Castlewellan is perfect location

Castlewellan is perfect location

1 March 2017

CASTLEWELLAN Forest Park was the setting for the final race in the Belfast Telegraph Run Forest Run series. Almost 800 runners from all over Ireland took part in the race with club and non-affiliated runners both represented in almost equal measure. 

The Run Forest Run series had a total of eight races, all of which took part over the winter months in scenic forest locations throughout Northern Ireland. 

This year, for the first time, Born2Run introduced a 5K route at each of the eight locations.

The first race in the series took place at the Mary Peters Track and  Minnowburn forest back in early November.

From there, runners enjoyed races in Drum Manor, Loughgall Country Park, Kilbroney Forest Park , Tollymore Forest Park, Gosford Forest Park, Antrim Castle Gardens and, finally, Castlewellan.

Conditions for Saturday’s race were a little windy with the odd short shower thrown in. 

The runners lined up at the start of both races enjoyed a verse of Springsteen’s Born to Run before the claxon rang out and they were off. 

It was quite a sight to behold as the seemingly never ending stream of runners passed below the castle, making their way toward the far side of the lake. 

The route took runners around the lake and the 

second half proved sufficiently challenging with a few hills thrown in for good measure. 

David McKee, of Mourne Runners, was the winner of the 10k, but runner-up Don Travers, of Newry City Runners, gave him a really good run for his money. In third place was Timothy Johnston, of Mourne Runners.

Shaleen McMurray, of Newcastle AC, won the women’s 10k race. Cathy McCourt was runner-up, having won most of the previous races in the series, but the injury she picked up at the Antrim race slowed her down somewhat on this occasion. Moire O’Sullivan came third.

The 5k race was won yet again by Sam Linton, of Acorns AC. Sam Foster was the runner-up and completing the trio of men on the Podium was Newry City runner Robbie Marsh.

Ann Terek (City of Lisburn) was once again victorious in the women’s race followed home by Mourne Runners’ Karalee Porter. 

Meadow McAuley, of St Peter’s AC and only 13 years of age, came third in the women’s 5k, proving she’s one to watch for the future.

Born2Run would like to thank all those who took part in the series and remind everyone that their next event, the Castleward Challenge Half Marathon, 10K & 5k takes place on April 8. For more information and a full calendar of races go to www.born2runevents.com

Series winners

Overall 10k series female winner, Cathy McCourt; female 35, Sinead McCarry; female 40, Catherine Roberts (North Down AC); female 45, Sarah Feeney (Pace Running Club); female 50, Sharon Stephens (Ballymena Runners); female 55, Patricia Brown (Newry City Runners); female 70, Violet Davidson (Ballydrain Harriers).

Oversall 10k series male winner, Oliver Cook (Pace Running Club); male 35, Paul McGirr; male 40, Philip Hunter; male 45, David Graham (Armagh AC); male 50, Aidan O’Neill (Run-Anon); male 55, Martin Lundy; male 60, Brendan Connolly; male 65, Irvine Moorehead.

Overall 5k series female winner, Eva Winters; female 35, Ciara McVicker (Pace Running Club); female 40, Grace Shields; female 50, Teresa McAnearney (Roxy’s Runner); female 60, Arlene Hamilton.

Overall 5k series male winner, Sam Linton (Acorns AC); male 40, Neil McCormick (Ballydrain Harriers); male 45, Robert Stockley; male 50, Ronald Gardiner; male 55, Stephen Craig.