100 not out for Sophie after completing latest Castlewellan parkrun

100 not out for Sophie after completing latest Castlewellan parkrun

9 July 2025

THERE were celebrations, along with admiration, at the Castlewellan Parkrun on Saturday when nine-year-old Sophie Kerr completed her 100th parkrun — a remarkable milestone for someone so young.

Sophie, who has just finished P5, is already a familiar face to regulars at the popular weekly event held in Castlewellan Forest Park.

Known for her small stature and nimble running style, Sophie is often seen weaving her way gracefully through the crowds on the 5k course.

Despite her age, Sophie is considered something of a stalwart of the local parkrun community. As well as participating in events, she is also a regular volunteer, frequently seen donning the high-visibility vest as part of the essential team of heroes who keep the event running smoothly each week.

Sophie’s 100-run milestone is the result of years of dedication, with over 100 Saturday mornings spent at parkrun since she began officially clocking up parkruns at the age of four. Her commitment, perseverance, and enthusiasm have made her a beloved figure among fellow runners and volunteers alike.

“Sophie embodies everything parkrun is about — community spirit, encouragement, and a love of running,” said one attendee. “Her achievement is inspirational, not only for young runners but for everyone who takes part.”

As Castlewellan Parkrun continues to thrive, it’s clear that young participants like Sophie Kerr are helping to shape the future of the event — one Saturday at a time.

The spirit of achievement didn’t end there. Several young runners from Newcastle AC appeared inspired by Sophie’s milestone, delivering standout performances of their own.Harry McVeigh led the junior charge, finishing fourth overall with an outstanding time of 18:30, shaving an impressive 23 seconds off his previous best.Hot on his heels was Connaire Óg McVeigh, determined to make his mark — and succeeding – by obliterating his personal best, finishing in 20:44.

Donal McDaid, fresh from a PB just last week, pushed even further this time, finishing in 21:44, aided by the support of his dad Damien and big brother Patrick running alongside him. Emily Kerr delivered a perfectly paced run, matching her PB exactly in 21:51, and is sure to return soon with renewed determination.

Elsewhere, Mary Houston demonstrated the magic of the day, beating her previous best by nearly 30 seconds, crossing the line in 22:23. Katie Walker turned out yet another consistent and strong performance, clocking 25:27, while Evie Barrett-McNulty smashed her previous best, taking more than 50 seconds off to finish in 34:18.

Rounding out the fantastic morning of running was Charlotte Kerr, who completed the course in 36:10, no doubt spurred on by the thought of celebratory buns waiting at the finish line in honour of her sister Sophie’s 100-run milestone.

As personal bests were being shattered back home, one young athlete was quietly making waves on the national stage.

Rónán Grant, representing his club and province with pride, travelling to Tullamore, Co Offaly to compete at the 123.ie National Juvenile Track and Field Championships, facing the top Under-16 hammer throwers from across Ireland.

Following a strong showing at the Ulster Championships in June, Rónán earned his place among the nation’s elite, and was eager to measure himself against familiar competitors from last year’s event.

Despite being the youngest in the field, he arrived confident and focused, knowing the work he had put in — particularly during the off-season — would count when it mattered most.

However, the competition didn’t start ideally. His first throw struck the cage, and although his second attempt was measured, a slight graze against the cage again cost him valuable metres.

Heading into the crucial third round sitting in 15th place, Rónán knew he needed a near-perfect effort to break into the top ten and earn a place in the final.

What followed was a testament to the composure, mental strength, and technical discipline rarely seen in such young athletes. With Olympian Perri Williams standing camera-in-hand at the back of the cage, the atmosphere was charged. Drawing on his preparation and resolve, Rónán delivered a technically sharp and confident throw that sailed cleanly through the air — no contact, no hesitation.

As the hammer landed and all eyes turned to the scoreboard, the moment seemed suspended in time. Then came the number: 26.37 metres. Not only had he smashed his previous personal best by over 2 metres, he had also secured a spot in the final and had already surpassed his placing from last year’s nationals.

Speaking after the event, Rónán said: “Those moments felt like they lasted forever. When the scoreboard showed 26.37, I not only smashed my PB — I knew I’d made the final cut. It was a huge relief and an even bigger motivation.”

In the final rounds, Rónán pushed further still and ultimately finished eighth overall iand second among the Ulster athletes, just behind his training partner, Matthew Ward, of Lagan Valley.

The performance marks a significant turning point in Rónán’s hammer throwing journey. In this season alone, he has transitioned from the 3kg to the 4kg hammer and has added over six metres to his distance since last year’s championship appearance in Tullamore. His development and tenacity signal a bright future in the discipline — and one suspects this won’t be the last time we see his name near the top of a national leaderboard.

For Rónán, it wasn’t just a medal chase — it was a masterclass in perseverance and a powerful reminder that the final throw can change everything.

On Sunday, it was Owen Gilmore who delivered a gutsy performance in the U14 Boys 800m, narrowly missing a place in the final in what has been a remarkable first full year with Newcastle AC.

Having only joined the club just over a year ago, Owen has quickly made a name for himself as a talented all-rounder, impressing in cross country, sprints, and middle distance events. After claiming bronze at the Ulster Championships in the 800m, he earned his place on the national stage and lined up against some of the top U14 middle-distance runners from across Ireland.

In his heat, Owen gave it everything — running a superb 2:19 — and finished just under a second shy of a qualifying spot for the final. It was a performance full of grit and determination, and one that reflects the potential and promise he’s already shown across the past 12 months.

Though missing out on the final will have been disappointing, Owen’s breakthrough season is one to be immensely proud of. With more experience at this level under his belt, there’s no doubt he’ll return stronger next year.

This season has laid a solid foundation and with his versatility, drive, and natural talent, Owen is one to watch.