Springwell Running Club - Press Release – 6th May 2018
Annalong Horseshoe Mountain Race
Saturday 5th May saw over 100 runners take on the challenge of the Annalong Horseshoe Mountain Race. Covering a 13.1 mile course over five of the Mourne Mountain summits, runners face over 5,000 feet in this NIMRA Championship race.
The early pace was set by Seamus Lynch (Newcastle AC), Ryan Stewart (Shettleston Harriers), Jonny Steede (Glens Runners) and Kieron Kelly (Newry AC) with only a few seconds separating these four until after the ascent of Slieve Lamagan, were Seamus took control, closely followed by Jonny and Timothy Johnston (Mourne Runners) and Colm Murtagh (Newcastle AC) who had closed the gap on the ascent.
After the final climb of Slieve Binnian Seamus moved clear and eventually took a well deserved victory in 2.06.09 with Jonny finishing 2nd in 2.08.07 and Timothy completing the top three in 2.12.59.
Esther Dickson (Newry AC) led the ladies race during the early stages until a navigational error gave Martsje Hell (North Belfast Harriers) an opportunity to take the lead, which she did and dominated the rest of the race to win in 2.50.22. Gillian Wasson (Ballymena Runners) produced another excellent performance for second place, crossing the line in 2.57.03. Esther was rewarded for her efforts in clawing back lost time when she claimed 3rd place in 2.58.05.
Springwell RC’s three representatives produced great performances with Alex Brennan running 2.21.38 to finish 8th overall and 1st M45. Barry Mullan was 12th with 2.35.08 to win the M40 age category and Colin Brennan was 44th in 3.05.04 to place 3rd in the M55.
Springwell RC’s Barry Mullan and Alex Brennan at the Annalong Horseshoe Race
The Causeway Coast Marathon
2018 will be the 9th year that events management company, 26extreme stage the Causeway Coast Marathon. With a 10k, Half Marathon, Marathon and a 39 mile Ultra Marathon there is a distance to suit everyone and this year’s races will take place on the 22nd September.
The event has steadily grown in popularity and has regularly sold out in recent years with 1300 runners taking the opportunity to run through a UNESCO World Heritage Site and take in the stunning scenery of the Causeway Coast. In fact the popularity of the event is such that it now attracts runners from across the globe to run through the magnificent beaches, bays and cliff tops of the North Antrim coast.
Springwell RC have had their share of wins and podium places at this event with Peter Cromie, Chris Denton, Fran McFadden, Helena Dornan, Ross Armstrong and Philip Tweedie, to name but a few, all achieving top three places.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Joan Baird joined Ian and Lucy Cumming from 26extreme to promote this year’s event.
Springwell RC’s David McGaffin, Carolyn Crawford and Dale Corbett, Councillor Joan Baird Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens and 26extreme’s Lucy and Ian Cumming (photo – 26 extreme)