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Author Archives: Brian Todd

  1. Race Over The Glens

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    It is traditionally a busy time of the year and no sooner has the Christmas Cracker been put to bed than we are contemplating the Race over the Glens on New Year’s Day. Now, New Year’s Day up at Glenariff Forest Park can be a pretty grim place to be weather wise. It does require a bit of an effort to get there as well, even for the 12 noon start.

    Most of us will have been imbibing a little the night before and the prospect of a fairly stiff six mile run the next day does not usually sit well with the majority of us, at least the ordinary mortals amongst us. The Race over the Glens is certainly not one for the faint hearted. You will run most of it but there are parts of it which preclude running…or even walking.

    However, once you get over the finish line you will be pleased with yourself because you have got your New Year off to a fairly athletic start, although it tends to be downhill after that. It can be very cold up there, but do keep an eye on the situation. Many of us started with base layers last year and soon regretted it. Tie your shoe laces well too, because for some reason they will become undone more quickly in the Glens than elsewhere. The race is organised and run by Ballymena Runners and a very good job they do as well. It is mostly on forest trails and there are some excellent views if you have the energy to appreciate them.

    The strains of a lone glens’ piper, reminding us of this area’s close connections with Scotland just across the way, will add to the atmosphere. Sometimes he plays a lament for both the struggling and the fallen! My advice to the partaker is… just turn up and take your time. Forget about time and position, because no one will really notice anyway. I have always loved the Glens… this is God’s country, summer or winter, … and it is just such a privilege to be there regardless of the situation in hand or the challenge that lies ahead. Forget about the race! Just to be amongst the pines and the hills on New Year’s Day with like minded people, and to have the health and vitality to even contemplate the run, is one of the great privileges of life and for which we should all be thankful.

    By about 11.30am the car park at Glenariff, a large one, was nearly full. At about the same time the heavens opened and there was torrential rain that threatened to put in jeopardy the very running of the race. However, about ten minutes before the start the rain abated, it became much brighter and the temperature rose by several degrees. Off we went in near enough perfect conditions, albeit a little damp and muddy in places with one or two icy puddles to avoid.

    In the end ten members turned up to run, eight gents and two ladies, and the following times were achieved by them:

    Thomas Leitch 41.48 (18th/369)
    Robin Montgomery 44.13
    Paul Woodman 44.58
    Tim Robinson 47.52
    Brian Todd 49.30
    Rodney Corrigan 49.43
    Stephen Hamilton 52.18
    Liz Leitch 53.21
    Emma McWilliams 54.51
    Adrian Sproule 1.02.25

    Great running in particular from the two ladies. At the head of the gents, Thomas had the added burden of sporting the Number 1 bib but he was, clearly, unfazed by it. As usual Robin was flying and great to see that domestic duties have not sapped too much of Paul Woodman’s energy over the past few months.

  2. Castlewellan Christmas Cracker

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    Three days after Christmas Day traditionally brings the Castlewellan Christmas Cracker, organised by Newcastle A.C., a Club which knows a thing or two about organising races over difficult terrain. This is a ‘race’ of sorts in which competitors run (or otherwise) in pairs, which can be all male, all female or mixed. Apparently, this year there will be 203 male teams, 118 female teams and 129 mixed teams.

    While time over the finish line is the final decider there is also an interesting combined age category element to the Cracker by which prizes can be allocated amongst the age groupings. This year, like last, I am pairing up with Liz Leitch for the Cracker. Our combined age category comes to 110, the vast majority of it supplied by me! So, Liz and I will be running in the Mixed 100-119 category on the day. The trouble with Liz is that she usually produces a little injury prior to the Cracker which, she says, will slow her down. Then, predictably, on the day, she runs like blazes and I end up exhausting myself trying to stay with her! Indeed, last year I had to take to my bed early after returning home from the Cracker! I am not sure what will happen this year! Time will tell!

    Entries closed some time ago and it is expected that some 450 pairs will take to the roads, tracks and trails around Castlewellan village and the beautiful Castlewellan Forest Park on the day. The route is about eight and a half miles long and is not a straightforward one. This is drumlin country at its best, but it is also the foothills of the Mournes and the route involves at least two significant climbs, one over Slievenaslat (272 metres) itself. However, some way or other most of us will make it to the end for the exceptional post-race spread laid on by Newcastle A.C. in the local GAA clubhouse.

    Well, the race was run in fairly benign conditions, very dull with a little wind but certainly not cold. Base layers were not needed. Orangegrove distinguished itself as a Club in terms of some of the outfits worn by many of its runners, as the accompanying photographs will testify. Some of the ladies looked particularly fetching and it was difficult for us males at times to concentrate on the difficult enough task of running up a mountain. There was a great Club turnout too (well over thirty), not only of runners but of cheer leaders and supporters in addition for what was one of the fun events of the year and we are very grateful for the efforts of those who took the trouble to dress up in the true spirit of the occasion and for those, like Antra Balcuna, who encouraged us to do so, some more successfully than others! We also thank Newcastle Athletics Club for a very well organised ‘race’ and for the great vegetable soup in the GAC clubhouse thereafter. Some of us had more than one bowl of the tasty stuff!

    The following are the OAC results from the 2015 Castlewellan Christmas Cracker:

    Male 80-99 Robin Montgomery/(Colin Simpson) 65.24
    Mixed U80 Andrew Acheson/Antra Balcuna 72.30
    Mixed U80 Michael O’Donoghue/Anne Moore 74.09
    Mixed U80 Ian Grant/Lyndsey Tyro 75.20
    Mixed 100-119 Brian Todd/ Liz Leitch 76.27
    Female U80 Julie McKimm/Pauline Bayliss 79.04
    Male U80 Darren Houston/Rodney Corrigan 83.24
    Female 80-99 Trudy Brown/(Kathy Aiken) 83.35
    Mixed 80-99 Jonny Weston/Carolyn Beattie 84.25
    Male U80 Martin Doherty/(Paul Doherty) 90.55
    Female 80-99 Lisa Fleming/(Cathy Fraser) 91.39
    Mixed 80-89 Lisa Rodham/Reg Sanlon 94.20
    Female U80 Verity Cornford/ Kerris Hamilton 94.31
    Mixed 80-89 Ian Wilson/ Eleanor Acheson 96.34
    Female 80-99 Melinda Wilkinson/ Sharon Corken 97.04
    Female U80 Sarah Malcolmson/Anna Rankin 97.37
    Mixed 100-119 Gerald Harvey/Jill Holland 98.13
    Female U80 Jenny Powell/Alison Hall-Thompson 98.20
    Female 80-99 Linda Carson-Craig/Mairead Napier 105.00

    The male pairing (Male U80) of Andrew Monaghan (Lagan Valley AC) and Eoghan Totten (Newcastle AC) won the race in 50.54. David McNeilly (Newcastle AC) and Shalene McMurray (Newcastle AC) won the mixed pairing (Mixed U80) in 59.29. Denise Logue and Amanda Perry (Female 80-89) won the all female pairing in 68.54.

