Springwell Running Club - Press Release – April 21st 2019

This week has seen Springwell RC members in action in the Bay Road 5k, the El Campello 10k in Alicante, the Newcastle AC Hill & Dale series and the Ballyliffin International Coastal Challenge with a host of age category wins and podium places.

Bay Road 5k

The Bay Road 5k , hosted by City of Derry Spartans took place on Wednesday 17th April along the banks of the River Foyle and once again lived up to its reputation as one of the fastest 5k events in the country. It was the in-form Mark McKinstry (North Belfast Harriers) who claimed the 2019 title with an impressive 14.49, closely followed by Danny Mooney (Letterkenny AC) in second with 15.02 and Eoghain McGinley (Letterkenny AC) completing the podium in a time of 15.07.

The ladies race saw Rachel Gibson (North Down AC) first across the line in 17.37 with Ciara Toner (Springwell RC) not far behind in 17.44 and Kerry Bamber (Ballymena Runners) third with a time of 18.01.

Impressive performances from Chris Denton, 25th in 16.48 and Jim Platt, 136th in 25.31 saw them win the M45 and M75 age categories respectively.

Ciara Toner and Chris Denton at the Bay Road 5k

Campello 10k

The Campello 10k on Friday 12th April in Alicante saw Catherine Pinkerton (Springwell RC) finish in 161st with a time of 47.39 to claim second place in the F45 age category. Gary Moore (Springwell RC) was 162nd in 47.40.

Newcastle AC Hill and Dale

Thursday 11th April was Race 2 in this year’s Hill & Dale Series hosted by Newcastle AC. Taking part in his first mountain race series Ryan Galway (Springwell RC) put in another impressive performance to finish 17th in a time of 34.08.

The Ballyliffin International Coastal Challenge

The Ballyliffin International Coastal Challenge on Saturday 20th April attracted over 1000’s athletes to Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula, where they were greeted by almost perfect running conditions of overcast skies, a light breeze and no rain. Runners has a choice of either a 7 or a 10 mile course with over 800 taking on the challenge of the longer course. Starting in Ballyliffin village the runners had the benefit of a long, sweeping downhill stretch as they raced along the road towards Carndonagh before completing a lap of the Isle of Doagh before a final 2 miles along the stunning Pollan Beach to finish against the backdrop of Glashedy Island.

Stephen Connor (Foyle Valley AC) made his intentions clear from the start and quickly established a lead that he was to increase throughout the race until claiming victory in an impressive 59.00. Ciara Toner (Springwell RC) completed an outstanding week of racing by finishing 2nd overall and winning the ladies race in an excellent 1.00.45. Ciaran Rea (unattached) was 3rd overall (2nd man) in 1.01.10 and Maurice Harkin completed the mens podium in 1.01.51