Tuesday 30 March 2010

Club Race Shorts

Club type green/white race shorts can be purchased at Nike store Junction One, Antrim.

Easter Monday Club Night

There will be no offical club training on Easter Monday (5th April 2010).

Members can arrange runs and times among themselves if required.

Sunday 21 March 2010

Larne Half Marathon - Race Report

County Antrim Harriers had 18 runners out in Saturday’s Larne Half Marathon in a well organised event promoted by Larne A.C. Among those taking part was club stalwart Greg Hopkins who has ran in every Larne Half Marathon while newcomers Lisa Morgan, Helen Baird, Naomi Hoy and Ian McKeown were all making their competitive debut for the club.

With the weather bright and sunny conditions were reasonable over the 13.1 miles course which takes in the coastal road from Larne towards Ballygally, and up to Cairncastle and back towards Larne. First to finish for the Harriers was Glen Wilson in an impressive 1:33:07, just ahead of the vastly improved Gary Montgomery who gained an excellent personal best with 1:35:16 and who bettered his previous best time by an amazing 9 minutes. Next to finish were Ricky Mason, Christine Murray and Greg Hopkins, who grouped well and finished in 1:41:09, 1:42:41 and 1:42:45 respectively. Mason was running only his 2nd half marathon in 22 years and had a personal best, beating his 1988 Southampton Half Marathon time by 11 minutes, while Murray, who incidentally was laid up in her sick bed on Wednesday, once again displayed her renowned competitive streak and managed to hold off a late challenge from Club Coach Greg Hopkins who was a few seconds behind.

Next home for the Ballyclare club and a minute apart were Michael Matthews and Ian McKeown, who given their limited training opportunities should be pleased with their times of 1:47:10 and 1:48:31. Next to cross the finish line for the Harriers was the quartet of Irene Downey, Andrena Berry, Jonathan Turner and Jim Hodgens, who bunched well and finished in 1:52:00 personal best, 1:52:44 personal best, 1:53:36 and 1:54:37 respectively, with Downey, Berry and Hodgens, like some of the others, using the race as preparation for next month’s Virgin London Marathon or the Belfast Marathon in May. Ultra runner Turner too will be pleased given his recent injury problem just to have reached the finish line.

Next to finish for CAH were a delighted Paula Hilman in 1:59:12, Lisa Morgan in a very well deserved 2:04:06, the gutsy and determined Natalie Davidson in 2:07:16, a smiling Gillian Hanna with an excellent personal best in 2:07:56 – a rich reward for all her endeavours in training, Angie Owens in a surprising 2:12:02, and first timers Helen Baird and Naomi Hoy over the proverbial moon with 2:18:04 and 2:18:06.

Well Done - Larne Half Marathon

Congratulations to all who took part in Larne Half Marathon, we were very fortunte to have such a lovely day for the race and a number of new PB's were set for club members. Thanks to all who supplied post race refreshements which were welcomed and enjoyed by all.

The post race meal and Debbie's Birtday Bash was held in the Bamboo in Ballyclare where a great meal was enjoyed by all. Members then moved on to the Five Corners to continue the big birthday celebrations and enjoy the remainder of the evening with plenty of craic!

Wednesday 17 March 2010

Debs Birthday Bash/Half Marathon Night Out

For those members who have already confirmed we are meeting at Bamboo, BALLYCLARE at 7:45 for the meal at 8pm. There are still a few extra places available, all members welcome.

Larne Half Marathon

All club members who are running Larne Half Marathon are reminded they need to collect your own race number, pins and t-shirt (in case you need a different size).

It is recommended you arrive no later than 12 noon but if you can not make it down before then please let Greg know so he can collect your race number.

Tea, coffee, sandwiches and buns will be available at the finish for members and a few friends, so please bring something with you to swell the supply.

Club Vests

A new supply of club vests are now in stock - all sizes £16 each.

Sunday 14 March 2010

Larne Sports Awards

Congratulations to Jonathan Turner of County Antrim Harriers who won the veterans prize at Larne Sports Awards, which were held on 25th February 2010. Jonathan successfully completed the 53 mile Highland Fling, the Belfast marathon, and the Newry marathon in a 4 week period during April and May 2009.

Half Marathon Night Out/Debs Birthday Bash

Don't forget Debbies Birthday Bash/Larne Half Marathon Night out at:
Bamboo (Ballyclare) at 7.30pm for a meal and them moving elsewhere later for further celebrations.

All members are welcome, names to Greg please.

Larne Half Marathon

Saturday 20th March 2010 at 1pm will see members of County Antrim Harriers turn out in force to take up the challange of this Half Marathon course. The runners who have entered are: Andrena, Angie, Christine, Gary, Gillian, Glen, Greg, Helen, Ian, Irene, Jim, Jonathan, Lisa, Lyn, Michael, Naomi, Natalie, Paula, Ricky and Roberta. Good Luck to all.

Anyone still interested should contact Greg ASAP