thing and contact the core team on belfastvictoriahelpers@parkrun.com to offer your help.

    And a post script. I am withdrawing from the report writing team for a while. I have been writing reports for over three years now. During the first of these I wrote every week for a year. I need a wee rest! I deserve a wee rest and I will have it! The report writing will continue and if you think you could contribute see Gerald Harvey or one of the team. It is not goodbye, only au revoir and I will continue to write individual race reports for the team where appropriate. I will be back!

    Grateful thanks, as always, to John Glover for the photographs.

  7. Injury Prevention & Sports Nutrition Workshop for Orangegrove AC

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    Thank you to Ramey Adams & Josh Williamson for running the Injury Prevention & Sports Nutrition Workshop for Orangegrove AC, specifically targeted for our spring marathon & half marathon athletes. Thank you also to the guest speaker Ed McGinley for discussing his marathon experiences and helpful hints & tips.

    Check out the video below.

    https://www.facebook.com/ramey.adams.3/videos/307965726520693/?t=33

    https://www.facebook.com/ramey.adams.3/videos/307965726520693/?t=33

     

  8. Weekly Report Monday 7th January – Sunday 13th January 2019

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    Report by Gillian Logan

    While a large proportion of OAC athletes were knuckling down to begin their 16 week Spring marathon training campaigns this week, some were competing in events across Northern Ireland and beyond! Read on for all the action!

    Sperrin Harriers Winter League Trail Series: An Creagan 5M 2019

    Presented by Sperrin Harriers, the Winter League Trail Series continued on Saturday with the An Creagan 5 mile race. The Series comprises 5 events taking place in various forest and trail settings around Co Tyrone.

    4 OAC ladies made the trip to An Creagan visitor centre to take on the trails within the co-located forest park, half way between Cookstown and Omagh. The course was described as tricky in places but the weather stayed mild for the 5 mile race and each of our athletes were treated to post race refreshments upon finishing.

    Well done to the travelling team from OAC who made up a solid field of 169 finishers!

    (131) Lisa Fleming – 43.11
    (134) Jill Holland – 43.21
    (137) Selina Myles – 44.18
    (141) Emily Paisley – 45.36

    Eoin Hughes was 1st male finisher (Acorns AC 27.24) with Gillian Wasson (Ballymena Runners 32.31) 1st female.

    The next event in the Winter League Trail Series is Drum Manor 10K on 2nd Feb at 12noon, where Sperrin Harriers will no doubt put on a great event for any travelling athletes.

    The Mathieson Cup and Shield Cross Country, City of Belfast Playing Fields, Sunday 13th January, 2019 – By Brian Todd

    It was a tad blustery up at Mallusk on Sunday morning as we gathered for the Mathieson Cup and Mathieson Shield Cross Country meeting at the City of Belfast Playing Fields, a once very famous cross country location, (named in honour of our friend and volunteer extraordinaire, Mags Mathieson).

    It was damp and cool but at least it wasn’t wet and cold and there were even one or two fleeting glimpses of the sun. This was a major meeting. Over 400 adults gathered for a series of races which started at 11am and finished about 2pm. A number of schools’ races preceded each of the main races, the Mathieson Shield for senior ladies (6k/three laps) and the Mathieson Cup for senior men (8k/four laps).

    The organizers, Mallusk Harriers, had come up with a nice little course. The playing fields are essentially flat but the course designer had managed, nevertheless, to find a number of sharp inclines to take the wind out of any over exuberant sails. At one point the course contained a line of hay bales which had to be hurdled. Unfortunately, these were removed before racing started! I think someone may have complained! Pity! The final half-kilometre of each lap was seriously affected by a massive headwind which probably slowed times overall.

    However, a very enjoyable day it was and very well organized and presented by the host club with substantial post-race refreshments. There is something more enjoyable about Sunday running than Saturday running. We should do more of it!

