By Ian Frazer
THIS week saw Scrabo Striders taking part in a variety of races and events, from cross country to long-distance efforts. Junior members were also out in force, showcasing their talent and determination.Friday saw some of the Juniors representing their schools in The Flahavan’s Athletics NI Primary Schools Cross Country League Round 3, with Heath Farrington finishing the U12B race in 6:25, Joshua Bingham completing the U14B race in 7:08, and Iona Chanas coming home in 6:36 in the U14G race.The weekend began with We Run Wild’s Rabbit Run in Ballypatrick Forest which offered both half marathon and marathon distances. Sonya Summersgill and Darren Johnston both completed the half marathon in 2:25:39. In the marathon, Graeme Black finished in 4:22:39 and Liam Rodger in 5:38:29.The most popular event of the weekend with club members was the Malcolm Cup Cross Country in Ormeau Park, organised by Annadale Striders. Members of Scrabo Striders were well represented across all age groups. In the Vets Men’s race, Norman Mawhinney took first place in the M65 category with a time of 18:35. In the U13 girls race, Keara Simpson completed the course in 7:31, while in the U13 boys, Calum McCready finished in 8:59, followed closely by Olly Simpson in 9:06. Harry McCready represented the club in the U15 boys race, finishing in 13:30. In the senior women’s race, Karen Collins was first Strider home in 23:52, followed by Amanda Martin (24:46), Sonya Summersgill (25:43), Sarah Luce (27:43), Lyndsey Blair (28:21), Rachel Boyle (28:46), Naomi Magowan (28:48) and Emma McCracken (29:56). In the men’s race, Matthew Halus came in third in the U20 category (25:30), followed by Coach Ismail (25:59), Michael Burgess (29:16) and Matt Bell (29:17).On Saturday, many Striders took part in various parkrun events as usual, with another strong showing in Comber where PBs were recorded by Luke Braniff, Martin Conroy, Keara Simpson, Harry Harper, Maxine Dynes and Elijah Ferguson, while Rebecca Robinson and Maddie Dynes celebrated their 50th parkrun milestones and Harry McCready recorded a course PB. Sunday was all about the junior parkrunners, with some great results across multiple venues. At Comber junior parkrun, Joe Brown completed the course in 09:10, Keara Simpson was first female finisher in 09:28, Elijah Ferguson achieved a PB in 09:31, Nathaniel Frazer a course PB in 11:13, Olly Simpson in 11:14, Charlie George Stewart in 12:17, Lydia Blair in 12:18, Leo Williams in 14:21 and Harriet Frazer in 16:48. At Bangor junior parkrun, Daniel Barnes finished with a first timer result of 10:23, Lyla Rose McNamara achieved a Course PB in 11:30, and Noah Barnes completed the run in 13:57. Finally, at Lough Moss junior parkrun, Heath Farrington achieved a Course PB in 08:47, followed by Rory Braniff in 09:17.Friday, May 9 will see the return of Striders’ popular open race Run the Runways at Ards Airfield, this year sponsored by Grant Estate Agents. The flat route around the runways offers perfect PB potential for the 5K and 10K distances on offer, as well as a 2K kids race to ensure there’s something for the whole family. The usual impressive selection of post-race refreshments will also be on offer, and entries are now open! Scrabo Striders is an inclusive running club offering sessions where all abilities train together in an encouraging and supportive atmosphere. With up to four training nights per week on Monday – Thursday, as well as three social runs per week, club-only events and social gatherings, there’s something to suit everyone. Visit scrabostriders.com or search Scrabo Striders Running Club on Facebook for more information.
