Local runners enjoy marathon debuts

The 3500 strong field were forced to contend with horrendous conditions as relentless rain swept the course making it difficult for both competitors and spectators.

However this did not dampen the spirits of the Ballymena group who stuck to the task and produced several impressive performances.

First of the local group to finish was Mark McKinstry who was making his first competitive outing for the club. Mark finished well up the field in 348th place in 3 hours 27 mins 55 secs.

Lesley Doyle continued her run of progression when she finished under the 4 hour barrier in 3hours 55mins 23 secs to reach a goal she had set prior to the event.

Shaun Friel was next home and was running a strong race up to the 17 mile mark before a knee injury flared up causing him to walk parts of the course. Shaun’s finishing time was 4 hours 27 mins 37secs.

Close behind was the fast finishing Natasha Rea who felt good throughout the race and was still full of running at the end. Natasha finished in 4 hours 31 mins 28 secs to claim 1890 place overall.

Bringing the group home was Geoff McKibben who missed his final 3 weeks of training due to a virus. Undaunted brave Geoff stuck to his task and was on pace going through half distance in 2 hours 15 mins before calf cramps upset his plans. Geoff continued bravely to finish in 5 hours 41 mins 22 secs.

Fit N Running also had a Ladies relay team in action. They recorded an impressive performance finishing in 3 hours 44 mins 32 secs in 218th place from an entry of over two thousand.

The team was made up of Judith Gaston who was home from Norwich for the weekend, Shauna Martin, Caroline Flanaghan who ran leg 3 and then carried on to the finish line to complete a 17 mile effort. Kerry McCollum did the penultimate leg handing over to gifted junior Catriona Quigley who anchored the team home with a fast last leg.

Also in action was Lesley Kerr who was representing her Premier Inn work team. Lesley ran the 3rd leg and got carried away with the euphoria of the event so went on to complete the 4th leg as well.

Fit N Running now have a facebook page so for more information and to follow the fortunes of the local club log on to facebook.com/fitnrunning.

Fit N Running are based at the Michelin Athletic Club in Ballymena. They train on Monday and Tuesday evenings at 6.15pm. There is also a session on Saturday mornings at 9.15am.

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]