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Sept 2017 parkrun report

October 12, 2017October 12, 2017 admin Leave a comment

02/09/17

Nice to see that members have been keeping up with parkrunning in 2017, and more importantly, keeping up with the cake.

Jonathan Beattie took 1st place at Carrickfergus on 2nd Sept. He was followed by Ben McCaughran, Paul Daniels, Laura Johnston, Catherine Steele, Trevor Lamb, Gemma Lovell and Kathleen McKeown.

There’s also still a bit of parkrun tourism going on this year, with 8 different NI parkruns being sprinted, ran, jogged, walked and/or crawled by Seapark members this week.

Helen Boyd achieved a course PB of 33:30 at Antrim.

Ronald Simms seized 6th place on his 1st run at Bangor.

Neil Harper and Karen Waring both participated in the Enniskillen parkrun before heading to Heaven via a Stairway later that same day.

Ryan Campbell completed his 1st run at Queens.

Ian Cleland finished in 4th place, while Sara Johnston ran a course PB of 24:46 at Stormont.

Karen McMaster and Richard Hetherington both attended Valley.

Bobbie Irvine, Nicola Irvine (with a course PB of 25:03) and Gavin Irvine went to Victoria.

While Karen Foster was the lone Seaparker at Waterworks.

09/09/17

There were three milestones reached on 9th Sept with Phillip Poag and Nicola Irvine both reaching their 100th parkrun each and Bobbie Irvine having the honour of being the first Seaparker to reach 200 parkruns (no official T-shirt for this but I’m sure Bobbie will create one).

William Jenkins was the first Seaparker to finish Carrickfergus parkrun this week. He was followed by Charlie McCormick, Ben McCaughran, Chris McCambridge, Trevor Lamb, Rebecca Tester, Simon Trimble, Phillip Poag (plotting around on his 100th parkrun), Rory Poag, Karen Poag and Michael Oglby.

Phil’s happy to change that red T-Shirt to a black one

While it was off to Colin Glen for Bobbie, Nicola and their posse. Bobbie Irvine was 1st on his 200th parkrun and was followed by Gavin Irvine (with a course PB of 24:40), Lynda Shannon (1st run at Colin Glen), Heather Haggan, Andrew Smyth (1st run at Colin Glen), Nicola Irvine (on her 100th parkrun), Karen McIlroy (1st run at Colin Glen), Julia Lyness (1st run at Colin Glen), Catherine Steele, Neill Harper (with a course PB of 30:03), Karen Waring, Sonja McIlfatrick (1st run at Colin Glen), Donna McKee (1st run at Colin Glen) and Dawn Lyness (1st run at Colin Glen).

Mmmm, cake. Oh, and a few people celebrating running or something

Elsewhere Karen McMaster attended Ormeau, Kelly Miscandlon Portrush and Ronald Simms Wallace. While Jonathan Beattie was 1st over the line with an assisted PB (it says it in the results) with Molly at Valley, being followed by Gillian Bell and Richard Hetherington.

And at Victoria we had Brendan Rice, Matthew McCallan, Ryan Campbell (1st time at Victoria) and Allan Grant.

16/09/17

It was another good week for cake, this time supplied by Neil Harper (and Oska) for his 100th parkrun (whoop, whoop).

Jonathan Beattie achieved an overall PB of 17:51 at Carrickfergus this week, coming in first. He was followed by Ian Cleland, Ben McCaughran, Robert Murray, Matthew McCallan, Lynda Shannon, Sara Johnston, Paul Daniels, Andrew Smyth, Chris McCambridge, Chris McMullan, Philip Poag, Karen Poag, Rebecca Tester, Gary Craig, Karen Waring, Jessica McMullan, Julie-Ann Mitchell, Laura Laverty, Julie Kelly, Neill Harper (on his 100th parkrun), Karen Bell, Lois Bell, Karen McMaster, Allan Grant, Susan Kane and Richard Hetherington.