  3. Greencastle 5 mile Road Race

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    There are three Greencastles that I know of in Northern Ireland. There is one in North Belfast, one in Co. Down on the shores of Carlingford Lough and then there is an extremely remote Greencastle high up in the Sperrins about half way between Cookstown and Omagh.

    Well, the latter one was the venue for the 30th running of the Greencastle 5 mile road race on Boxing Day, and what a great event it was. If ever there was a road race in which the organisers sought to please everyone and succeeded, this was it. This was no little backwoods race either! Over 1000 runners registered and amongst them some of the best in the country, including Paul Pollock who competed in the marathon event at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow and Annemarie McGlynn, recent bronze medal winner in the European Cross Country Championships.

    From the moment we arrived at the Greencastle Community Centre in the misty Sperrins it was obvious that this was an enormous community effort. Precision car parking by a squad of assistants, an extremely slick registration process, chip timing, every mile timed, pre race refreshments, great post race refreshments, helpful smiling faces everywhere, more portaloos than at the start of the Belfast City Marathon, closed roads, great signage and a well marshalled and interesting route. And great support along the roads from the local community too and plenty of motivational music just when it was most needed, particularly on that hill!

    The route was over the narrow roads in the vicinity of the village. The first three and a half miles were straightforward enough, but then came the ‘killer hill’ which took the runner up into the misty mountains above the Community Centre. The race motto was, appropriately,…‘It’s just a hill, get over it!’ and we did! The final half a mile or more was downhill to the finish. The goody bag provided at the end was like no other I have ever seen and included an anniversary mug and a tastefully designed tee shirt and many other bits and pieces too numerous to mention.

    With An Caislean Glas GAC, Tir Eoghain, at the heart of the proceedings it was to be expected that there would be plenty of sustenance thereafter, and there was! Loads of it and we revelled in it. There was even a glass of mulled wine if you craved one. Amazingly there were at least three prizes on offer in each age category, which is very unusual, and the online results table resembles a work of art. Have a look at it!

    Prizes were awarded on stage by Mickey Harte, the Tyrone Gaelic Football Manager. And all for a £10 entry fee. If Carlsberg did 5 mile races this would be it!

    On the day Orangegrove A.C. was represented by six members, Liz Leitch, Mairead Conlan (a local lass), Thomas Leitch, Robin Montgomery, Des Fahy and Brian Todd. The following times were achieved by each of them:

    Thomas Leitch 30.30 (47th/1035)
    Robin Montgomery 30.44 (51st/1035)
    Des Fahy 32.58 (86th/1035)
    Brian Todd 35.21 (169th/1035)
    Elizabeth Leitch 38.52
    Mairead Conlan 49.23

    Well done to all who made the effort to travel long distance on a dull day to take part in this great race. I certainly will be back next year! Maybe this one could become a traditional Boxing Day coach outing for OAC.

    The Greencastle 5 mile race was won by Paul Pollock (Annadale Striders) in an incredible 24.24. Annemarie McGlynn (Letterkenny A.C.) was first lady in 27.59, a new female course record.

  4. Weekend Report – December 20th

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    Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat! That may well be the case, but Christmas is also synonymous with the City of Derry Spartans A.C. North-West Cross Country race at Gransha and, more recently, with the Tollymore Forest Park Born 2 Run ‘Run Forest Run’, Tollymore 10k. Meanwhile, the Chairman, Thomas Leitch, was in Co. Antrim on Saturday, near the Sallagh Braes above Ballygalley and Carncastle (Cairncastle), taking part in the revamped Knockdhu Mountain Race.

    In recent years there has been a healthy Orangegrove representation at the City of Derry Spartans A.C. cross country race in the grounds of Gransha Hospital on the east side of the river. This is a no-nonsense affair and maybe the way cross country running should be. Apart from a few earlier junior races for primary school pupils, U13s, U15s and U17s, the main adult race of the day of 6k at 12.30, hosting some of the best runners in the country, sees everybody in together, ladies, men, U20s and oldies. And it works very well indeed! There is the predictable festive cheer and the inevitable great post race spread to look forward to, and it is done and dusted by 2pm! The course is interesting too. Following a ‘hell for leather’ charge across a wide grassy area at the start the race settles into a fairly picturesque tour of the hospital grounds. For those who like a section of muck in which to wallow, the back of the course will oblige. Yes, it is all over and done with very quickly and we are grateful to Gerry Lynch and Spartans for their slick organisation and the generosity of their spread.

    But, on a slightly more serious note, this is a round of the Athletics Northern Ireland Cross Country League and so we would like to get as many pairs of both male and female spikes in the mud as possible to enable us to build upon our great showing at Cookstown last week. Essentially, we need at least two teams of four and for a Club the size of Orangegrove that should not be a problem. Nevertheless, it is a difficult time of the year for long distance travel for many and inevitably our numbers will be down on those we enjoyed at Acorns.

    Both ladies and men’s teams made the journey on the day, and successfully too. The ladies team consisted of Lisa Fleming, Jill Holland, Julie McKimm and Emma McWilliams. For the man, Robin Montgomery, Andy McIntyre, Chris Downey and Brian Todd travelled. Chris was a bit under the weather on the day and had already taken part in the Derry parkrun. A heavy shower just before the start didn’t dampen our spirits and as the race began at 12.30 temperatures were spectacularly high for the time of the year.

    The following times and positions were achieved by Orangegrove runners:

    Andy McIntyre 22.47
    Robin Montgomery 23.27
    Brian Todd 25.50
    Chris Downey 26.34
    Julie McKimm 26.56
    Emma McWilliams 28.33
    Lisa Fleming 29.14
    Jill Holland 30.08

    Great running from both the ladies and gents. Julie McKimm was in her usual super form and Emma McWilliams too showed that she can mix it with the best when the need arises. Both Lisa Fleming and Jill Holland ran great races and finished well up in the results. Andy McIntyre travels well and bagged a very good result in a quality field with Robin Montgomery not too far behind. Brian Todd and Chris Downey completed the quartet.

    The race was won by Declan Reed (Spartans) in 18.59 and Julie Butler (Omagh Harriers) was first lady home in 22.33.

