Busy week for Springwell runners

As always, there was a lot of parkrunning going on as another event was welcomed to the parish. As well as running, members have been busy with the preparations for the Purple Ladies 5k in Ballymoney on August 17.

Mallusk 5 Mile Road Race

Friday saw the return of the Mallusk 5 Mile Road Race hosted by Mallusk Harriers. This popular event attracted 187 runners with Ryan Kennedy representing Springwell. A determined run from Ryan saw him finish 32 nd (2 nd M45) in a time of 34:17.

County Down 5k

The County Down 5k, which was held on Friday, is always a fast race and this one was no exception! The event in Downpatrick town centre has three races on a flat and fast course with an elite race for those who aim to finish sub 17 minutes, a race for those aiming for a 17-22 min finish and those who expect to finish in 22+ minutes.

David Shiels was in attendance for Springwell RC in race 2 which was the 17-22 min finishers, and produced a fantastic performance, coming in well below the 20 min marker, finishing 35th in a time of 19:30.

Stanley Reid 5 Miler

Saturday saw the return of the Stanley Reid 5 Miler. Named in memory of Stanley Reid who was instrumental in the formation of the Cookstown harriers which later became the Sperrin Harriers, the course, which starts and finishes within the Loughry Campus takes the runners along a scenic undulating route through the surrounding roads.

Ten members took to the starting line on Saturday with a very successful day all round. Alan Nevin was the first Springer home in 14th place with a very strong run. Deborah McPhee had a great day, not only running a personal best, but finishing second in her age category.

Springwell RC - 14 th Alan Nevin 30:08 (3rd M35), 22 nd Rodney McPhee 31:49, 52 nd James Hughes 37:17, 60 th Michael Johnson 38:52, 76 th Deborah McPhee 41:03 (2nd F35), 116 th Andrew Wilmot 48:18, 120 th Deborah Archibald 49:10, 122nd Amanda Scott 49:49, 129 th Lorraine Abernethy 52:47, 135th Bernie Drain 57:10 (3rd F55)