There was still a bit of tourism going on this week with Helen Boyd finishing her 1st run at Armagh, Barry Coleman going to Ormeau, Kelly Miscandlon visiting Portrush, Gavin Irvine (with a course PB of 28:11) & Bobbie Irvine running at Queens + Ronald Simms returning to Wallace.

23/09/17

Jonathan Beattie was the first Seaparker to finish at Carrickfergus this week. Also attending where William Jenkins, Ben McCaughran, Robert Steele, Gary Craig, Simon Trimble, Kathleen McKeown and Michael Ogilby.

The big one this week was the new Castewellan parkun, making the original 22 parkrun club (that became the 23 parkrun club and then the 24 parkrun club) into the 25 parkrun club. Bobbie Irvine, Neill Harper, Nicola Irvine, Allan Grant, Karen Waring, Karen McMaster, Glenda Murray and Geraldine Kane where in attendance.

The ‘Where’s number 26 going to be?’ group

Some of us still have to do this one. 

This was a bit far for some members so Ian Cleland and Sara Johnston (with a course PB of 23:34) returned to Antirm, Barry Coleman went to Ormeau, Lynda Shannon (1st time), Kelly Miscandlon & Andrew Smyth (1st time) braved the beach of Portrush, Julie-Ann Mitchell was at Stormont, Karen Poag & Gillian Bell attended Valley + Colin McCrum & Karen McIlroy (1st time) chose to do their parkruns at Victoria.

30/09/17

Yea, it’s another cakerun at Carrick this week. Ian Cleland was 1st over the line at Carrickfergus for the last parkrun of September 2017. He was followed by Ben McCaughran, Brendan Rice, Paul Daniels, Sara Johnston (on her 50th parkrun), Chris McCambridge, Chris McMullan, Kathleen McKeown, Claire Hamilton (with an overall parkrun PB of 26:09), Julie Lyness, Jessica McMullan, Catherine Steele, Trevor Lamb, Laura Laverty, Gary Craig, Julie-Ann Mitchell, Julie Kelly, Susan Kane, Michael Ogilby, Bobbie Irvine, Nicola Irvine and Marie Nicholson.

Sometimes we don’t even need to run for it

Elsewhere Sonja McIlfatrick went to Antrim for the 1st time to witness Donna McKee achieve a course PB of 31:00.

It was also 1st visits for Karen McIlroy (1st time at Citypark), Helen Boyd (1st time at Comber) and Ronald Simms (1st time at Omagh) this week.

While Ryan Campbell and Rebecca Tester (with a course PB of 27:47) ran at Ormeau and Kelly Miscandlon returned to Portrush.

Further afield (in Scotland) two Seaparkers added their names to the Pollok, Glasgow parkrun. Karen Waring and Neill Harper may now be on the list for Pollok but someone else is still the top Seaparker there.

And finally Colin McCrum achieved a course PB of 24:17 at Roding Valley. Whoop whoop!

January 2017 parkrun report

February 2, 2017February 2, 2017 admin Leave a comment

New Years Day

For the 2nd year running there was the option to do two different parkruns on New Years Day. Stormont and Valley at 09:30 and Antrim, Ormeau and Waterworks at 11:00.

According to the parkrun website here’s how many people did the double.

Stormont then Waterworks = 156.
Valley then Waterworks = 45.
Stormont then Ormeau = 146.
Valley then Ormeau = 5.
Stormont then Antrim = 17.
Valley then Antrim = 20.

09:30

Paul Daniels completed his 1st run at Stormont. He was followed by Nikita Murray (with a parkrun PB of 25:06), Robert Murray, Gavin Irvine, Bobbie Irvine, Allan Grant, Nicola Irvine (with a course PB of 27:27), Rebecca Tester (with a parkrun PB of 27:39), Simon Trimble (with a course PB of 28:24), Julie Kelly, Gary Craig, Glenda Murray, Michael Kane, Trevor Lamb, Geraldine Kane (with a course PB of 32:00) and Alyn McChesney (1st run at Stormont).

