Locals perform well in Laganside 10k

The full complement of prizes in all categories attracted a quality field to tackle the flat one and a half lap course.

From the off a lead group of 8 men quickly detached themselves from the pack. By the time they reached the towpath Willowfield’s Alan McCullough led the group with clubmates Paul Rowan and Brian Campbell in close contention.

The host club trio Eamonn White, Tommy Hughes and Conor Flanaghan along with Abbey’s Simon Taylor were well placed as they came back on to the embankment. By the end of the first big lap race favourite Brian Campbell had opened a 20 metre gap over the pack.

He continued to stretch his lead over the final lap to claim victory in 32min 1sec. Next home was North Belfast Eamonn White an impressive second, joined by supervet Tommy Hughes third and Conor Flanaghan who made up the 3 man team as the host club claimed victory over Willowfield.

Abbey’s Simon Taylor claimed fifth with Paul Rowan and Alan McCullough taking sixth and seventh respectively.

The Ladies race was a gun to tape victory for Abbey’s Gladys Ganiel O’Neill storming home in 36min 46secs. North down duo Julie Balmer and jessica Craig took second and third edging out the host club’s Geraldine Quigley as North Down claimed the first two places in the team race.

Other Harriers athletes in action were John Dickey 41.23 John McCann 45.36 Grainne Dickey 48.32 Dessy Metrustry 48.26 and John Marquess 55.29.

North Belfast wish to thank the race sponsors and those who contributed spot prizes as well as everyone who helped with the planning and organisation.