Little rest for Murlough runners on busy Sunday

Little rest for Murlough runners on busy Sunday

6 April 2016

MURLOUGH AC members were out in force at a number of great events last Sunday.

The second annual 5k rabbit run, which is organised by the Northern Ireland Hospice, took place at Hazel Bank Park, Newtownabbey.

On a cold, damp and miserable day a field of over 400 runners who took to the scenic coastline route with views of Belfast Lough. The race attracted a wide variety of runners from sub 20 finishers to those running as a family.

Murlough runners unfortunately didn’t get to the front of the pack, which resulted in them finding the going very congested.

Five Murlough runners took part — Hazel Crudgington, Kate Pryce, Wendy McKeown, Eileen Hunter and Sinead Carville.

Hazel ran with her daughter, Megan, and Wendy ran with her sister, Lorraine, and nephew, Ryan. The first Murlough runner home was Hazel (and Megan), who was closely followed by Kate, Eileen and Sinead, and Wendy. 

Although they ran for a great charity the medal which was given to all competitors was equally as great.

Six Murlough AC runners made the short trip to Castlewellan for the annual Spring Lakes Challenge on Sunday afternoon.

In a well-organised event that even managed to turn off the rain for an hour or so, the runners took in a scenic route around Castlewellan Forest Park that included a couple of challenging hills.

Alan Johnston made a welcome return to racing following injury, and was the first Murlough AC member home in the 10k.  Niamh O’Connell was next back, followed by Dave Fulcher and Colm Devlin.

Norah Walsh and Ann McAlarney opted for the 5k run and were on hand to offer some much-needed support to the 10k runners as they neared the finish line.

Murlough AC members also took part in the Runher 10k at Delamont. 

These included Pat Shields, who was the first Murlough runner home, Caroline Morgan, Carol McMenamin and Paula McKibben.