Author Archives: Brian Todd

1. Cordner’s Spar 5k

   March 31, 2015 10:20 pm Comments Off on Cordner’s Spar 5k

   A number of Orangegrove runners took part in this inaugural 5k road race in the Ballybeen estate, very well organized by the Ballybeen Improvement Group and sponsored by the local Cordner’s Spar. On a damp and blustery evening nearly fifty competitors set out on a route which encompassed the estate itself and part of the nearby Comber Greenway.

   There was considerable Orangegrove success too. Pride of place must go to Leann Gibson who finished the race in 20.20 (12th overall) to win the ‘first lady’ award. Well done Leann!

   Thomas Leitch finished in ninth place overall on 19.36. The Buchanan pair, Paul and Kirsty, were at it again. Kirsty crossed the line in 26.25. Husband Paul was there to embrace her having finished earlier in 23.02. Mark Williamson (23.02) and Michael O’Donoghue (23.03) completed the Orangegrove participation. It is important that we as a Club support worthy local initiatives such as this one and grateful thanks to Alan Montgomery for the high quality photographs taken.

   On the same day a number of Orangegrove members, both those who are retired and even one or two who are still gainfully employed, were running the beaches south of Laytown, Co. Meath, on a leg of Terry Eakin’s (Herbie Herb) Run to Dublin.

   This enterprise began well before Christmas with sections being run every few weeks. Orangegrove members present on this particular leg were Hugh Young, Brian Todd, Verity Cornford, Louise Browne and Liz Leitch. A special, limited edition, commemorative buff was designed and produced for the occasion and all of us who took part are very grateful for the enterprise of the ladies in commissioning the buff, which was designed by talented artist Louise Browne… louisebrowne.co.uk

   A container of specially baked Orangegrove brownies was also contributed by the ladies present, and they too were gratefully received by those of us who consumed them.

2. Weekend round up – 28th March

   March 30, 2015 10:58 pm Comments Off on Weekend round up – 28th March

   Compared to the past two weekends this particular weekend was a quiet one for OAC members, although not entirely so. The Omagh Half Marathon, coming perhaps a little too quickly for many after DUNE and Larne, nevertheless attracted Sarah Steer, Anne Moore and Michael O’Donoghue. The results indicate that Sarah completed the 13.1 miles in 1:45:18 while Anne and Michael appear to have toured round together to finish on 1:53.58 and 1:53:57. Anne was running in support of the Enda Dolan Foundation to the memory of the young Queen’s University student killed in a road accident on the Malone Road, Belfast, in October 2014. Members considering the 2015 Pure Running Half Marathon series can now register on the Athletics NI website.

   A considerable number of members turned out on a cold, wet and blustery Sunday morning to support the 5k Rabbit Run, northwards along the coastal path from Hazelbank Park to Whiteabbey, in support of the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice, a most worthy cause. Over three hundred runners took part and Orangegrove members figured prominently on a morning when participation was more important than times. Thomas Leitch finished on 20.24 and was fourth overall. His better half, Liz, a paediatrician, was first lady in the very good time of 23.51. Alan Montgomery completed his run in 25.20, followed by the rapidly improving Kathryn Morrow in 31.50. Anne Devlin crossed the finishing line in 34.29, Elaine McAllister in 36.41, Tania Rothwell in 35.43 and Mary Boyd in 35.44. Very well done indeed and congratulations to all those who represented Orangegrove in this important event.

   At least one Orangegrover was in Berlin for the Berlin Half Marathon. Well done to Raymond Leitch on completing the course in 1:52:01. Raymond was one of Orangegrove’s most accomplished runners when I joined the Club about two years ago. However, in the last eighteen months or so he has been dogged by injury and he has only recently started to run again. Berlin was a big step, but one that he appears to have been successful in taking. We wish him well in his running and in his continued recuperation.

   Victoria Park parkrun went ahead as usual on Saturday morning and there were three new personal bests by Orangegrove members. The Buchanan pair, Paul and Kirsty, bettered their previous times on 22.52 (Paul) and 26.19 (Kirsty). Particular congratulations to Deborah Killen on setting a new personal best of 39.23. There was at least one Orangegrove member running in England at the weekend. Verity Cornford was at home in Cheshire for a few days and ran the beautiful Delemere Forest parkrun, finishing on 27.13.

