Springwell Running Club - Press Release – December 15th

A very wintery blast of wind, rain, sleet and snow arrived to add just a little extra challenge for those taking part in this weekend’s selection of cross country and trail races, while one Springwell RC member decided that a few miles in the sun was a much better option.

Lough Fea 5k

Saturday 14th December saw the second event of the Sperrin Harriers Winter Trail League with the Lough Fea 5k. Set in the stunning scenery of the Sperrin Mountains the trail around Lough Fea may well be described as flat and fast, but the arrival of wind, sleet and snow just turned the challenge up a notch for the 110 runners who put their toe to the start line.

Alister Jamison was the first over the line for Springwell RC finishing 7th in a time of 19.05 with Barry Mullan not far behind in 9th in 19.26. Maurice Walker was 15th in 20.28, Bryan Edgar 18th in 20.39 and Roy Buchanan 42nd in 23.13. Judith Buchanan continued her good form with another podium finish as she finished 3rd lady (47th overall) in a time of 23.29.

North West XC

Hosted by City of Derry Spartans, the North West Cross Country took place in Gransha Park on Saturday 14th December. The 6km course was in good condition for the 162 competitors and it was Mark McKinstry (North Belfast Harriers) and Neil Johnston (Springwell RC) who contested the lead before Neil ran out a convincing winner in a time of 19.26 with Mark second in 19.45.

Springwell RC had another six members at the event with Ciaran Ferris 15th 21.00, Ryan Galway 21st 22.02, Alex Brennan 34th 22.58, Christopher McNickle 39th 23.23, Gerry O’Doherty 67th 25.29 and Thomas Moore 92nd 26.44.

Neil Johnston at the North West XC (Photo courtesy of Fintan Stewart)

In the junior races Niamh McGarry won the U16 girls and Roan Wilson the U16 boys’ events.

Zurich Maraton Malaga

The Malaga Marathon on Sunday 15th December saw temperatures close to 20 Celsius with clear skies for the 5778 runners to finish the course. Springwell RC’s Chris Denton produced another excellent marathon performance as he finished 116th in a time of 2.51.37.