    The other big race of the weekend was the Born2Run ‘Run Forest Run’ 10k at Tollymore Forest Park, Newcastle, Co. Down, a favourite for many. This is the fourth race in the eight event series. The race starts at 11am. Those who complete at least six of the races are awarded the much sought after Run Forest Run tee shirt. The race route is a picturesque one with great views of the Mourne Mountains, through the trees, from the beautiful trails on both sides of the Shimna River. The river is traversed at least four times, using the bridges of course! We wish those from Orangegrove taking part in this great race an enjoyable and safe journey and a finishers medal of which to be proud.

    In the end Orangegrove was represented by two men and four ladies, Jason Moore, Michael O’Donoghue, Sarah Malcolmson, Mairead Napier, Karen Russell and Shona Pryde.

    Although conditions were sometimes difficult underfoot and the course at times challenging, spirits and temperatures were, nevertheless, high and some very respectable times were recorded by the people in orange. An amazing 686 runners took part!

    Michael O’Donoghue 47.18 (99th/686)
    Jason Moore 57.16
    Karen Russell 1.01.05
    Sarah Malcolmson 1.04.49
    Mairead Napier 1.09.45
    Shona Pryde 1.15.12

    Well done to all who represented Orangegrove so well on the day. The race was won by William McKee (Mourne Runners) in 35.19 with Laura Graham (Mourne Runners) first lady in 39.01.

    On Saturday Thomas Leitch, the Chairman, plumped for the Knockdhu Classic Fell Race which starts on a mountain road above Carncastle (Cairncastle) and takes the runner on a traverse of the steep inclines and declines in the vicinity of the Sallagh Braes, Knockdhu and Robin Young’s Hill, a distance of about 4.3 miles with 1500m of ascent. This is a charity race and there is no entry fee, but all donations on the day are in support of Cancer Focus NI. Some years ago this race was run by Larne A.C and was sponsored by P&O Ferries; it had international status and attracted athletes from all over the British Isles and Europe. It has been resurrected in recent years by the worthy efforts of the Lagan Valley international mountain racer Hazel McLaughlin, originally from the Larne area, who deserves much credit for her hard work and steely determination. While Thomas will run the course Liz will, of course, be officiating at some far flung and exposed location. It is not one for the faint hearted, but Thomas never had one of those. We wish him well! He will undoubtedly earn his post race mulled wine and mince pies in Matties Meeting House on the wonderfully named Brustin Brea Road!

    Nearly fifty of the country’s best mountain runners took part in the race and Orangegrove’s Thomas Leitch had a superb day finishing fourth overall and winning the M40 age category prize.

    The race was won by Dale Mathers (Mourne Runners) in 47.19 and Shileen O’Kane was first lady in 52.50.

    Very well done indeed, Thomas (and Liz). Maybe this is one that we should be looking at for next year, given that we already have a better than average Hill and Dale group within the Club.

    Victoria Park parkrun took place as usual at 9.30am on Saturday morning in almost balmy conditions. Those wearing jackets, leggings, hats and base layers probably found themselves at a distinct disadvantage after the first few hundred yards. This is the party season and the Friday evenings before Christmas are inevitably top heavy with the kind of parties that could make the running of a statutory 5k the next morning a considerable inconvenience. Nevertheless, there was some excellent running on the day from the OAC regulars. The ever improving Graeme Bennett was the first Club finisher on 20.48 and both Sile Brennan and Anne Moore finished together as first Club females in 24.29.

    There were personal bests from Sam Rainey (JM10/24.15), and Eoghan Rainey 24.23. At Stormont Rory Hall-Thompson (JM11-14) finished in 8th place in a great 21.22, Colin Sykes recorded a personal best of 25.42 and Reg Sanlon recorded 26.03. At the Waterworks Lyndsey Tyro was flying in a super personal best time for this venue of 19.54 which gave her the first lady garland. Well done Lyndsey! Her husband Paul finished in 7th place in 18.55. At Larne parkrun at Carnfunnock, Thomas Leitch, en-route to the mountain race at Knockdhu, toured the course in 22.36 while at Derry parkrun, prior to the North West XC races, Chris Downey circulated in a leisurely 27.42. His previous best time at this venue is 19.30.

    It is soon going to be the time for New Year’s resolutions. You might consider making one of yours the determination to volunteer at your local parkrun a bit more often than you have been doing up to now. So, contact Gerry Ward at belfastvictoriahelpers@parkrun.com and get your New Year off to a flying start!

  5. Mighty Oaks Cross Country

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    One big event for us at Orangegrove this weekend… the Mighty Oaks Cross Country extravaganza at Cookstown, courtesy of Acorns A.C. More enjoyable than usual this time because we are going by coach! There will be as much fun on the bus as there will be on the notorious hill on the course. Last year seasoned cross country runners ground to a standstill on that hill and one or two, on nearly reaching the top, slid back down again. Memories of Lurig!

    Acorns A.C., founded in April 2014, (Club motto…‘Mighty oaks from little acorns grow’) are always good supporters of our events and we are glad to make the effort to support their cross country. In addition, Liz Leitch’s connections with this part of Co. Tyrone and Co. Derry gives us an additional reason to turn up now and again in what is a beautiful part of Northern Ireland. Acorns A.C. is based in the Magherafelt and Cookstown area. Their weekly training takes place at two locations, the Mid Ulster Sports Arena at Cookstown and also at the Meadowbank Stadium in Magherafelt. Saturday’s cross country race will be at the Cookstown venue and all members are reminded that this is a round of the Athletics Northern Ireland Cross Country League. Essentially this means that we must attempt to get at least sixteen men and sixteen ladies in the adult races to maximise points scoring. Surely we should be able to do that!

    Where you finish in the race is irrelevant, as long as you finish. If you finish we get a point! There is a full programme of races beginning at 12 noon with an U11 boys’ and girls’ race of 800m, followed at 12.20 by an U13 boys’ and girls’ race of 1 mile. At 12.45 the U15 boys and girls race over a 2 mile route and at 13.15 the U17s race over a distance of three miles. Then it is the turn of the ladies and male veterans over 65 to race over 3 miles. The final race of the day is at 14.45 for senior men and veterans up to the age of 60, a five mile race. Entries taken on the day, £8 affiliated and £9 unaffiliated. The junior races are £3 for the U11s and £4 for the others. Can’t wait!

    The clan gathered at the Sydenham Railway Station footbridge, boarded the coach and set off for Cookstown. The weather was dull, cool and fairly drizzly. However, as the coach approached Dungannon on the M1 motorway the atmosphere changed and we became aware that heavy overnight snow was lying everywhere and, in some cases, blocking side roads. By the time we reached the Mid Ulster Sports Arena at Cookstown at least six inches of snow coated the surrounding area and it was apparent that this cross country race was going to be like no other most of us had experienced before.