While Richard Craig was the first Searparker to finish a tad icy Valley. He was followed by Clive Weatherhead, Julie-Ann Mitchell (with a course PB of 27:43), Philip Poag, Karen Poag, Karen Waring, Aimee Weatherhead, Sara Johnston, Derek Kane and Susan Kane.

11:00

Antrim at 11:00 had Clive Weatherhead, Neill Harper (and Oska), Phillip Poag, Karen Wearing, Karen McMaster, Aimee Weatherhead, Karen Poag, Julie-Ann Mitchell (1st time at Antrim) and Lorraine Ogilby (1st time at Antrim).

Phillip Poag (hopefully) starting a 2017 trend of not being beaten by a kid

While the rest went to Waterworks (no members opted to go to Ormeau).

Paul Daniels was the first Seaparker to finish. He was followed by Gavin Irvine, Bobbie Irvine, Janet McCullough (with a course PB of 24:50), Nicola Irvine, Nikita Murray, Robert Murray, Allan Grant, Rebecca Tester (her 2nd PB of the day with a course PB of 28:02), Gary Craig, Julie Kelly, Susan Kane, Trevor Lamb, Derek Kane, Michael Kane, Geraldine Kane, Nicola Dunlop (1st run at Waterworks), Thomas Dunlop (1st run at Waterworks), Alyn McChesney and Glenda Murray.

7th January

Ian Cleland was the first member to finish at Carrickfergus in 2017. He was followed by Robert Murray, Ben McCaughran, Paul Daniels, Laura Johnston, Lynda Shannon, Robert Steele, Catherine Steele, Susan Kane, Neill Harper, Emma Pearson, Trevor Lamb, Karen Waring and Richard Hetherington.

While Gavin Irvine, Nicola Irvine (with a course PB of 25:54) and Karen McMaster went to Ormeau.

The 1st outing for Karen McMaster’s 100 top

While Mark Welsh partook in his 1st run at Stormont with Alison Welsh (with a course PB of 27:47).

Mark and Alison (or is that Alison and Mark?) Welsh

While a few others ran at Victoria. Richard Craig was followed by Ronald Simms (1st run at Victoria), Heather Haggan (1st run at Victoria), Gary Craig and Julie-Ann Mitchell (with a course PB of 28:37).

Plus Gillian Bell went to Valley.

14th January

There were a lot of cancelations on 14th January but a few determined people still managed to find a parkrun to go to.

Rebecca Tester achieved a course PB of 29:49 at Larne.

It’s Rebecca Testers turn to pose with her 50 top

And Gary Craig returned to Ormeau.

But the majority of members (who managed to find a parkrun that was on) went to Victoria’s 300th parkrun. Everyone got a 59:59 time, but at least there was cake. Ian Cleland took 2nd place and was followed by Mark Welsh, Allan Grant, Gavin Irvine, Bobbie Irvine, Alison Welsh and Brendan Rice.

21st January

Robert Murray and Cody (with a course PB of 19:40) where the first members (Cody being an honourable member) to finish at Carrickfergus on 21st. They were followed by Richard Criag, William Jenkins, Ben McCaughran, Bobbie Irvine, Paul Daniels, Lynda Shannon, Rory Poag, Nicola Irvine, Philip Poag, Roisin McConnell, Catherine Steele, Glenda Murray, Derek Kane, Susan Kane, Alison Welsh, Michael Kane, Trevor Lamb, Julie Marshall, Geraldine Kane, Brendan Rice, Richard Hetherington & Carol Downey.

While elsewhere Gary Craig was at Ormeau, Ian Cleland, Sara Johnston, Karen Waring & Gillian Bell ran at Valley and outside of NI Gavin Irvine went to St. Andrews.