   All of us at Orangegrove were thrilled to see Colin Haddick complete his 200th parkrun on Saturday morning. Although not a member of Orangegrove, Colin has been one of Victoria Park parkrun’s most loyal supporters over the past number of years. May he circulate around Victoria Park many more times before he considers hanging up his trainers. The Belfast parkruns recently won the BCC Best Active Lifestyle category award at the Belfast 2015 sports awards in Belfast City Hall and the trophy was on view on Saturday morning. Very well done indeed, and well deserved too. No volunteers, no parkrun! Consult the website to see how you too can help out.

3. Queen’s ‘Round the River’ 5K

   March 25, 2015 10:00 pm Comments Off on Queen’s ‘Round the River’ 5K

   The Queen’s University ‘Round the River’ 5k is one of those races you do because it is there and on the calendar rather than because you enjoy doing it. Well, over 650 turned up this year! You don’t get much time to view the river either. It is fast and furious and the congested start inevitably sees someone bite the dust, forcing the rest of us to hurdle rather than to sprint.

   At turn one, at the Ormeau Bridge, a few curious pedestrians and children who have wandered too close to the action usually become the first casualties of the evening. And then it is over almost before it has begun. This year it was won in the fabulous time of 14.43 by Paul Pollock.

   Most of us were a little more sedate around the rectangle bounded at each end by the two bridges, Ormeau and King’s. The big debate on the evening was… base layer or no base layer? Those who threw caution to the wind and went without were probably better off by the beginning of the second lap. The following times were recorded by Orangegrove members, although there has been some suggestion that all was not well with our dinky little ankle bands on this occasion, and some times are still in dispute. But, does it matter? Not really… and most of us will run another day.

   Men

   Joe Craney	18.13
   Andy McIntyre	18.21
   Robin Montgomery	18.36	PB
   Des Fahy	18.52
   Tim Robinson	18.59
   Chris Downey	19.12
   Michael O’Donoghue	20.15	PB
   Brian Todd	20.43
   Martin O’Brien	21.20
   Paul Buchanan (Gruhn)	22.46	PB
   Jim Harris	23.38
   Martin Walker	24.16
   Fintan Hurl	24.50	PB
   Adrian Sproule	26.08

   Ladies

   Leann Gibson	19.35
   Julie McKimm	21.39
   Liz Leitch	21.58
   Jacqui Maxwell	22.00
   Louise Browne	22.24
   Iseult Fahy (FJ)	23.57
   Kirsty Buchanan	26.42	PB
   Hilary Bradshaw	28.29
   Aileen Emerson	28.41

   Great to see Joe Craney back in action, and well done too to Des Fahy who consolidated his recent Ormeau parkrun PB with a very good time on the night. Michael O’Donoghue was flying. He usually claims he does not enjoy the fast and furious. Tonight he showed he can handle that too with a significant PB. Paul Buchanan turned up to support his wife and then found himself running the race attired in a selection of borrowed kit under the name of Paul Gruhn. It will be a bit easier next time, Paul.

   Amongst the ladies, Leann Gibson was speedy as usual. Liz Leitch got round her favourite distance (not) without an emotional breakdown, and Jacqui Maxwell took home some of the organizers spare cash for an age category win. Well done! Louise Browne continued her transcendence and very well done indeed to both Kirsty Buchanan and Hilary Bradshaw on their first competitive races in Orangegrove vests. The both certainly suit orange and black. Great runs too from Iseult Fahy(FJ) and Aileen Emerson, also, I think, running her first race for Orangegrove.

   As always, we are grateful to those who turned out to support us on what was a cold, blustery and, in the end, rainy night… Kathryn Morrow, Sharon McFarland, Sharon Dickenson, Jill Holland, Anne Devlin, Catherine Fearon, Kerris Hamilton, Lyndsey Pronger, Paul Tyro, Chris Woods, and anyone else who was there and did not reveal themselves.

   Grateful thanks to NiRunning, John T Glover and others for the one or two photographs used in the gallery.

4. Larne Half Marathon

   March 21, 2015 11:25 pm Comments Off on Larne Half Marathon

   The Larne Half Marathon was foremost on the minds of a considerable number of OAC members this weekend. Seriously, the Larne Half Marathon must be one of the great half marathons of Europe, if not the World, and maybe we, the locals, take it a little too much for granted simply because it is on our door step. Stunningly beautiful scenery, great organisation and catering, enthusiastic support around the course, razzamatazz galore and, it seems, guaranteed sunshine, clear blue skies and hardly a breath of wind, make this one of the very best.