    Acorns had set up what would have been a challenging enough course even in perfect conditions, but with the heavy snow under foot it was going to be particularly tough, and it was. The famous ‘heartbreak hill’ looked, from a distance, more suited to down hill skiers than cross country runners. But, at least, there was no wind or rain or falling snow, and the base layer or no base layer debate generally took the view that bare shoulders would be best. The ladies and men over 65 went first for three laps (three miles), followed by the men for five laps (five miles).

    The following times were achieved by Orangegrove runners:

    OAC Ladies & Men 65+ (3 miles)

    Antra Balcuna 24.03 (8th/68)
    Pauline Bayliss 26.24 (17th/68)
    Lisa Fleming 27.52
    Lisa Rodham 29.38
    Jenny Powell 30.54
    Alison Hall-Thompson 30.59
    Kirsty Buchanan 31.00
    Sharon Corken 31.03
    Kerris Hamilton 31.22
    Mairead Napier 35.47
    Hilary Bradshaw 36.38
    Eoin Woodman 45.36

    Great running from the Orangegrove ladies on a day that will be long remembered in the annals of OAC cross country running because of the most challenging and picturesque of conditions. The good news is that the ladies managed to pick up third place in the team competition with 172 points. Two ladies in particular typified the exceptional spirit evident in the ladies camp. Sarah Malcolmson was going very well and was enjoying her race in the snow when she was struck down with frozen feet on the second lap and had to withdraw. She was distraught! Hilary Bradshaw went over on her ankle during the race but continued to the end despite a pronounced limp.

    Very well done Antra Balcuna who spent her race in the leading group despite feeling unwell and also carrying a foot injury. Pauline Bayliss too was well up in the results and seemed unfazed by the deep snow and thick mud. Indeed all the ladies were superb and deserve both individual and team credit.

    The ladies race was won by Enya Haigney (Omagh Harriers) in 21.35 and Heather Foley (Unattached) was second in 21.37.

    OAC Men (5 laps)

    Thomas Leitch 35.29
    Robin Montgomery 35.36
    Andy McIntyre 37.16
    Tim Robinson 39.57
    Paul Tyro 39.59
    Brian Todd 40.40
    Rodney Corrigan 41.08
    Stephen Anderson 42.24
    Michael O’Donoghue 43.37

    Great running too from the men who had to contend with the worst possible conditions. By the last race of the day some parts of the course had deteriorated into seriously deep mud in which there was a real danger of a lost shoe or even a sprained ankle. Thomas and Robin, in particular, were in scintillating form and finished well up in the results.

    The men also managed to finish in fourth place in the team competition on 280 points. By the last lap of the last race ‘heartbreak hill’ was at its most invidious and one or two random runners were noted to sink to their knees in tears (not Orangegeove, of course!).

    The Men’s race was won by Seamus Lynch (Newcastle A.C.) in 30.13. Scott Rankin (Foyle Valley) was second in 30.54.

    Grateful thanks to Gerald Harvey for some great photographs from Acorns.

    All of us who travelled to Cookstown are very grateful to the Captain, Robin Montgomery, on whose shoulders the organisation for the trip fell. It was a most enjoyable affair and, hopefully, the first of many more to come!

  6. Weekend Report – December 6th

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    December is traditionally a busy month with a variety of festive events mixed in with the usual fare of cross country and road races… and that is exactly the way it was this weekend.

    The main event on Saturday was the annual Annadale Striders’ Malcolm Cup cross country races at the Six Mile Water Park in Ballyclare, on a course roughly similar to the one we used for the McConnell Shield a few weeks ago. This is a lovely little course on the banks of the Six Mile Water, one that is challenging enough without being impossible.

    Read the full race report here.

    Saturday will also see the third round of the Born 2 Run, Run Forest Run, 10k series at Loughgall, Co. Armagh. The previous round was also in Co. Armagh at Gosford Forest Park. The Loughgall race starts at 11am in Loughgall Country Park, just off the Ballygasey Road, near the village. This is drumlin country, so the course will likely be undulating. Conditions at Loughgall were soggy to say the least and flooding to parts of the course required the organisers to amend the route in a few places. We offer our congratulation to the following from OAC who were on the start line and who made the finish line too in commanding positions:

    7th Paul Tyro 33.28
    26th Lyndsey Tyro 36.05  (4th lady)
    55th Michael O’Donoghue 38.16

    The Loughgall 10k was won by William McKee in 29.29 and Laura Graham was first lady in 32.48.

    OAC’s resident in the United Arab Emirates, Helen Charlton, has been at it again in the sun. Helen, who is an enthusiastic triathlete, has been concentrating on her running in the past few weeks. On Friday last Helen ran in the Johnson Arabia Dubai Creek Striders half marathon and got round the interesting course in 1 hour 54 minutes, a time which she describes as a ‘tiny pb’, but a ‘little slower’ than she would have liked.

    We wish Helen all the best in Dubai from our freezing and blustery outpost in the north west of Europe. Some people have all the luck! However, there is an open invitation from Helen to any member or members of OAC who might be in the Emirates to call with her and a run will be arranged! Emirates fly to Dubai from Dublin twice a day! If we can hire a coach to travel to the Acorns Mighty Oaks Cross Country next Saturday we can certainly charter an Airbus 380 for the trip and Helen, who is an air traffic controller, would surely provide us with priority clearance into Dubai International Airport.

    Sunday will see the Saul ‘Round the Griddle’ 10k race at 12.00 noon sharp. This is not an easy one and is billed as Co. Down’s most challenging 10k race. So, you know what you are letting yourself in for! The start is at Saul Community Hall, not too far from Downpatrick, a location which, of course, has strong links with St. Patrick himself, who may well be amongst the spectators. He is apparently not running this year! This is a Joe Quinn and East Down A.C. organised event so, rest assured, it will be a good one with slick organisation and exceptional after race catering and craic. Well worth trying, and there are already one or two Orangegrove names in the pre entry list. Gerald Harvey was intending to run but a niggling leg injury and his determination to stay fresh for his Christmas Cracker run with Jill Holland has caused him to reluctantly pull out. His spot is up for grabs!

    Well, two Orangegrovers made it to Saul for the 12 noon start and the same two had featured significantly in the previous evening’s frolics into the wee small hours at Helen’s Bay Golf Club. A beautiful Sunday morning dawned after the night before and the conditions were perfect for a 10k race, cool, dry, sunny, blue sky and, above all, windless. We congratulate the following OAC stalwarts.

