Murlough runners in full flow

Murlough runners in full flow

5 December 2018

ON a wet Saturday morning, some 18 Murlough AC members made their way across the province to Loughgall in Co Armagh to complete the third race in Born 2 Run’s Run Forest Run series. 

There is no other way to describe the day other than it chucked it down, our feet were well and truly soaked before the race began. Despite the weather, spirits were high and MAC in their band of red coats made their presence felt. 

The 10k took off first and we completed a wet course with some challenging hills around a testing figure of eight course. Even with the rain it was another race in a great place with some beautiful scenery. 

Kieran McShane led the MAC men home in an impressive 40:58, followed by a strong performance from Declan McCormick in 42:18. Gavin McNeill upped his game with an amazing 47:44 and Joe McMahon continues to improve week on week with a super time of 51:34. 

It was great to see Irvine Moorehead complete the course in a solid time of 54:08. For the ladies, Pat Shields stole the show with a PB and age category win in a time of 46:27. Cliona O’Boyle was delighted to break the 50 minutes for the first time, completing it in 49:55, closely followed by a great run from Anne McCormick in 50:53. 

Another one in the bag for Charisse Poland in a great time of 53:03. Christine McCormick and Ann McAlarney finished a tough run in times of 58:54 and 1:05:06 respectively.

In the 5k race, friends Niall Poland and Shane Gregg led the MAC pack home in times of 24:35 and 24:40 respectively. Superwoman Una Megoran was fifth lady in the race in an impressive 25:26. 

Ann George was hot on her heels in a time of 26:12. Donna Quinn, Laura Brennan, and Michelle Hickland did MAC proud in times of 30:45, 30:54 and 34:16.

We were all delighted to see the final downhill stretch to the finish line, collecting another great medal and filled our bellies with some welcome warm soup and rolls. Another well organised event by Born 2 Run, enjoyed by all the MACers that travelled to Loughgall.

Seeley Cup 10k

Saturday afternoon saw six from the club take on the Seeley Cup in Belfast. The route is fast and consists of two and a half laps of Ormeau Park. Thankfully, the rain stopped just in time at the start. 

First MAC runner to cross the line was Alan Johnston with an impressive time of 36.0, superb running. Hot on his heels was Eamon McCann, achieving a fabulous sub 40 of 39.25. 

Hugh Oram was next with 42.27, followed by David Stewart in 45.07 and then Dave Fulcher in 45.58. Last one to finish was Aoife McVeigh, the solo female, with just under the 50min in 49.38. Not a bad day for MAC.

Crossgar Santa Run

December is the season to be merry and on Sunday a few Murlough runners got into the swing of the Christmas spirit and joined likewise runners and headed to the Santa run in Crossgar.

A couple of Murlough juniors, Charlie McCabe and Clara McAvoy, enjoyed running the kids race of just under a mile. 

Their great efforts were rewarded with a selection box. The adults race started in the grounds of the monastery then followed the paths around the inside of the grounds. 

The 5k was one lap and the 10k was two laps with a wee bit added at the start to make up the distance.

Murlough AC conquered the 10k race with birthday boy Kieran McShane, a familiar face on the podium, once again was first male overall at a magnificent time of 37:29,

Patricia Hogg was first Murlough lady home, followed at a steady time of 49:58 and once again continued to inspire fellow Mac runners. Taking a break from their continuous marathons

Paula McKibben and Jacqueline Moore followed next. Leah Calvert was first lady home overall in the 5k and came in at  21:38, Pat Shields followed, along with her daughter Anna Crawford, who completed her 5k.

Endurance performance 

Five Murlough members made their way to Ulster University Belfast where a public talk was being presented to about 200 people. 

The Conor Lecture Hall was full of endurance performance athletes from runners, cyclists, swimmers and rowers. Various university professors have presented their research findings on ways to help the athlete resist the urge to stop or slow down whilst engaging in their sport. 

There were also a couple of elite sports people sharing their experiences. It was an informative evening and well worth attending.