   The start is on the sea front near the Chaine Memorial Tower. The route takes the runner on a tour of Larne town before heading north along the beautiful Antrim Coast Road through Drains Bay, Carnfunnock and Ballygalley. The views of the Maidens, the North Channel itself and, in the distance, the Mull of Kintyre, are not easily forgotten, At Ballygalley Castle Hotel, about six and a half miles in, the route strikes inland and mile 7 is almost entirely a fairly challenging incline to the picturesque village of Cairncastle, before dropping sharply again to Ballygalley for the run-in to the finish at the Larne Leisure Centre. Probably not the easiest half marathon you will ever do, but certainly one of the most scenic.

   Orangegrove ladies were out in force. Lyndsey Pronger was quick off the mark. She threaded her way through the congested first mile with consummate ease and was amongst the front runners to head on to the Coast Road to Ballygalley. About one hour and twenty-nine minutes later (1:29:28 to be exact) she crossed the finishing line as 5th lady home. Great running from one of Orangegrove’s most accomplished ladies and possibly a Club record for the distance. Very well done indeed! Not far behind was Pauleen Bayliss who crossed the line on 1:39:18 wearing her trademark purple lensed Oakleys. Louise Lemon, who hasn’t been seen too much lately on either grass or tarmac due to injury, finished on 1:39:24. Louise Browne knocked a mere 15 minutes off her previous time to finish on 1:45:39. Yes, that was fifteen minutes, not fifteen seconds!

   Trish Magill cruised in on 1:51:22 and both Verity Cornford (the Cheshire lass) and Linda Craig-Carson finished together on 1:54:48, both well below the two hour mark. This was Verity’s second half marathon in less than a week and her time today was testament to both her work ethic in training and her determination to improve. Catherine Fearon came in on 2:04:04 and Susan Anderson was on 2:08:25. Jackie Grant, attempting her first half marathon, smiled the whole way round and was still smiling as she arrived back in Larne, hardly a hair out of place, on 2:13:27. Sharon McFarland, who only a week earlier had all but counted herself out due to a serious ankle injury, finished on 2:20:55 and, amazingly, still had enough energy to embrace her running partner, Darren Marshall, with a surprising intensity. Not a dry eye in the house!

   Garry Morrrow was the leading Orangegrove male. Running his second half marathon in less than a week, he settled quickly in one of the leading groups and finished the race on 1:18:53., yet another personal best. Superb running from a superb athlete whose strong work ethic in training is certainly paying off handsomely. Andy McIntyre ran extremely well to finish as second OAC male on 1:25:52, followed by Robin Montgomery on 1:34:32 and Chris Woods, the Club Captain, on 1:35:03, a personal best for him too and again proof that hard work in training does pay a dividend. Brian Todd was next on 1:36:08, followed by Stephen Anderson on 1:37:06, Darren Houston on 1:38:25 and the indomitable Michael O’Donoghue (1:39:08) who was ecstatic at finishing below 1:40 after years of trying. Michael then consumed his sandwiches in the sunshine, drank two glasses of my wine and headed for a pub in Belfast to watch the rugby!

   Martin O’Brien was on 1:43:34, Ian Grant on 1:45:14 and Rodney Corrigan on 1:49:20. Fintan Hurl enjoyed his run, his personal best and the fact that he finished below two hours (1:59:58), just! Paul Gruhn crossed the line in 2:05:50, Paul Edgar in 2:07:40 and Darren Marshall, who escorted Sharon McFarland round the 13 mile course, was on 2:20:55. Eoin Woodman too finished the race and was not in the least subdued as he crossed the line to a loud cheer from both OAC members and a curious public.

   The Larne Half Marathon was a memorable day out for Orangegrove Athletics Club. All of us who ran were particularly grateful for the support we received both on the start line and right round the course from both our friends and the general public. Particular thanks for the support given by Myrtle Woodman, Anne Devlin, Kathryn Morrow, Sharon Dickenson (and her Waggy racer), Paul McGovern, Chris Downey (who distributed jelly beans at Cairncastle), Thomas and Liz Leitch and many others. We are particularly indebted to Kathryn Morrow for her sense of humour and her impromptu catering and in particular for the post race hot chocolates, or whatever they were, which will be long remembered by those who sipped them.