    This was not an event that OAC had targeted for ANI cross country league points so our representation on the ground was sparse to say the least; Selina Myles, Emma McWilliams, Andy McIntyre, Robin Montgomery, Michael O’Donoghue and Brian Todd. The latter, being intrinsically lazy, ran as usual with the over 60 vets in the ladies’ race. The following times
    were achieved by the OAC contingent:

    The Mathieson Shield (6k)
    Emma McWilliams…33.14
    Selina Myles….33.39
    Brian Todd (MV65)….27.00 (1st MV65)
    The Mathieson Cup (8k)
    Andy McIntyre…28.21 (24/213)
    Michael O’Donoghue…32.41
    Robin Montgomery…33.44

    The Mathieson Cup (8k) was won by Mark McKinstry (North Belfast Harriers) in a quite breathtaking run (24.31) reminiscent of his recent performance in the British and Irish Masters’ event in Swansea. The Mathieson Shield (6k) was won by Sinead Sweeney (Unattached) in 22.12.

    ParkRun 12th January

    As always, many of our athletes took on ParkRun courses across Northern Ireland.

    Gavin McGucken was fastest OAC’er male at Victoria Park Belfast clocking 18:56 with Heather Flint fastest female also at Victoria in 22:23.

    Michael O’Donoghue was doing some ParkRun Tourism at Oldbridge ParkRun (other wise known as The Battle of The Boyne ParkRun) at Drogheda Co Meath.

    A consolidated list of all OAC ParkRun’s on Saturday is available below:
    http://www.parkrun.com/results/consolidatedclub/

  9. Weekly Report Monday 31st December 2018 – Sunday 6th January 2019

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    Report By David Doey

    As 2018 finished a new year dawned and a large group of OAC decided to start the year off by doing the double (parkrun that is). The following is a record of those I am aware of. Apologies to any I missed.

    Stormont and Orangefield
    Martin O’Brien
    Reg Scanlon

    Stormont and Ormeau
    Michael O’Donoghue

    Victoria and Orangefield
    Catherine McIntyre
    Judith McCann
    Jason Lanyon
    Sharon Howe
    Kerris Hamilton
    Lisa Fleming
    Gerald Harvey
    Adrienne Savage

    Victoria and Ormeau
    David Gilliland
    Paul Woodman
    Rachel Woodman

    Victoria and Waterworks
    Stephen Craig
    Anne Devlin (100th run at Victoria Park)

    Valley and Antrim
    Paul Tyro
    Lyndsey Tyro

    Buncrana and Derry
    David Doey

    Race over the Glens, New Year’s Day, 2019. (Report by Brian Todd)

    There was no better way to get yourself up and running at the start of the new year than by a sally over the Glens of Antrim, Glenariff to be exact, on New Year’s Day, 2019. The race is just shy of 6 miles and it begins at the Glenariff Forest Park interpretative centre. Now, it is probably not one for the faint hearted and I am sure there were easier races to be found elsewhere on 1st January. However, if the weather permits, and it did this time, the scenery is stunning and the trails are a pleasure to run. There is a fair amount of climbing to be done, about 800 feet of it, but the downhill sections are fast, technical and exhilarating. The haunting skirl of a lone piper could be heard all over the glen so benign were the conditions. The route starts on the northern side of the Glenariff River. After a very sharp climb the trial takes the runner south west on the northern side of the valley. Eventually the river is crossed to the steeper south side of the glen. The narrow bridge is a prelude to a long arduous climb to the highest point, after which it is very sharp downhill to the waterfalls and a set of steps before the final lung-busting ascent to the finish. There were only two OAC vests on the start line, Robin Montgomery and Brian Todd…

    Robin Montgomery…41.04 (72/361).
    Brian Todd….45.42 (117/361) 1st M65.

    The Race over the Glens (King of the Glens) was won by Zak Hanna (Newcastle AC) in 30.30 and Breege Connolly (City of Derry AC) was first lady (Queen of the Glens) in 35.35.
    Grateful thanks to Ballymena Runners for their fine organization and the excellent hospitality that followed the exertions.

    See you in 2020!

    North Down XC Saturday 5th January

    The first cross country event of the year took place in Bangor. The firm underfoot conditions continued for the North Down cross country races at Castle Park which were well attended and were considered a resounding success.

