On Saturday 15th October sixteen members from Larne Athletic Club travelled to Dundrum, Co. Down to compete in two races hosted by Murlough Athletic Club.
GR8 Dundrum Run
Almost 950 runners took to the start line to participate in the long awaited GR8 Dundrum Run in its first year back since the covid pandemic. This multi-terrain course measures 8.4 miles and covers road, gravel tracks, beach and boardwalk. This year participants will surely take away with them the memory of the gruelling headwind which accompanied them along the 2 mile stretch of Murlough Beach.
A massive congratulations to Jordan Heron who gave an outstanding performance to finish in 2nd place in a time of 47:44. Jordan is becoming a regular on the podium, and this latest achievement comes just one week after picking up 2nd place at the Les Jones Memorial 5k.
Martan Keane, showing particular strength along the beach section, put in another strong run for the club to finish in 14th place overall and in a time of 52:26. Juliane Keane earned a top ten place, finishing as the race’s 6th fastest female, ( 72ND overall) in a time of 1:00:25.
Sean McAllister was the club’s third male home in 140th place and in a time of 1:04:36. Both Paul Tilson and Mark Todd crossed the finish line together in 160th and 162nd place with the same gun time of 1:05:58, however the results revealed Mark to have the faster chip time of 1:05:36 and Paul a chip time of 1:05:46.
Charlotte English, just getting back to racing, put in a very promising performance to finish in 203rd place overall and 2nd lady for the club, in a time of 1:07:25. Lee Stirling 268th and Mandy Johnston 324th, completed the course in hard earned times of 1:09:13 and 1:10 :38 respectively. Gail Montgomery finished well ahead of the 1hr 30 pacers in 1:22:26, 654th place.
Well done to all runners showing great endurance in such tough conditions.
Dundrum 3.5 Mile Race
Larne AC also had 6 members taking part in Murlough AC’s new 3.5 mile road race. This race had 116 participants and provided a welcome opportunity for some members who are just getting back to running to join in with the racing.
First home for Larne AC was Jackie Wallace who finished in 26th place overall, first in his age category and in a time of 31:26. Shiree Brennan was first female club member home in 42nd place overall and in a time of 32:55. It was great to see Heather Baxter back running, finishing in 51st place in 35:42.
Catherine Todd, coming back from injury, had her first race in quite some time and finished in 68th place in 38:21. Senga Craig and Rhonda Wallace crossed the line together in 74th and 75th places respectively in times of 38:57 and 38:58
Thank you to Murlough AC for such a fabulous event, to East Antrim Harriers for their company on the bus and to club members who travelled to Dundrum to support our runners along the route.
Photos courtesy of Murlough AC
