Busy and productive weekend for NER crew

MANY North East Runners found themselves in action at various events across the country last weekend with many proving very successful.

After Storm Emma put paid to most races last weekend, Saturday saw the rescheduling of the Carlingford 10k and Half Marathon.

Two NERs put in strong performances on the hilly 10k track with Pat McElarney finishing 8th overall while Ursula Noone took to the podium finishing third lady on the day. In the half marathon there were strong showings by Áine Murphy, Edele Johnson and Ian Cosgrove.

While some club members were braving the elements of the coastal region, a trio of Masters travelled to Athlone to compete in the Irish Life Health Masters Indoor Championships. The trio of Geraldine Finegan, Declan Toal and Brian Lynch all returned home with medals to show for their days toil as both Declan and Brian won silver in the 3k races in their respective age categories while Geraldine, despite suffering from a virus in the past week, claimed five medals in total – bronze in the 60m, silver in the 200m and shot put and gold in the 400m and long jump.

On Sunday the Meath Spring Half Marathon and 10k, hosted by Bohermeen AC, was the destination for many NERs. With over 1,600 participants signed up to the two events this was a chance for PBs on a fast, flat course.

Conditions on the day were perfect and benefited a trio of club members with Geraldine Finegan on her way to a gold medal in the Leinster indoor long jump.

Peter Noone completing the 10k in a new personal best of 39:06 while Liam Fergus and Laura Mathews smashed their fastest previous records over the longer distance with 1:20:00 and 1:30:26 respectively.

Dearbhla Greene and Seán Carroll also posted fantastic times in the 10k with Seán boasting a personal best over the distance

while Susan McClean, Michael Parks and Nadia Campbell all ran superbly the half marathon. With many making the trip to Bohermeen, Brian McCluskey battled the hills of South Armagh on Sunday, romping home to victory in the Dromintee Rocky Road 10k.

This weekend sees a firm favourite on the NER racing calendar – the Pat Gogarty Charity Trail Run in Jenkinstown on St. Patrick’s Day. Register on the day at Bellurgan Utd soccer grounds from 9am. After the success of its first running, the Friends of St Oliver’s 5k run will take place the Saturday after (24th March) from Dowdallshill GAA grounds starting at 11am.