Springwell athletes in both local and national action

This weekend saw a somewhat quieter weekend on the racing front than usual but, with the Larne Half Marathon beckoning there were still plenty of Springwell athletes in action, excelling at a variety of races and runs including Indoor Track, Trail runs, Fell races and of course, the local parkruns, both locally and nationally.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Feb 2016, 07:00 BST
Updated 17th Feb 2016, 06:21 BST
And they're off! The start of Limavady parkrunAnd they're off! The start of Limavady parkrun
And they're off! The start of Limavady parkrun

NI & Ulster Junior Indoors Track & Field Championships

After last week’s superb XC performance by Aife McSheffrey it was another of our star-studded stable of Junior athletes that caught the eye, this time Aine McKinney producing the goods, with a stunning victory in the Girls U18 800m final at the NI & Ulster U18 800m Indoor Championships, held at the Meadowbank Stadium in Magherafelt on Saturday 6th February. Despite the high calibre opposition, Aine blew her opponents away, winning by a clear 50” over her nearest rival in a very rapid time of2:28:22, in what was an outstanding individual performance. Fantastic run Aine, very well done!

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It was great to see a number of our very talented Juniors compete at the very highest level in a variety of events, at these very competitive finals. The club was represented by Roan Wilson in the U13 Boys 60m & 600m, Jessica Morgan in the U14 Girls 60m, Laura Brolly and Natasha Simmons in the U15 Girls 60m, Emily Irwin in the U16 Girls 60m and Ryan Cullen in the U19 Boys 400m.

Tolulope Jide Ojo also had a superb run in the U14 Girls 800m, finishing in a brilliant 9th overall in an excellent time of 2:41:15, showing great potential for the future.

Born 2 Run ‘Run Forest Run’ Antrim Castle 10k 2016

Nearly 700 athletes descended on Antrim Castle grounds for the penultimate race in the Born 2 Run ‘Run Forest Run’ Series, the Antrim Castle 10k. This was the first time that the Series ventured towards the scenic Estate, which offered competitors a reasonably flat and fast route.

North Belfast Harriers’ Mark McKinstry led the field home, after an exciting contest in 31:46 with William McKee of Mourne Runners following in 31:56 (2nd place). City of Derry AC’s Allan Bogle completed the top three in 33:34 (3rd place).

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In the ladies race, there was no stopping the always impressive Laura Graham (Mourne Runners), as she stormed to a comprehensive victory. Laura took 9th overall in an excellent 36:02 (1st place). Louise Smith (North Belfast Harriers), once again ran well to take the runners up spot in 37:47 (2nd place), while much respected Ballymena & Antrim athlete Pauline Thom crossed the line in 39:09 for 3rd place.

Springwell had two female representatives taking part, with Michelle Sweeney first home for the club in 56:48 and Lorraine Abernethy next in 1:01:35. Well done to both ladies for showing such great enthusiam for taking part in competitive racing, at this very early stage of their running careers!

Related topics:Laura Graham