28st January

For the last parkrun of January Carrickfergus was attended by Richard Craig (1^st place with a course PB of 17:51), Ian Cleland, Jonathan Beattie, Ben McCaughran, Jonathon Bell, Robert Steele, Lynda Shannon, Heather Haggan, Andrew Smyth, Laura Johnston, Gary Craig, Jessica Lyness, Carol Woods, Catherine Steele, Rebecca Tester (with a parkrun PB of 27:24), Neill Harper & Oska, Karen McMaster, Trevor Lamb, Derek Kane and Susan Kane.

Antrim was attended by UTV. Seaparkers trying to get on TV included Robert Murray (with a course PB of 20:20), Nikita Murray (with a course PB of 25:11), Allan Grant, Simon Trimble (1^st run at Antrim), Glenda Murray, Rory Poag (1^st run at Antrim) and Philip Poag.

Alison Welsh (with a course PB of 28:08) dragged Mark Welsh to Colin Glen for his first run there.

While Bobbie Irvine and Nicola Irvine (with a course PB of 25:24) returned to Queens, Brendan Rice ran at Valley for the first time, Alyn McChesney went to Victoria for the first time + over on the mainland Aimee Weatherhead went to Long Eaton for the first time, while Gavin Irvine returned to St Andrews.

Race report for January 2017

January 30, 2017January 31, 2017 admin Leave a comment

On 2nd January 2017 Sonja McIlfatrick completed the Sam Thompson Bridge 10K in 1:01:20 and Carol Seymour did it in 1:06:38.

Meanwhile, on the same day the following members took part in the Race over the Glens. This route was approximately 6 miles at Glenarrif Forest Park.

Results; Ian Cleland 43:00, Robert Murray 46.40, Lynda Shannon 59:13, Andy Smyth 1:00:44 and Karen Waring 1:07:35.

Gillian Barnhill completed the Armagh City Marathon on the 3rd January 2017 in a time of 3:46:57.

The Born2Run Tollymore 10K was held on 7th January 2017. Three club members took part. Julie Kelly was the first Seaparker over the line with a time of 1:00:34 and she was followed by Simon Trimble 1:02:16 (course PB) and Becki Tester 1:02:37.

On 14th January Robert Murray competed in the Greenmount Cross Country 5 miles, finishing in 37:25.

On January 21st four intrepid Seaparkers braved the frosty conditions and headed to Gosford Forest Park to take part in Born2Run’s sixth race in the popular Run Forest Run Series. Running the gently undulating, yet scenic 10K course where Becki Tester finishing in 59:22, Simon Trimble in 59:29 (course PB) and Karen McMaster in 60:04. Alyn McChesney completed the 5K course in 39:12.

Northern Velocity Trail Run Series held a 5K event on Sunday 22nd at Ballykelly. It was a 3 lap course around the jogging trail in which Richard Hetherington took part.

Richard Hetherington (him again) completed the Mourne Way 10K night Edition on Friday 27th in 44:43.

And finally Paul Daniels was part of a team that finished fourth in the CCAR 3 Adventure Race in Belfast on Saturday 28th.

December 2016 parkrun report

January 5, 2017January 5, 2017 admin Leave a comment

3rd December

Richard Craig listened to my advice in the last parkrun report and gave someone else a chance at being 1st as he came 2nd in the Carrickfergus parkrun on 3rd December.

He was followed by Brendan Rice, Mark Welsh (with a course PB of 20:46), Ben McCaughran, Paul Daniels (with a parkrun PB of 21:27), Janet McCullough, Catherine Steele (with a parkrun PB of 25:56), Allan Grant, Laura Johnston, Karen McIlroy (with a parkrun PB of 27:07), Nikita Murray, Robert Murray, Ruth Hawkins, Alison Welsh, Richard Hetherington, Julie Marshall and Gillian Grant.

Allan Grant ticking another run of the list

Richard Hetherington taking it slow for once

Alison Welsh getting in another speed workout for her marathon training

Elsewhere Gary Craig & Ross Gilmore returned to Antrim.

