ATHLETICS: Busy week for Springwell

This race, hosted by Acorns AC is well known for the energy sapping Acorns Hill, which runners had to ascend on each lap. The recent heavy rain meant that the saturated course was quickly churned into an energy sapping quagmire.

The mens’ four mile, four lap race was dominated by Mark McKinstry (North Belfast Harriers). Mark, who had represented Northern Ireland at last weekend’s Antrim International XC, enjoyed a relatively comfortable win, despite the efforts of a talented chase pack, claiming victory in 24.45.  In the battle for second place it was City of Derry AC’s Alan Bogle and Noel Logan who were left to contest the other podium places. At the end of a very close contest it was Alan who finished second in 25.17 with Noel third, just two seconds behind in 25.19.

Springwell RC Results - 8th Luke Dinsmore 25.33, 26th Jonathan McKee 28.04, 29th Alex Brennan 28.16, 30th Paul Thompson 28.17, 31st Dale Corbett 28.21, 36th Barry Mullan 28.48, 40th Alister Jamison 29.06, 56th Maurice Walker 30.20, 61st Chris Millar 30.45, 63rd Bryan Edgar 30.58, 67th David McGaffin 31.17, 72nd Andy Dowey 31.29, 76th Aaron Craig 31.40, 79th James Stewart 31.45, 84th Thomas Moore 32.03, 94th Peter Jack 32.53, 117th David Gault 36.26, 118th Nigel Armstrong 36.31, 134th Paul Dornan 39.07, 143rd Andrew Wilmot 48.51

Situated between Cookstown and Omagh, An Cregan was the venue on Saturday 13th January for event 3 in the popular Sperrin Harriers Winter Trail Series. This 5 mile race consisted of two scenic laps of the forest tracks before finishing at the centres reception buildings.

In the ladies Gillian Wasson (Ballymena Runners AC), having already won the Race Over the Glens on New Year’s Day, continued her excellent form winning in 33.28, Karen McLaughlin (Springwell Running Club) replicated her second place of 2017 with a time of 35.03 before Olivia Mullin (Greencastle AC) 35.06, Amanda Donnelly (Sperrin Harriers) 36.09 and Laura Mitchell (Sperrin Harriers) 36.11 completed the top five ladies.

Springwell RC’s Jim Breen continued his return from injury with an excellent run of 38.42 to finish as second M60.

Springwell RC Results - 32nd Karen McLaughlin 35.03 (2nd lady), 64th Jim Breen 38.42 (2nd M60), 100th Bob McLaughlin 46.47, 102nd Elaine Montgomery 47.53, 104th Judith McLaughlin 48.09

The Athletics NI Sprints and Hurdles Indoor Championships were held on Saturday 13th January. Springwell RC were represented in the U16 Girls 60m sprint by Tolu Jide-Ojo who had an excellent run of 8.36 to claim victory.

Saturday 13th January (13/1) was World Half Marathon Day with the East Antrim Marathon series celebrating the event by running a Marathon. Springwell RC’s Helena Dornan, a regular figure at these events had an excellent run to finish as second lady in 3.55.09.