    Robin Montgomery 39.26 (10th/138)
    Ian Wilson 51.18

    The Griddle was won by Stephen Wylie (North Down AC) in 34.43 and Heather Foley was first lady in 38.21.

    There were a few important charity runs on Sunday as well, the Action on Hearing Loss run at Hazelbank Park, Newtownabbey, and sundry Santa Dashes. Anna Rankin and family were in action at Hazelbank Park and at least Jenny Powell and Chris Downey were involved in Santa Dash runs in Belfast and Donaghadee in support of Cash for Kids. Well done all!

    For many people Saturday means only one thing…parkrun! And so it was at 09.30 on the morning of Saturday 5th December, in the year of our Lord, 2015. The range of running ability, as usual, ranged from the exceptional to the barely manageable. But hey, that is what it is all about and nobody’s run on the day was any less valuable than anybody else’s. Indeed, those who struggle to make the start line and who worry about whether they will finish at all are the real stars of the concept that is parkrun. To get out of your bed at all before 9am on any Saturday morning and make the start of a 5k run is a real achievement and one of which to feel proud.

    Even though the weather was awful on Saturday morning some 138 park runners made it to Victoria Park for the start of the timed run, and we are proud of each and every one of them. Amongst the Orangegrove contingent the following excelled themselves in terms of personal bests… Sam Rainey (JM11-14) 24.22. Well, it probably wasn’t much of a morning for running personal bests. Well done Andrew Acheson who was first Orangegrover home in 19.45 and to Liz Leitch who was OAC first lady in 23.45. Pauline Bayliss was first lady at Stormont in 22.53. Chris Downey was a very credible 5th/138 in 20.23 at Bangor parkrun.

    At the risk of boring you, there is an old saying… ‘no volunteers, no parkrun’! But, nevertheless, it is true, and you need to volunteer soon if you run parkrun on a regular basis. It is just a little selfish to do otherwise, So, do not be a selfish so and so… email Gerry Ward on belfstvictoiahelpers@parkrun.com and give a little back in return for the fun and fulfilment that you have gleaned from the great concept that parkrun undoubtedly is!

  7. Malcolm Cup XC 2015

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    The main event on Saturday was the annual Annadale Striders’ Malcolm Cup cross country races at the Six Mile Water Park in Ballyclare, on a course roughly similar to the one we used for the McConnell Shield a few weeks ago. This is a lovely little course on the banks of the Six Mile Water, one that is challenging enough without being impossible.

    Saturday dawned an awful day with heavy rain to the point of flooding and very strong winds, but at least it wasn’t cold. The course at the Six Mile Water cut up very quickly and there were some extremely muddy sections. The headwind on the opening straight was quite unbelievable although, in recompense, the return section along the banks of the river hardly needed any effort at all.

    Well done to all those from OAC who braved the conditions today to run for their Club and to those too from OAC (Liz and Sharon) who helped to run the race and to cheer us on:

    OAC Ladies and Male 35+

    M Thomas Leitch 19.11
    M Robin Montgomery 20.39
    F Julie McKimm 23.42
    F Lisa Fleming 24.43
    F Verity Cornford 25.47
    F Jill Holland 25.54
    F Trish Magill 27.05
    F Alison Hall-Thompson 27.18
    F Jenny Powell 27.38
    F  Catherine Fearon 29.57

     

    The winning male veteran was Gareth Lyons (Ballydrain Harriers) in 17.26 and Aileen Reid (City of Derry) was the first lady in 18.54.

    Malcolm Cup (Open)

    MO Andy McIntyre 27.14
    MO Tim Robinson 29.08
    MO Darren Houston 29.53
    MO Brian Todd 30.01
    MO Robin Montgomery 30.01
    MO Rodney Corrigan 30.20
    MO Stephen Anderson 30.41
    MO Ian Grant 30.49

    The race was won by Seamus Lynch (Newcastle A.C.) in 22.24 and Ray MaGilloway (Foyle Valley) was the leading U20 runner.

    There was also a series of boys’ and girls’ races at Ballyclare. Well done to the following members of the Junior Club who braved the conditions to compete today:

    U13 Boys and Girls

    U13 Rory Hall-Thompson 6.29 (11th/34)
    U13 Iseult Fahy 6.57 (6th girl)

     

  8. Seeley Cup 2015

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    The Seeley Cup 10k race is generally regarded as one of the premier road races of the season, in fact the road racing season’s closing event, attracting some of the very best names in our sport. The race limit of 1000 was reached well before the race itself and there were no entries on the day. The Seeley Cup is based in and around Ormeau Park with the Ozone Complex acting as race headquarters. The start line is on Ormeau Embankment near the sweeping bend at the north end. Runners head towards the Ormeau Road junction, turning left and then left again through the main park entrance and up the incline before taking another left to join a section that comprises the Ormeau parkrun course. I understand that there is, this year, a slight change to the traditional course on coming through the Ormeau Road gate, so beware!

    This is followed to the North Gate and beyond, where the lap begins again. On the third lap the runner is directed left into the finish tunnel near the tennis courts. It is a pleasant enough route, particularly the park sections, although the run along the Embankment itself (three times!) can be a fairly soulless experience. However, one thing is certain and it is that this is a very well organised event courtesy of Willowfield Harriers and there will be loads of spectators out in force to cheer you on your way. Because of the atmosphere you will probably tend to run a bit faster than you might otherwise do, although a personal best might not be easy to achieve because of the two significant inclines at the Ormeau end of Ormeau Park.

    Awful weather conditions prevailed as the runners made their way to the start line. Heavy rain had fallen all morning, although it abated slightly as the race began. However, it would only be a temporary reprieve and the heavens would open again before the majority of runners would reach the finish line. Wind was an issue as well. As always, there was good running from Orangegrove participants and congratulations are due to those of the Club who braved the conditions. The following are the times achieved by OAC members:

    OAC Men

    Thomas Leitch 37.42 (114th/957)
    Andy McIntyre 37.58
    Robin Montgomery 38.46
    Des Fahy 39.35
    Andrew Acheson 40.10
    Tim Robinson 40.33
    Chris Downey 41.38
    Rodney Corrigan 42.35
    Darren Houston 42.52
    Michael O’Donoghue 43.15
    Jonny Weston 43.32
    Stephen Anderson 43.32
    Graeme Bennett 43.35
    Stephen Hamilton 43.37
    Martin O’Brien 43.42
    Ian Grant 44.11
    Gerald Harvey 49.14
    Ian Wilson 50.36
    Adrian Sproule 51.33

    OAC Ladies

    Lyndsey Tyro 41.04
    Julie McKimm 44.21
    Pauline Bayliss 45.06
    Lisa Rodham 48.51
    Heather Shanks-Miller 49.24
    Chantal Hemphill 50.31
    Jenny Cochrane 53.15
    Sarah Malcolmson 53.58
    Mairead Conlan 55.06
    Catherine Fearon 55.50
    Sharon McFarland 1.02.45
    Linda Carson-Craig 1.02.45

    I understand that a considerable number of the times recorded above are personal bests. Very well done indeed, particularly given the difficult conditions. Spare a thought for two of Orangegrove’s loveliest ladies, Carolyn Beattie and Mairead Napier, who were both going well when injury struck to halt their progress. May they recover speedily! At least you made it to the start line, unlike the writer!

