McCormick leads Murlough squad home in Larne 10K Coast Road Run

6 July 2022

LARNE AC hosted a new 10K event, the Coast Road Run, on Saturday.

Advertised as ‘a pancake flat out and back’ race, it attracted a large field of runners — some hoping for PBs, others wanting to enjoy a run along a route which must have some of the best scenery in Ireland.

An early morning start to get to Ballygally in time for number collection at 8.30am didn’t deter the Murlough contingent, who were looking forward to a run without hills.

After a short, sharp rain shower, we headed out along the coast road in brilliant sunshine for 5K before turning and running back towards Ballygally Castle.

As expected, the flat route encouraged a fast start and with the increasing temperatures the water at half way point was more than welcome.

Declan McCormick was the first MAC man to cross the finish line in a time of 41.33, ahead of Paul Kane.

Orla Russell led the MAC women in with a time of 50.02 – a great return to 10 K racing for her.

Eleanor McCartney was only seconds behind, followed by Anne McCormick and Rose Mackin.

Mary Boyle, Annie McCartan, Amanda Johnston, Michelle McCann and Ann Geaorge all ran strong races, despite not having raced or ran this distance for weeks.

Overall, a good way to spend a Saturday morning; running in an well organised event which had everything — a scenic, but challenging fast race route and a ‘good spread’ served up post-race.

Although not about running, special mention must be given to the Dundrum Coastal Rowing Club teams who were so successful at the SkiffieWorld22 event in the Netherlands.

Three MAC members were part of the teams which won gold medals — big congratulations to Hugh Oram, Carol McMenamin and Fiona Barr.

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