NCR Notes week ending 04.07.21

Road Racing Returns – and another PB for Mark Copeland

was an early start for Mark Copeland on Saturday as he travelled to County Antrim for the new Larne 10K Coastal Run. The ‘out and back’ race, organised by Larne Athletic Club, was held along the iconic Antrim Coast Road, with some stunning scenery, but it was only the finish line that was in sight.

A slight drop in temperature on Saturday, compared to that of earlier in the week, was a welcome one, but it was still warm conditions. Heading out it was very warm and a still air, but thankfully there was a welcoming breeze on the return.

The hard work and training that Mark has put in over the last year and through each lockdown is paying off as he continues to go from strength-to-strength, obtaining yet another PB in a few weeks. Shaving an amazing 1.14 minutes off his last race to achieve a new 10K time of 40.24

Rostrevor Park Run

Rostrevor Park Run made a very welcome return on Saturday.

There was a good turnout too with 48 runners in total participating. Aibhinn Fitzpatrick and Marie Farrell did themselves proud, with their hard work and commitment to training paying off also. Aibhinn completed the course in 28:43 and Marie in 29.04.

Craigavon Lakes – 5K and 10K

Patricia Brown and Conor Havern @ Craigavon Lakes

On a very warm and humid Sunday, Patricia Brown and Conor Havern represented NCR splendidly at Craigavon Lakes 5K event, which was a tough undulating course.

Both runners ran well with Conor Havern finishing in 20.55 and Patricia Brown, running her first race in over 10 months, finishing in 22.14. Both runners were very glad to be back racing especially in the very well organised event arranged by Kerman Running Club.

EAMS – Independence Day 6 hour Challenge

Janine Burns and Karen McElroy @ EAMS Independence Day 6 Hour Challenge

What better way to end a fantastic weekend on the North Coast than to enter the EAMS Independence Day 6 Hour Challenge. That is exactly what Janine Burns and Karen McElroy did. The girls did themselves and the club proud, completing a warm and tough 14 miles and using it as one of their training runs for upcoming marathons. A training run never does seem as bad when you justly rewarded with a medal – well done girls.

Club training

Club Training continues each week St Colman’s Running Track on Tuesday evening at 19.15-20.15, a time solely reserved for Newry City Runners.

Thursday evening at 18.00, meeting point in the Courthouse carpark.

Rostrevor Park Run

Rostrevor Park Run, having made a welcome return this weekend, will take place again next Saturday at 09.30. Remember to bring your barcode so you can get your result.

Please keep continuing to support the Rostrevor Park Run Event and PM their Facebook page if you are free to marshal in the coming weeks/months. If you have not registered you can do so www.parkrun.org.uk/register