   Some 290 turned out for Victoria Park parkrun on Saturday 21st March, 2015, although there was a sparsity of personal bests amongst members. Those who did buck the trend were JM 11-14 Aaron McCord (22:16), Mairead Napier (28:12), Diana Porter (30:53), Elaine McAllister (32:04), and Deborah Killen (39:28). Very well done indeed. Des Fahy set a new personal best at Ormeau parkrun on Saturday morning (19:05) to finish in 4th place. Great running, Des. Remember it’s not a race, it’s a timed run… and if you believe that you will believe anything. However, one thing is set in stone… no volunteers, no parkrun! So, get volunteering!

   Grateful thanks, as always, to NiRunning, John T Glover, Lewis McAdam, David O’Brien and Kathryn Morrow for any photographs used.

5. St. Patrick’s Day weekend

   March 17, 2015 11:07 pm Comments Off on St. Patrick’s Day weekend

   This is traditionally a very busy period. The spikes have been decommissioned for another year and the improving early spring weather usually heralds the beginning of the road racing season. Members of the Club took part in a variety of races over this holiday weekend, from Glenariff to Magherafelt and from Downpatrick to DUNE, not forgetting the Spar Craic 10k in Belfast on St. Patrick’s Day itself. The intrepid Michael O’Donoghue was in Tralee, Co. Kerry, for the Tralee International Marathon and the sprinters were in action at the Athletics Ireland Masters’ Indoor Championships in Athlone.

   Paul Woodman, never one to choose the easy or mundane option when it comes to his races, decided to head to the Glens of Antrim on Saturday for the Glenariff Mountain Race, an off road/trail race of about 6 miles in the Glenariff Glen at Waterfoot, in which participants reach over 1100 feet in height. Conditions were ideal for the race and Paul gave his usual accomplished performance to finish in 37th place out of a field of 76 in 57.25mts, his mile average being 9:43.7. The race was won by Seamus Lynch in 42:36.

   Meanwhile, Thomas Leitch was in South Derry to take part in the Magherafelt Harriers 10k Classic Race. Although a Belfast boy himself Thomas, betrothed to a Maghera girl, is a regular visitor to this area and he and Liz are ardent supporters of races in the locality. This race was organized in team format, with Thomas representing the one-man team of Orangegrove Athletics Club. However, his journey was worthwhile and he finished in 20th place out of a field of about 70 on 39:05. He also won an age category prize to cap an excellent day.

   Sunday was dominated by the cross border linear half-marathon from Newry to Dundalk and by the popular Jimmy’s 10k race in the Downpatrick area. Six members travelled to Newry for DUNE. Gary Morrow was in scintillating form despite a strapped knee. He made light of the infamous Newry Hill and headed south to Dundalk in the leading pack, eventually finishing =7th/423 on 1:19:22. Tremendous running on the day. Anne Moore, clearly benefiting from her marathon group training, sped past Brian Todd at mile 11 with a cheery aside and finished the race on 1:38:12. Brian Todd, who thoroughly enjoyed the novel experience of running into his home town, was a few places behind on 1:38:25. Sharon Dickenson was pleased with a two minute personal best at this distance, although it was noticed that she cursed her actual time of 1:48:11. No pleasing her! Kerris Hamilton and Verity Cornford finished together on 1:54:29 and 1:54:30, well below the two hour mark and representing personal bests for both girls. Verity was heard to mutter, ‘God, I loved that, roll on Larne!’ (or words not quite to that effect!). This was a very well presented and executed race in which the organisers dealt efficiently with the problems that inevitably arise when the finishing mat is thirteen miles away from the start and, indeed, in another jurisdiction.

