Strong runs for club in weekend outings

Strong runs for club in weekend outings

12 March 2025

AFTER a postponement due to Storm Eowyn, the rescheduled and Castlewellan Run Forest Run finally took place in Castlewellan Forest Park.

With a choice of a 10K and the shorter 5K, most opted for the 10k, although with several fallen trees still not cleared, the organisers had to change the planned route to one which consisted of long hill up towards the Castle followed by laps of the lake. 

John Nixon was the first Murlough AC man over the finish line with a great time of just over 44 minutes. He was very closely followed by Lawrance Smith and Noel McMullan.  

The first Murlough lady home was Rebecca Wyglendacz, finishing strongly in 47.3 minutes. Behind her, the battle for the finish line was between the ever-improving Bernie McMullan and Natalie Killen.

Lauranne McMullan ran a fantastic time of 22.28 mins to take second place on the ladies’ 5K podium. 

This race series is very popular with members of Murlough AC and it wasn’t surprising that Murlough was named Best Represented Club over the six races. Fiona Barr who won her age category over the race series.

While some in Castlewellan may have complained about the hill up towards the castle as part of the Run Forest Run Race, Judith Robinson and Paula McKibben tackled an elevation of 850m in the IMRA Wicklow Half Marathon.

Paula won her age category with Judith awarded a second place in her category.

Judith was out the following day taking part in the Southern Area Hospice 10K in Lurgan and was more than happy with her time of 66 minutes.