    The race was won by Garry Murray (Clonliffe Harriers) in 31.06 and Ann-Marie McGlynn (Finn Valley AC) was first lady in 34.16. The Seeley Cup was won by North Belfast Harriers.

  9. Weekend Report – November 22nd

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    Compared to some recent weekends this was a fairly slack one. Nevertheless, there was still a lot going on with the North Down A.C. Festival of Cross Country Relays on Saturday and the Run Forest Run Gosford Forest Park 10k race, also on Saturday.

    The North Down A.C. Festival of Cross Country Relays is a new and innovative event taking place in the vicinity of the Bangor Aurora, only about 10 minutes walk from Bangor Railway Station. We at Orangegrove know a thing or two about organising relay races, but I don’t think we have ever tried cross country relays. Anyway, this will be a bit of fun in the mud although I suspect that the competitive side in some of us will be on display as well.

    In the end three OAC adult teams took to the field on the day, two male and one female. However, before that, the youngsters got a go and Orangegrove was superbly well represented by Rory Hall-Thompson in the U13 race. Rory had a great race and crossed the line in 5.39 to win the event by some twenty-six seconds from the second placed runner. Very well done indeed, Rory… and all has been forgiven for that unnecessary fall in the mud which required him to be transported home by his ever patient mother in a black bin bag!

    In the P6 and P7 race Sam Rainey was the Orangegrove representative. Sam completed the primary schools’ course in 4.10, to finish in twenty-sixth place out of thirty-seven. In the U15 race Aaron McCord finished in fifth place (second individual boy) out of twelve in 9.04 and Tom Smith completed the same course in 9.50 for ninth place. Great running by all four members of the Junior Club and many congratulations to them, their coaches and parents. In the final analysis the junior races were straight races rather than relays.

    Next came the ladies race and OAC was ably represented by Sharon Corken, Trish Magill and Verity Cornford. The ladies ran the race very well and finished in 38.09 to secure eighteenth place out of twenty-five. It had initially been intended to field two ladies teams but this didn’t come to fruition because of injuries and other factors.

    The ladies Senior race was won by a team from Queens University, Belfast, in 28.38 and the ladies Masters race was won by Ballydrain Harriers in 31.05. The total race distance was 7.8k, ie. 3x2600m legs.

    Two men’s teams took to the field just after two o’clock as the light began to fade. The Senior team consisted of Robin Montgomery, Chris Downey, Ian Grant and Paul Tyro. The Masters’ team consisted of Tim Robinson, Brian Todd, Stephen Anderson and Darren Houston. In the end, the Senior team completed the course in 39.40 for ninth place out of twenty, while the Masters’ team was not too far behind in eleventh place (third Masters’ team overall). Tim Robinson ran an excellent first leg for the Masters’ team, staying close behind Robin Montgomery. However, Brian Todd was less successful in keeping Chris Downey in his sights. Stephen Anderson and Darren Houston ran great legs to close the distance while at the same time staying ahead of the second North Down team containing the speedy Terry Eakin.

    The men’s Senior race was won by a team from Derry City Track Club in 34.37 while Ballydrain Harriers won the Masters race in 37.51. The total race distance was 10.4k, ie. 4 x 2600m legs.

    This was an interesting and very enjoyable event in which it was a pleasure to run. The course was interesting and not without a few challenges. Although each leg was only a few kilometres long, the very fast pace required from each competitor to maintain a reasonable position certainly took its toll. It felt more like 10k than 2k! We thoroughly enjoyed it and we will be back next year for more! We offer our grateful thanks to North Down Athletic Club for hosting the relays and providing us with such a warm welcome.

    The trail runners of our fraternity, of which there are many, might favour the Run Forest Run Gosford Park 10k as an alternative to the Bangor Cross Country Relays. Gosford Park (or Demesne) is a fully functioning forest park near Markethill in Co. Armagh. The estate is the home of Gosford Castle, a medieval folly designed ‘castle’ built between 1819 and 1855 by Archibald Acheson, 2nd Earl of Gosford (no relation, we think, of Andrew and Eleanor). For many years the castle lay derelict but has recently been tastefully restored and converted into apartments.

    The Gosford Park 10k race is the second of an eight race series. If runners complete six of the races they receive a commemorative t-shirt. Medals, of course, are awarded to the finishers of each race. The first round of the series was recently at Minnowburn and the next round, after Gosford, is at Loughgall on the 5th December, the same day as the Malcolm Cup XC at Ballyclare. Trail running at this time of the year can be very enjoyable indeed. Best of luck and good running to those from Orangegrove who head down to Markethill this Saturday!

    In the end only three OAC members were in the line up, Michael O’Donoghue, Mairead Napier and the wonderfully named Shona Pryde (there can only be one Shona Pryde in the world and we at OAC have her!). The going was tough enough on an undulating and challenging course. This was not a 10k for the faint hearted! Even MOD has admitted that he struggled a little. Very well done indeed to our three intrepid members who took on the challenge so well. Their times were as follows:

    Michael O’Donoghue 45.48 (83rd/498)
    Mairead Napier 1.10.04
    Shona Pryde 1.10.04

    I think it can be assumed that Mairead and Shona ran the race together. Well done MOD and very well done ladies! Great photo too!

    The race was won by William McKee in 33.49 and Laura Graham was first lady in 38.38.

    NI Duathlon held an event at Victoria Park on Sunday morning and OAC was represented by Michael O’Donoghue and Zoe Ni Dhuinn-Bhig. Duathlon involves running two miles, cycling 10 miles and then another run of two miles to finish. Michael completed the event in 1.11.34 (47th/68) made up from 14.44 for the first two miles, 39.08 for the bike ride and 15.20 for the second two mile run. The remaining time was made up from the two transitions. Zoe was flying and finished in 1.07.47 (36th/68 and 4th lady), made up from 16.46, 31.41 and 16.25. Zoe is one speedy lady on a bike! Well done Michael and Zoe.