   Jimmy’s 10k starts in Downpatrick town centre before taking the runner on a hilly ecclesiastical tour as a preliminary to a scenic few miles along the Quoile estuary and back. Jimmy’s is probably one of the most prestigious 10k events on the calendar and usually attracts a huge field, this year well over 600 including three international athletes, Gideon Kimosop, Vincent Kiprotich and Seelinah Kangogo. Andy McIntyre was the leading Orangegrove male runner to cross the finishing line on 38:15, an excellent performance which delivered 32nd place overall in a field of 631. Joe Craney finished on 39:45, Chris Downey on 40:10, Mark Williamson on 46:15, Martin Doherty on 48:20, Fintan Hurl on 53:07, Paul Gruhn on 53:07, the heavily bearded Alan Montgomery on 54:02 and the evergreen Eoin Woodman on 1:04:20. Orangegrove ladies were equally impressive. The rapidly improving Louise Browne, undoubtedly a star of the future, was OAC ‘first lady’ on 46:21. Linda Craig enjoyed her day on 51:31 and Catherine Fearon crossed the line on 54:57. Jackie Grant, with the Larne half-marathon on her mind, looked impressive on 56:06 and Kathryn Morrow, attempting her first 10k race and only her third race in total, finished on 1:00:23. Well done too to Anne Devlin who also enjoyed her tour of The Lecale on 1:04:46.

   Michael O’Donoghue, still tapering for his forthcoming madness (next month’s 39.3 mile Ultra Marathon in Connemara), completed the Tralee International Marathon in Co. Kerry in 4:08:05. He now has to drive home! All of us at Orangegrove love him dearly, even if one or two of us do think he is a little deranged.

   The news from Athlone was good. The OAC sprinters were in Co. Roscommon (or is it Co. Westmeath?) to take part in the Athletics Ireland Masters’ Indoors Championships. Particular congratulations to Jim Harris (M65) who won two gold medals, at 400m and 800m. Joy McAleer won silver in the W50 800m and Emma Smith secured personal bests in her events. Very well done indeed.

   St. Patrick’s Day itself brought the Spar Craic 10k, beginning at Belfast City Hall and taking in the city centre and west Belfast before finishing in the Titanic Quarter. Two OAC athletes sported the orange vest on St. Patrick’s Day, Thomas Leitch and Julie McKimm. The ticker tape is already flowing and it is a personal best at 10k for speedy Julie McKimm on 44:31. Thomas, in his second 10k race of the holiday period, covered the distance in 38:40, about half a minute quicker than he managed at Magherafelt. The Craic results are as yet unavailable and those published are unofficial.

   It would be amiss not to mention Saturday morning’s parkrun razzmatazz at Victoria Park. Well over 300 runners gathered for the weekly parkrun, a significant proportion of them graduands of the latest Jog Belfast scheme run by Orangegrove Athletics Club. What a magnificent concept this is, in taking a large group of willing and hopeful enthusiasts from the couch to 5k in 10 weeks and, in the process, promoting fitness, agility, self confidence and, not least, fraternity. Very well done indeed to Darren Marshall and Gary Keenan and the club volunteers for facilitating this important venture, and to the graduands too for their effort, commitment and good humour. Long may it continue!

   There were far fewer personal bests amongst OAC members at Victoria parkrun on Saturday 14th March, 2015, than on the previous Saturday, so those who did excel themselves on what was a very crowded byway deserve a mention… Glen Johnston (JM11-14) 21:37, Tom Smith (JM11-14) 22:48, Martin Walker (24:14), Kirsty Buchanan (26:59).

   Grateful thanks to all those who provided photographs… NiRunning, Stephen Craig, David O’Brien and a host of others.

6. Weekend round up – 7th March

   March 9, 2015 9:09 pm Comments Off on Weekend round up – 7th March

   There was a busy round of activities this weekend and Orangegrove runners were to the forefront in Belfast, in Co. Louth at Carlingford and even across the North Channel in Ayrshire.

   The first race on Saturday was the Albertville 5 (5 miles), run by Albertville Harriers, a fine old North Belfast running club with a pedigree going back to 1919. This race, in the heart of Belfast’s harbour estate, is always well supported by Orangegrove. If your preference is for the smell of pine, the babbling brook or the grassy track this is probably not the place for you. However, if it is a super fast precisely measured and timed burn-out over a flat track with some of Ulster’s best runners that attracts you, then the Albertville 5 should be on your list. The results indicate some very fine running by both Orangegrove males and females. Leann Gibson was, as usual, to the forefront and finished seventh lady on 32.50. Jacqui Maxwell (37.10) and Julie McKimm (37.16) finished more or less together. Des Fahy was moving very quickly on 31.37 and Joe Craney, of whom we have not seen enough this season, was not far behind on 32.50. Very well done to all who made the trip to Dargan Road.