And Derek Kane accompanied Susan Kane to her 1st run at Victoria.

Plus Colin McCrum attended his 1st run at Armagh, Ann McCracken ran at Ormeau and Ronald Simms went to Wallace.

10th December

The 10th December was another week without a Seaparker in first place at Carrickfergus. William Jenkins was the first club member over the line. He was followed by Robert Murray, Jonathan Beattie, Bobbie Irvine, Nicola Irvine, Colin McCrum, Catherine Steele, Simon Trimble, Derek Kane, Richard Hetherington, Susan Kane (with a course PB of 29:25), Julie-Ann Mitchell, Neill Harper, Alison Welsh and Julie Marshall.

Richard Hetherington taking it easy again

Alison Welsh posing for the 2017 ‘This Girl Can’ campaign

William Jenkins making sure he’s the top Seaparker this week

One of the Bobbie and the Waves groupies

Colin Crum always has time to pose for the camera

Gary Craig and Karen McMaster (with a course PB of 28:54) ran at Antrim.

Gary’s optimistic about the winter weather in NI

Karen McMaster showing of her apricot top at Antrim

While Allan Grant was making sure he reaches his 100th parkrun by years end by attending Falls with both Philip Poag & Karen Poag (1st run at Falls).

Richard Craig, Ian Cleland and Sara Johnston (with a course PB of 24:49) returned to Valley.

Karen Waring obtained a season’s best of 25:14 at Victoria.

And further afield Rebecca Tester attended her 1st parkrun at Oxford.

Becki Tester showing of the Seapark brand

19th December

I don’t know what’s going on but the 17th December was another week with Richard Craig not in first place at Carrickfergus. He was the first Seaparker to finish and was followed by Ian Cleland, Jonathan Beattie, William Jenkins, Ben McCaughran, Paul Daniels, Andrew Smyth, Laura Johnston, Karen McIlroy (with a parkrun PB of 26:04), Claire Hamilton, Catherine Steele, Karen Bell (with a parkrun PB of 28:55), Lynda Shannon, Neill Harper, Julie Marshall & Susan Kane.

The rest of the 24 NI parkrun group (+ a few others) attended Rostrevor (as some went on to do the B2R race after). That makes another 7 to complete all 24 NI parkruns this year. Bobbie Irvine was the first Seaparker to finish. Gavin Irvine was next, then came Nikita Murray, Colin McCrum, Allan Grant, Nicola Irvine, Julie Kelly, Derek Kane, Rebecca Tester, Glenda Murray and (the only person to do it twice) Geraldine Kane.

Bobbie dosn’t have time to wave this week

Becki Teater getting into the festive spirit

Gary Craig, Philip Poag and Karen Poag (with a course PB of 26:25) went to Antrim.

While Ann McCracken ran at Ormeau.

And Richard Hetherington achieved a parkrun/overall PB of 19:15 at the original Bushy parkrun.

Richard was in the hunt for 250 tops at Bushy parkrun

Christmas Eve

The very festive Christmas Eve run was sponsored by Carrickfergus Vineyard Church who supplied lots and lots (and lots) of buns (but no cake) for Allan Grants 100th parkrun.

But seriously peeps, Robert Murray was the first Seaparker to finish and he wasn’t in 1^st place. Tut Tut. He was followed by Jonathan Beattie, Ben McCaughran, Mark Welsh, Gillian Strudwick, Laura Johnston, Nikita Murray (with a course PB of 26:32), Gavin Irvine, Bobbie Irvine, Lynda Shannon, Catherine Steele, Karen McIlroy, Allan Grant (on his 100^th parkrun, finally), Paul Daniels, Alison Welsh, Andrew Smyth, Rebecca Tester, Derek Kane, Neil Harper, Julie-Ann Mitchell, Michael Kane, Trevor Lamb, Nicola Dunlop, Thomas Dunlop, Richard Hetherington, Julie Marshall, Karen Waring, Susan Kane & Glenda Murray.