    As the latest Jog Belfast East at Victoria Park draws to a close, and as graduation beckons, a word of grateful thanks from all of us at OAC to the main coaches, Mary Boyd and Selina Myles, and to all the additional helpers/coaches/encouragers and supporters who have given of their valuable time to help with the latest group of recruits. The weather at times has hardly helped but, regardless of what nature has thrown at them, the sessions have gone ahead and the pinnacle has been reached.

    Well done too to the students themselves who have turned up and persisted with the training when, at times, it would have been easier to let it slip. When we cheer the new graduates at this Saturday’s parkrun at Victoria Park, spare more than a passing thought for those who made it possible. Not only does Jog Belfast act as an important recruiting sergeant to our club, (and consider the great people who have joined OAC from Jog Belfast in recent months), but it is also an important revenue earning initiative which greatly assists our general training. Jog Belfast is also an important public service amenity to our local area. Long may it continue!

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    Saturday morning at Victoria Park brought parkrun as usual. This was the big one for the Jog Belfast East brigade, their graduation day run. After this they will be fully fledged runners with entitlement to continue running at whatever level they choose! Hopefully, one or two will consider joining Orangegrove Athletics Club, where they will receive a warm welcome. Those of us who are more seasoned runners perhaps underestimate a little how important this day is to the Jog Belfast athletes and their coaches. Last night’s sleep will not have been sound for one or two and when that alarm went at 7.30am on the morning there will have been not a little trepidation amongst many. However, as the time for the off approaches the training and advice will kick in and all will be well and success will be the only result. Today’s parkrun results are testament to the effort and determination of everybody involved. Very well done indeed!

    In terms of OAC personal bests it was a fairly good day! Very well done to the following…. Andy McIntyre (17.57), Robin Montgomery (18.03), Rodney Corrigan (19.36), Jenny Cochrane (24.24), Chantal Hemphill (24.30), Anna Rankin (25.51), Hilary Bradshaw (27.48), Catherine Lavery (29.40), and Deborah Killen (36.10). Andy McIntyre was first OAC finisher in 17.57 (14th) and Sile Brennan was OAC first lady in 21.18 (33rd). Very well done indeed to those who excelled themselves on Saturday morning! Great running from Brendan Teer (East Down AC) who scorched around in 15.28, twenty three seconds short of the course record (three outer laps) set by Paul Pollock on three outer laps in August 2012. Well done Kelly Neely (City of Lisburn AC) who set a new VW35-39 course record on Saturday morning (17.40).

    Lisa Rodham was flying at Stormont on Saturday morning with a new pb of 24.46. Lyndsey Tyro was second lady at Ormeau in 20.29, which was only ten seconds short of her pb at this venue. Well done, Lisa and Lyndsey!

    It goes without saying, but I will say it anyway! ‘No volunteers, no parkrun.’ Your local parkrun needs you… and needs you soon. Volunteer to help out by contacting Gerry on belfastvictoriahelpers@parkrun.com Don’t leave it, do it now! It will make you feel good too and on the odd Saturday in winter volunteering can be a lot more comfortable than actually running!

  10. Weekend Report – November 15th

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    Yet another busy weekend on which to report. It started early for OAC, as early as Wednesday evening with the Run in the Dark. Saturday brought the Tollymore Forest Park Trail Marathon races and the International Masters’ Cross Country spectacle in Dublin. Decathlon, at the Hollywood Exchange, was the venue for Sunday’s Half Marathon and 10k races.

    There was a fairly healthy Orangegrove representation on Wednesday evening at the Life Style Sports Run in the Dark in support of the Mark Pollock Trust. Mark Pollock, an Old Boy of Inst and, in his day, a very accomplished rower, lost his sight to a degenerative disease while a student at Trinity College, Dublin. Despite this awful setback he finished his degree and continued to row, winning silver and bronze medals for Northern Ireland in the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Between 2002 and 2010 he took part in numerous adventurous challenges to raise money for the Sight Savers charity.

    Mark’s courage and selflessness in the face of personal adversity, particularly through his adventurous achievements and his talent as a motivational speaker, have become an inspiration to many others facing similar challenges. Tragically, in 2010, he suffered another unbelievable setback, falling from an upstairs window and breaking his back in several places. The Mark Pollock Trust, to which this Run in the Dark race will contribute, is aimed at raising much needed funds to facilitate research in paraplegia. Races in support of the Trust are also being run in the Republic of Ireland and in Great Britain and in a number of foreign destinations, including Canada, New Zealand and Singapore. It is a privilege to contribute in someway to this great cause.

    There was a super atmosphere in the Stormont Estate for the race. The twinkling of the red runner safety lights added to the occasion, although it was still surprisingly dark on Prince of Wales Avenue in the start/finish area. The route was fairly straightforward. After the start the runners faced the sharp incline to the Edward Carson statue. Following a further incline to near the building itself it was, thankfully, all downhill towards the gate at Massey Avenue and then a left turn on to the B170 towards the Campbell College roundabout for the section along the footpath of the busy A55. From the Knock Road Junction it was then along the Upper Newtownards Road to the Stormont Gates to complete one lap. It was one lap for 5k and two laps for 10k. On the evening, well over 2000 runners gathered for the off. With the Stormont building itself bathed in red light for Remembrance Day the start was a remarkable spectacle.

    The following members of the Club took part in the race, although one or two were running under the banners of other concerns. However, on the night it was about participation rather than time and position. The following are chip times:-

    5K Jacqui Maxwell 26.40
    5K Sarah Malcolmson 29.05
    5K Diana Porter 32.16
    5K Shona Pryde 35.19
    10K Jonny Weston 44.17 (Regent House/OAC)
    10K Brian Todd 44.17 (RBAI/OAC)
    10K Ian Wilson 52.30
    10K Jason Moore 53.52
    10K Catherine Fearon 1.00.05
    10K Karen Russell 1.00.08
    10K Zoe Ni Dhuinn-Bhig 1.06.06

    The 5k race was won by Paul McDonnell in 17.52 with Amelia Tyler (North Down) first lady in 21.16. The 10k race was won by Ben Caughers (North Down) in 36.58 with Diane Watson (City of Lisburn) first lady in 42.09.

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    Saturday’s main event was probably the 26extreme Tollymore Forest Park races in Co. Down. There are ultra marathon (3 loops), marathon (2 loops), half marathon (1 loop) and 10k races. The ultra marathon is approximately 40 miles! All races will be within the confines of Tollymore Forest Park. We wish all Orangegrove members the very best of luck, whichever race they are taking part in. May your training and determination stand you in good stead. They may well need to! The weather forecast is far from promising!