   There was also considerable Orangegrove support for the worthy Addiction NI charity at their annual 10k race in Ormeau Park on Sunday. This race is run over the Seeley Cup route, starting on the Ormeau Embankment before cutting through Ormeau Park a couple of times using both the south and north gates. The ladies were in sparkling form. Lyndsey Pronger tore through the field to finish ‘first lady’ on 43.34, closely followed by the high flying (as always) Pauline Bayliss (44.49) (second lady). Trish Magill ran well and crossed the line on 51.25. Very well done indeed to Anne Devlin who got round in 1:06:55 in what was her first event under the OAC banner. In the men’s race Robin Montgomery continued his fine recent run of form by finishing on 38.46 (11th place overall out of a field of 160). Paul Woodman crossed the line on 39.27, Chris Downey (41.09), Darren Houston (42.58), Chris Woods (43.02), P. Brennan (43.06), Stephen Anderson (43.14) and the tapering Michael O’Donoghue (44.43). We are all very grateful for the efforts of club members Dr. Paul Woodman and Kathryn Morrow to assist a distressed runner at the end of the race.

   The ‘adventurous pair’, Andy McIntyre and Catherine Fearon, took the high road, or rather the ferry, to Stranraer for the Stranraer Half Marathon on Saturday. Andy ran extremely well to finish 16th overall in a field of 125 on 1:27:17. Catherine also enjoyed her race, wisely at a more sedate pace, and finished on 2:05:56. Very well done indeed to both Andy and Catherine for sporting the orange vest in Scotland over the weekend.

   I understand there may have been one or two Orangegrove athletes at the very picturesque Carlingford Half Marathon and 10k race on Sunday in Co. Louth, although not much information has come my way. Well done to Mairead Napier who ran in the 10k race and finished on 1:01:39.

   Next week brings Jimmy’s 10k and the cross-border Half Marathon – DUNE. In addition, two of the Club’s speediest ladies, Emma Smith and Joy McAleer, will be in action at the Athlone International Arena in the National Masters’ Indoor Championships.

   Grateful thanks as always to the NiRunning & Addiction NI photographers for any images.

7. Weekend round up – 28th February

   March 2, 2015 12:35 pm Comments Off on Weekend round up – 28th February

   Members of Orangegrove AC were scattered far and wide this weekend, both at home in Northern Ireland and further afield. Pride of place must go to two of our ‘catch me if you can’ ladies Emma Smith and Joy McAleer who were representing Northern Ireland in the British Masters’ Athletics Federation indoor meeting at the Lee Valley Stadium, Edmonton, London. Running indoors, with significant banking, sharp turns and crash mattresses, is far from straightforward. Great running from Emma to record 9.14secs in the 60m and 31.41secs in the 200m. Joy McAleer, running in the 800m event, finished fourth with a personal best time of 2.56mts. Well done ladies, and very well done too to their coach Alan Martin whose efforts and expertise with the sprinters and the more technical events is invaluable to the Club.

   Elizabeth and Thomas Leitch were in Anglesea for the Jones O Gymru Half Marathon. Thomas was flying, as usual, and finished in 42nd place overall on 1:25:54 (fifth in his age category) in an enormous field of nearly 1,500 runners. Liz finished 4th in her age category in the impressive time of 1:47:05. Very well done indeed to both athletes.

   The final Run Forest Run event (10k) was held at the beautiful Castlewellan Forest Park on Saturday and Orangegrove was well represented as usual. Robin Montgomery finished near the top of the list (8/518) on 39:13. Michael O’Donoghue, who seems to spend his entire life running around Northern Ireland when he is not drinking expensive wine, was on 48:03. New member Kerris Hamilton presented her bona fides on 54:33. The debonair and ever improving Verity Cornford (but try telling her that), finished on 55.58. The ‘happy girls’, Selina Myles and Catherine Fearon, finished together on 1:00:22. Gavin Marshall crossed the line on 1:01:49.

   Paul Woodman and Sharon Dickenson preferred a slightly stiffer test in the wilds of the Sperrins at Lough Fay (10 miles), the final round of the Sperrin Harriers’ Winter League Trail Series. Paul finished on 1:07:59.07 and Sharon on 1:21:10.41. Well done to both members for representing OAC at this worthy trail running series west of the Bann.