    There were primary school races followed by age groups and male and female open races. Relay races followed which is a novelty within cross country running.

    Orangegrove AC had a number of relay teams taking part in the following races:

    Ladies Relay- Beverley Martin, Mairead Napier and Sharon McFarland finished in a time of 47:36 in a race won by the host club.

    Mens Masters- Robin Montgomery, David Montgomery, Dave Gribben and Darren Houston finished runners up on a time of 43:59 in a race won by City of Lisburn AC.
    The team of Michael O’Donoghue, Chris Woods, Brian Todd and Gerald Harvey clocked 48:43 and Alan Martin, Ian Wilson, George Gribben and Jim Harris crossed the line in 57:34
    Well done to all

    PARKRUN

    It was back to normal for parkrun on Saturday with only single races allowed. Victoria parkrun celebrated its 400th event and Gavin McGucken marked it with a PB. David Roberts was a first timer at Enniskillen whilst Verity Cornford and Colin Simpson ran Armagh for the first time. Steven Gilliland and Jamie Carson tackled the trails of Stormont for the first time. There were PBs at Orangefield for Colin Sykes and Katie Milne.

    A consolidated club report can be found via link below
    http://www.parkrun.com/results/consolidatedclub/…

  10. Weekly Report Monday 24th December – Sunday 30th December 2018

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    By Gerald Harvey

    PARKRUN, 25th & 29th December 2018.
    25th December.
    On arrival at Stormont the weather was so mild it could have been October and the Mo Mowlam Play Park had been reduced to a muddy building site, not very festive. However, there were a lot of people in Santa outfits gathering for the start and the finishing tunnel was brightly decorated. The Mags Mathieson refreshment table offered tea, soft drinks, chocolates and mince pies. Yes, it really was Christmas Day.

    There were nineteen OAC runners at Stormont, four at Orangefield and one each at Waterworks and Bangor. Only Reg Sanlon ran in two events. Ian Grant completed his 100th parkrun at Stormont.

    Well done to Jackie Grant who achieved a PB time of 27:17 at Stormont and to Colin Sykes and Reg Sanlon who ran PB times of 25:11 and 26:15 respectively at Orangefield.
    29th December.
    The weather continued to be unseasonably dry and mild for the final parkrun of 2018. The following were inspired to run a PB time: Tom Smith, 22:37, at Stormont; Catherine McIntyre, 25:49, at Victoria Park; Reg Sanlon, 25:54, at Orangefield and Martha Orr, 30:34, at Victoria Park.

    Paul Tyro finished in first place at Deerpark, Carlanstown, Co. Meath.

    Rachel Woodman completed her 100th parkrun at Victoria Park.

    Thanks to all the volunteers who turned out so the rest of us could run and remember to help out when you can in 2019 by contacting: belfastvictoriahelpers@parkrun.com

    CIYMS BOXING DAY CHARITY RUN, 26th December 2018. [Thanks to Jim Harris for his comments]
    This year the charity run (5K) was almost all within Belmont Park, so there was no need for a race permit or traffic management plan and the Belfast City Council even swept the route beforehand. At least a dozen OAC members were set to run. One hundred and seventy runners took part on the day, raising over £1500 for the N.I. Children’s Hospice.

    33rd GREENCASTLE 5 MILE ROAD RACE, 26th December, 2018.
    Three OAC runners made the trip to Greencastle in the scenic foothills of the Sperrins, between Cookstown and Omagh. Though the start and finish are downhill, the signature feature of the race comes after three and a half miles, a tough half mile of uphill to test of the mettle of every runner.

    A well placed source informs me (every year) that this is a brilliantly organized event with good car parking, comprehensive timing data, and generous prizes – three for every age category. Also, there are great post-race refreshments. All for an entry charge of £12.

    Robin Montgomery was fastest with a time of 33:12, 76th out of 807 runners, then came Rodney Corrigan in 35:04, 124th place. Finally came Brian Todd, in 36:28, 166th place and first in the M65 category.

