Tyrone Courier - Sports - Sperrin Harrier athletes line out for Cookstown Half Marathon

Sports

Sperrin Harrier athletes line out for Cookstown Half Marathon

Wednesday, 28 July 2010

THE air was still and warm as the Sperrin Harrier athletes lined up at the start line of the Cookstown Half Marathon at Mid Ulster Sports Arena.
This event is well organised and well marshalled but for some reason this year all our athletes times where down. The down hill fast start leading into a series of hills may have a bigger effect on our legs than first thought.
Mel Hughes found himself feeling comfortable in 10th place, one mile into the race, leading the Sperrin Harriers pack. Mel had been feeling unwell during the week at training and this illness made a comeback at the two mile marker. Mel managed to complete the race up this time was badly effected.
The Sperrin Harrier results are as follows: David O'Brien1.28.17, Mel Hughes 1.30.20, Irwin Speirs 1.34.23 and Adrian Mccreesh 1.36.53.
Half marathon in Dublin mountains
Karen Alexander took part in a Half Marathon over the tops of Dublin mountains. It was her intention to use this event as a warm up of Dollar at the end of July.
Karen finished 9th overall and was placed 1st female with over 200 entrants taking part. Her time was 1.34.07 and was 16 minutes in front of the next fastest female. After the pressure of the international events Karen said that it was a pleasure just to go out at a relaxed pace and enjoy the event. Well done Karen and good luck at Dollar.

Portaferry 10m

Ashley Crawford took 5 seconds of his new personal best time for a 10 miler at the Portaferry 10 mile road race last Tuesday evening. He said the course was hilly but obously that he couldn't handle. Ashley was placed 38th with a time of 66.50 with 282 taking part. Well done Ashley, keep shaving seconds of your PB's.
David O'Brien made the short journey to Maghera to run the Brackaghreilly 5 mile road race. He produced a time of 32.10. Well done Davey that another race under the belt!
Five mile classic
There are only two weeks to go to the Sperrin Harriers 5 Mile Classic Road Race which will take place on Friday 6th August at 7.30pm. The race starts as always at Loughery College with parking available at both at the College and at Mid Ulster Sports Arena.
All are welcome to take part and this year we are also organising a Fun Run for beginners and children which will be within the Loughery campus and Mid Ulster Sports Arena grounds. The Fun Run starts at 6.30pm and all entrants will receive an engraved medal.
For more information and a downloadable entry form, logo on to www.sperrinharriers.co.uk.The next race in the Sperrin Harrier's Summer League is a four mile race in Drum Manor Forest on 27th July starting at 7pm.
Log onto the Sperrin Harrier website for more information.

Training

Sperrin Harriers training continues as usual at Loughry College, Cookstown on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.30pm, at Rainey RFC, Magherafelt on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.30pm and Ladies training at Meadowbank Track on Wednesday night at 7.30pm. Anyone interested in joining our training sessions please contact a committee member and come along. For full club details log onto www.sperrinharriers.co.uk.