   Brian Todd chose what he thought was the easier option of the Resolution 10k in support of the Stroke Association charity, a charity close to his heart. This was a surprisingly well organized event over a scenic but challenging route, which involved two episodes of mountaineering, in the Lagan Valley Regional Park. Personal bests were out of the question and a time of 45:08 was reasonable given the near need for crampons, ice axes and ropes.

   Victoria Park was the place to be on Saturday morning where everyone and their grannies seemed to be setting personal bests in the parkrun…Garry Morrow, Leann Gibson (first lady), Stephen Anderson, Stephen Hamilton, Pauline Bayliss, Louise Browne, Tom Smith, Kirsty Buchanan and Hilary Bradshaw. Particular congratulations to Hilary whose last effort to set a pb at Victoria was completely ruined by the considerable impediment of being attached to the writer by a long piece of pink ribbon. The elegant Lyndsey Pronger, not long returned from warm weather training in New Zealand (if there is warm weather down there) showed up at Ormeau parkrun on Saturday morning and displayed few signs of jetlag to run 20:22, first lady home. Great running.

   To those Orangegrove members who were strutting their stuff elsewhere and who have escaped my notice…apologies.

   Postscript: Inevitably there would be a few postscripts on such a busy weekend. Thomas and Liz also ran the Conwy parkrun on the day before their half marathon event. Thomas registered 21.47 and Liz was 4th lady on 22.58. That other Victoria Park parkrun in Glasgow was graced by the presence of an OAC member in the youthful form of Jill Holland who skipped round in 35.00.

8. Ben Dearg 10K

   February 22, 2015 8:59 pm Comments Off on Ben Dearg 10K

   There is an old saying that it is an ‘ill wind that blows no good’. Well, there was an ill wind and it certainly didn’t blow any good for anyone I spoke to today at the Ben Dearg 10k on the shores of Strangord Lough. The route is a mainly coastal one from the Kilcrief GAA clubhouse to Ballyhornan and back. Three OAC stalwarts (for stalwarts, possibly read idiots) turned up, Andy McIntyre, Catherine Fearon and Brian Todd.

   The 5k run out to Ballyhornan was like nothing I have ever experienced before in my long running career of approximately eighteen months. Storm force wind, driving rain, sleet, flooded roads and mountainous seas which threatened your very existence at points where the route and the ocean seemed to be as one. All of us looked forward to the return 5k to the clubhouse with the wind at our backs. Yes, you have guessed it, the wind died a death and there was no assistance whatsoever.

   Nevertheless, we made it back to the clubhouse where, as you might expect for a GAA club, the catering was exceptional and the craic even better. For the record, Andy McIntyre was flying and finished fourth on 40.06, Brian Todd was not flying and finished 29th on 47.04. Catherine ran very well and finished 45th on 57.25.

   However, forget about the times. Personal bests, I suspect, were few and far between today. Getting back to the clubhouse in one piece for the egg and onion sandwiches and hot tea was the main objective.

9. Armagh International Road Races

   February 19, 2015 11:57 pm Comments Off on Armagh International Road Races

   Twenty Orangegrove athletes gathered after dark in the Cathedral City in the Orchard County for the Armagh International Road Races, the fifth round of our internal club championship. This is not a race for the faint hearted and it is one that requires not a little courage to enter,…. short, but very, very fast. All of us ran in the 3k races. Some of the World’s best were on show….and you must run for your life not to be last or lapped. Credit to the organisers. The setting on Armagh’s Mall could not be more perfect,…. a beautiful green area surrounded by some of the most impressive Georgian architecture in the country. This, together with very slick organisation and top class after race hospitality, made for an enjoyable evening in great company.