A not so wise man finishing his 100th parkrun

Mark Welsh is getting in on this jumping thing

Elsewhere Ian Cleland returned to Valley, Ronald Simms Wallace and Richard Craig Waterworks.

And the Poags (no, not the ones you’re fed up with by Christmas Eve) went to Portobello.

Christmas Day

On Christmas Day there was two main local parkruns running.

The bulk of Seapark members went to Valley. They included Jonathan Beattie (with a course PB of 20:20), Robert Murray (with a course PB of 20:51), Paul Daniels (1^st time at Valley), Mark Welsh (with a course PB of 23:06), Clive Weatherhead, Ryan Weatherhead (1^st time at Valley), Andrew Smyth (1^st time at Valley), Lynda Shannon (1^st time at Valley), Nikita Murray (with a course PB of 27:44), Alison Welsh (course PB of 28:10), Aimee Weatherhead (1^st time at Valley), Neill Harper (for Oska’s 50^th parkrun), Karen Waring, Glenda Murray & Karen McMaster.

Is Andy Smyth testing out the course for his next parkrun challenge?

Aimee Weatherhead’s first time at Valley

Santas little helpers Glenda and Nikita Murray

Oska’s 50th.

While the no PB club went to Waterworks. They where Gavin Irvine, Nicola Irvine, Bobbie Irvine & Gary Craig.

Nicola is beating Bobbie, it must be Christmas

While further afield the Poags went to Livingston parkrun.

New Years Eve

Ian Cleland was the first Seaparker to cross the line for the last parkrun of 2016. He was followed William Jenkins, Ben McCaughran (with a parkrun PB of 20:57), Mark Welsh, Gavin Irvine (with a course PB of 23:18), Nicola Irvine, Julie Lyness (with a parkrun PB of 26:01), Catherine Steele, Lynda Shannon, Philip Poag, Allan Grant, Laura Laverty, Karen Waring, Gary Craig, Julie Kelly, Simon Trimble, Julie-Ann Mitchell, Derek Kane, Susan Kane, Trevor Lamb, Michael Kane, Karen Poag, Glenda Murray, Geraldine Kane, Alyn McChesney, Julie Marshall & Alison Welsh.

Yes, I am training for the London Marathon said Glealdine Kane to Glenda Murray

Who’s idea was it to do a parkrun the day after our 1st marathon said Alison Welsh to Julie Marshall

Mark ‘no longer the only marathoner in the family’ Welsh

Derek ‘I’m going to use this as my profile pic so people think I can beat Ian’ Kane with Ian Cleland

Philip Poag, Allan Grant and Karen Werimg

And the two marathon girls who don’t understand the concept of a rest day

Elsewhere Richard Craig took 1st place at Antrim (with a course PB 17:51). Also in attendance where Ronald Simms (course PB 19:33) and Heather Haggan (1st run at Antrim) + Karen McMaster returned to Ormeau, Richard Hetherington Portrush and Rebecca Tester achieved a course PB 29:12 at Valley.

Race to 100

Karen McMaster (AKA Team Chair) finished her 100th parkrun on 15/10/16.
Glenda Murray (AKA Team Devious) finished her 100th parkrun on 29/10/16.
Trevor Lamb (AKA Team Wolf) finished his 100th parkrun on 29/10/16.
Allan Grant (AKA Team Barcode) finished his 100th parkrun on 24/12/16.

Official hashtag #Raceto100.

Seapark charity parkrun challenge

Everyone has now finished the original 22 (and Rostrevor) NI parkruns. Though someone still has to finish Omagh (the 23).

Derek Kane
Completed 02/07/16 and 1st Male Winner.

Glenda Murray
Completed 02/07/16 and 1st Female Winner.

Bobbie Irvine, Nicola Irvine, Robert Murray and Alan Poag all completed their 22nd parkrun on 13/08/16, Karen Waring completed her 22nd parkrun on 03/09/16, