Fit N Running athletes notch win ‘double’

Perfect conditions greeted the record field of 200 athletes who took part in an event which continues to grow in popularity.

There were however problems on the night as the leading quartet of athletes were directed 200 metres off course by a poorly informed race marshall just after the 1k mark. The group which contained leading trio Sperrin Harriers Chris McPeak, Ballymena & Antrims Matt Wray and Gregory Walsh got back on course to find themselves well down the field with a big defecit to make up.

They stuck to their task however to reclaim the top 3 places and were separated by 4 secs going into the final 400 meters with McPeak in front from Walsh and Wray in 3rd.

Walsh finished strongly to claim top spot in 16mins 56secs with Wray coming through in second place a further 2 secs down and McPeak taking 3rd in 17min 6secs.

Top junior was Conor Mc Quillan who 4 hours earlier had taken part in a 12min time trial at school. Conor showed no ill effects as he romped to a resounding success in 19mins 21secs.

James Wallace in his debut season with the local club continued his 100% record of pb’s at all distances with 49sec improvement. Now in his 15th season in the sport James crossed the line in 19mins 14 secs in 16th place.

Paula Wallace brought the group home with a fine 6th place finish in the female open crossing the line in 23mins 32secs.

CLUB TRAINING

Fit N Running are based at the Michelin Athletic Club in Ballymena. They train on Tuesday evenings at 615pm. There is also a session on Saturday mornings at 915am. The club cater for the full range of runners from beginners, juniors though to intermediate and advanced athletes. For further information Club coach Gregory Walsh can be contacted on 07952 168016 or email [email protected]. Follow Fit N Running on their facebook page facebook.com/fitnrunning