   In the ladies’ 3k, Leann Gibson continued her impressive recent form to finish in 11:19:18 which took 43rd place altogether. A super run, during which she didn’t look out of place at all amongst the front runners. Emma McWilliams surprised herself (but nobody else) by finishing second OAC lady on 12:30:94, a result which consolidates her lead at this stage of the ladies’ championship. Julie McKimm, as always, was flying and Louise Browne once again proved that she will be a force to be reckoned with in the future if she can stay off the red wine. The indomitable Liz Leitch was next over the line following a strong run, followed by Jacqueline Maxwell who stole off with some of the organisers cash by coming home second lady in the FV50 category. Surely she is not that age! Sharon Dickenson was next, sprinting over the finishing line cursing short sprint races and the smell of chips around the course. However, all is well as she was later seen walking up the Mall eating a fish supper. The lovely Verity Cornford (Crawford) finished next in a very good position and immediately announced that she would be back next year to knock a few minutes off her time. Catherine Fearon who, luckily for her, missed last week’s Lurgan debacle, bagged herself 10 championship points in the race for the OAC ladies’ title and, on completing her run, immediately set up her ‘Stall on the Mall’.

   In the men’s championship race it is most certainly ‘nip and tuck’ as they say. Thomas Leitch and Andrew McIntyre are neck and neck on 85 points. Andrew had a very strong run to finish in 10:29:94 (78th place overall) to Thomas’ 10:37:47. It will take a few more events to separate this pair. However, Thomas walked away from Armagh with a cool £100 in crisp new notes having won one of the major veterans’ prizes. However, the money was in Liz’s handbag in the blink of an eye! Further down the field Robin Montgomery, Tim Robinson and Chris Downey all ran well and secured respectable club championship points. Brian Todd stumbled over the line on 11:34:71 and promptly fell over one of the barriers. He was closely followed (not over the barrier) by Michael O’Donoghue, the ever improving Steven Hamilton, Fintan Hurl and Martin Walker. Eoin Woodman raised the biggest cheer of the evening as he crossed the line on 17:40:33…. just behind a Brownlee. Unfortunately, it was Desmond Brownlee of the Lagan Valley Club.

   Altogether a great club night in Armagh… and now we forget about the club championship until the 5k Bay Road Race in the Maiden City on Wednesday 9th April… a date for your diaries. The current tables are here.

   Postscript: It looks as though the Orangegrove ladies were 4th team and that Eoin Woodman has won the Over 70 category cash prize. Well done!

10. NI & Ulster Senior XC Championships – Lurgan

    February 14, 2015 10:17 pm Comments Off on NI & Ulster Senior XC Championships – Lurgan

    The Northern Ireland and Ulster Senior Cross Country Championships were held at Lurgan Park on St Valentine’s Day, 2015, where conditions were benign. However, despite the date there was little love lost between competing teams or even within the Orangegrove camp.

    In the ladies event (6k) Leann Gibson (25.08) ran superbly well to bag twenty points in the championship race, despite losing the sole of her shoe on the second lap. Nevertheless, the ever strong Emma McWilliams still leads the ladies championship (62 points) to Julie McKimm (50 points).

    On the day Julie finished second OAC lady (27.48) with Emma (28.15) in third place. So, Emma’s lead at the top of the table has been reduced by a couple of points. Not much else has changed dramatically. Sharon Dickenson has moved up into third place, the ever improving Verity Cornford maintains fifth place and the always consistent Jill Holland still holds on to sixth place. A great run at Lurgan by Louise Browne has elevated her up the chart significantly to eighth place.

    Sharon Corken and Lisa Fleming have also improved their positions by a few notches. Kathryn Morrow has entered the fray with a loud bang and a puff of smoke and both Sharon McFarland and Linda Craig are making steady progress and continue to be the most photographed pair in Ulster athletics.

    Garry Morrow (43.17) ran superbly well to lead the Orangegrove gallants home in the gruelling 12k men’s race (47th place overall). However, following Lurgan there has been a change at the top of the OAC table with Thomas Leitch (44.51), second OAC finisher, taking over by a few points from Andy McIntyre (46.58). On the day Paul Woodman (46.13) ran very well to finish third of the OAC contingent with Andy McIntyre in fourth place. Des Fahy ran very strongly to finish fifth, and the unassuming, but talented, Tim Robinson was sixth Orangegrover home.

    Stephen Anderson’s tough marathon training schedule paid a dividend on the day and he led home a group which also consisted of Brian Todd and Michael O’Donoghue. Stephen Hamilton has competed in all championship events to date and is poised on 31 points (9th place). Both Martin O’Brien and Darren Houston are also comfortably placed in the championship table.

    Of course, there is no room for complacency. It will likely be ‘all change’ within the week… Armagh is just around the corner. Big question… who will make their way down to The Orchard County?