    The race was won by a dominant Mark McKinstry (North Belfast Harriers) in 24:42 and first lady was Emma Mitchell (Team Nike) in 28:29, 13th overall.

    St. STEPHEN’S DAY BURREN TOWNLANDS 12 MILE RUN, 26th December 2018. [Report by Michael O’Donoghue]
    Organised by Burren AC, the Burren Townlands Run is an annual boxing day event that involves the whole community of the village of Burren and the surrounding area near Warrenpoint. The area itself is on the foothills of The Mournes, and it certainly felt like a mountain race in parts with at least one hill every mile through both the 6 mile and 12 mile courses. In fact I would struggle to think of any road event for that distance that has that much climbing in it. The 12 mile route circles the nearby hill of Ballydesland before continuing through miles of drumlin to the finish at the local heritage centre.

    There was a strong field of local runners in the event, and experience of the nearby hills would definitely help getting round the course. Starting the event, I was a bit worried I would be last! Thankfully I managed to keep at a steady pace and finished with a time of 1:39:42. The club record for the current course was broken by Wesley McDowell (Dromore AC) with a time of 1:12:53 and first lady was Ciara Coffey (Newry AC) in 1:28:17.

    GLYNN BOXING DAY 5 MILE RACE, 26th December 2018.
    Two OAC runners took part: Steven Gilliland finished in 36:57, 86th out of 168 runners and Gillian Logan in 40:38, 116th place.

    The race was won by John Black (North Belfast Harriers) in 25:57 and first lady was Katy Williams (Unattached) in 30:35.

    35th CASTLEWELLAN CHRISTMAS CRACKER, 29th December, 2018. [Report by Brian Todd]
    On the 29th December, 2018, all running roads led to Castlewellan, Co. Down, for the annual ‘pairs’ Christmas Cracker. It was a magnificent day for running. The weather was mild, dry and even sunny at times. Underfoot conditions were as good as they could have been. There was very little mud and the going was far from tough. The organizers try to vary the route each year. There were a few problems last year with unmanageable mud and a particularly annoying bottle neck which made a nonsense of times. Not this year. The course planner had come up with a very pleasant manageable route (8.5 miles) which sported a variety of terrain….track, trails, meadow, tarmac and some lovely hilly climbs which included a trip to the summit of Slievenaslat (272m). It was a pleasure to partake.

    The Christmas Cracker is like no other race. You run in pairs, which can be all male or all female or mixed. Your likelihood of winning a prize is down to your finishing position and the combined total of your ages. However, for most of us it is just about a bit of fun and getting into the hills in the day or two after Christmas. Fancy dress is almost obligatory and there are prizes for the best, but the older brethren amongst us tend to simply don running gear and get on with it. There were not as many OAC pairs this year as in previous years. Nevertheless, the Club was well represented by the following:

    Michael O’Donoghue/Colin Simpson (M80-99) 1:21:34
    Eric Fairfield/Heather Flint (Mixed 80-99) 1:25:25
    Jonny Weston/Carolyn Beattie (Mixed 80-99) 1:26:47
    Eoghan Rainey/Dave Sweeney (M80-99) 1:32:17
    Steven Gilliland/Jody O’Boyle (Male U80) 1:32:51
    Martin Doherty/Ciaran Faloona (M80-99) 1:35:07
    Verity Cornford/Kerris Hamilton (F80-99) 1:36:30
    Brian Todd/Emma McWilliams (Mixed 100-119) 1:40:47

    The 2018 Christmas Cracker was won by Zak Hanna and Seamus Lynch (Newcastle AC/MU80) in 00:53:24.

    EAMS CARRICKFERGUS MARATHON, 30th December, 2018.
    Michael O’Donoghue took part and though I have not seen official results, his Strava post shows a time of 4:27:05 and a photograph of his medal. The race route was between Carrickfergus and Whiteabbey.

    Photos: Stormont Parkrun, Burren AC, Robin Montgomery, Rodney Corrigan, Michael O’Donoghue, Gerald Harvey, Sarah Wilson (Ward Park Runners).