    Well done to the following from Orangegrove who braved the elements and took on the mountains at Tollymore on Saturday:

    Marathon Michael O’Donoghue 4.22.57 (61st/137)
    Half marathon Robin Montgomery 1.30.50  (8th/354)
    Half marathon Zoe Ni Dhuinn-Bhig 1.57.44
    Half marathon Verity Cornford 2.02.49
    10K Ian Wilson 53.35
    10K Alison Hall-Thompson 56.38
    10K Sarah Malcolmson 58.38
    10K Anna Rankin 59.53
    10K Mairead Conlon 1.01.42
    10K Jackie Grant 1.03.46

    The marathon event was won by Andy Guy in 3.04.41 and D. Fowler was first lady in 3.58.08. The Half Marathon event was won by Tony Pfaff in 1.24.35 and Collette McCourt was first lady in 1.27.33. The 10k race was won by Thomas O’Gorman in 38.50 and Laura Graham was first lady in 39.43

    Saturday also sees the Masters’ Cross Country International at Santry Demesne, Dublin, near the Airport, involving England, Wales, Scotland, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The match is hosted by one of the home nations every year. This year it fell to the Republic of Ireland to host the event. Two members of Orangegrove are involved in this, Brian Todd (the writer) and Hugh Young (you usually have to be old to be in!). The former is first reserve on the Northern Ireland M60 team and Hugh is a team member of the Northern Ireland M75 team. Reserves who are not used on the day run in the final race of the day, the Open Race. The Women and M65 go at 11.30am in a 6k race. The M50+ run at 12.00pm in an 8k race and the M35+ go at 1.10pm, also 8k. The Open Race is for all age categories and is 6k at 2pm.

    The standard is very high and if you are not in form on the day you will quickly find yourself floundering. Teams gather on the Friday evening, the races are on Saturday and there is a Gala Dinner and Prize Giving on the Saturday evening. The 2016 event is in Scotland at Tollcross Park, Glasgow. Any members of Orangegrove, male or female, over the age of 35, should really join the Northern Ireland Masters’ Athletic Association for a small annual fee. Only members of the Association can trial for international teams, but there is also an internal individual masters’ winter league in which the individual pits himself or herself against others in the age group in many of the events we do anyway, cross country, road racing, etc. It will certainly add another dimension to your running and provide an addition interest and maybe even a medal or two at the end of the season.

    It was an awful day in Dublin for the International Cross Country. A lovely course in Santry Demesne, but it churned up very quickly. Hugh Young was the sole representative on the Northern Ireland M75 team, so had the weight of the entire nation on his shoulders. Hugh ran well in deteriorating conditions and got round the tough 6k course in 32.28 to finish and so contributed points to the Northern Ireland total. Brian Todd (the writer) was first reserve on the Northern Ireland M60 team. All four team members turned up and were fit on the day so BJT ran in the 6k Open Race, the last race of the day. Thomas Leitch also ran in this race. By the time the Open started the rain had abated, but the mud was ankle deep in places and the going was soft and slow to say the least.

    International Race (Ladies and Men M65+/6k)

    M75 Hugh Young 32.28

    Open Race (6k)

    M40 Thomas Leitch 24:02.03
    M60 Brian Todd 26:21.07

    While the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland had some great individual and team results, sheer numbers and strength in depth ensured that England retained the men’s, ladies and overall trophies. The Republic of Ireland in particular, the host nation, had some great individual results and eventually finished in a very good second place to England. The full verified results have yet to appear.

    Sunday morning will see hundreds of athletes gather at the Decathlon store at Hollywood Exchange Retail Park for the annual Decathlon Half Marathon and 10k events on the roads in an around the Hollywood Exchange and the Harbour Estate. This is a well organized and presented event that we should be supporting. It happens on a Sunday morning and although the route lacks memorable vistas the traffic is light on a Sunday morning and it is done and dusted very quickly indeed. There is usually chip timing and the route is so flat that a very good personal best is not beyond the bounds of possibility.

    Orangegrove results:

    Half marathon Andy McIntyre 1.25.25 (6th/96)
    10K Andrew Acheson 39.52
    10K Graeme Bennett 43.22
    10K Martin O’Brien 45.48
    10K Jill Holland 47.45
    10K Lisa Fleming 47.53
    10K Catherine Fearon 58.48
    10K Eoin Woodman 1.08.59

    The Half Marathon event was won by a familiar Victoria Park parkrun name, David Procter, in 1.19.04. Sinead Murtagh was first lady in 1.36.40.

    Super running from Andrew Acheson on the day, given the added pressure of sporting the No.1 bib! The 10k event was won by Jonathan McKee in 34.45 with Laura Graham first lady in 36.38.

    Parkrun ran as usual at Victoria Park on Saturday morning and despite the fairly dismal weather some 195 runners made the start line for the 9.39am off. At the moment, due to building work on the ‘island’ Victoria Park parkrun is running three outer laps rather than two outer laps and the trail lap. The advantage is that although the current layout may be a little repetitive, it is nevertheless clean and dry and very, very fast. If you are going to set a significant personal best at Victoria Park, it will likely be over three outer laps! So, no excuses! But, with a lot going on elsewhere this Saturday it is likely that OAC personal bests will be as rare as an ice cube in the Sahara. So, let us see!

    Well, stone the crows, there were OAC personal bests all over the place….everybody and their granny! Well done to the following….Des Fahy (18.40), Darren Houston (19.34), Stephen Anderson (19.55), Stephen Hamilton (20.01), Rodney Corrigan (20.04), Graeme Bennett (20.04), Pauline Bayliss (20.56), Jason Moore (21.38), Kirsty Buchanan (24.29), Trish Magill (25.15), Diana Porter (28.48). Super running from Garry Morrow to ‘win’ the event in 17.01. Paul Woodman was the first OAC finisher in third place in 17.31 and Pauline Bayliss was the first OAC lady in 20.56 (34th).

    No volunteers, no parkrun. Parkrun depends on volunteers and those on regular track duty at Victoria are getting old and grey and tired and they need to be given an occasional rest before they keel over on the job. That would mean no start or finish or times or anything! To avoid this happening in the near future, email Gerry Ward on belfastvictoriahelpers@parkrun.com.

    If you would specifically like to help out in the clubhouse, baking, serving or just being nice, see Anne Moore and she will put you right, or rather, on the roster. Talk to any of the servers and they will put you in contact and get you started. No better way to start your Saturday… and most of the day is still your own! Get on with it! Don’t just think about it!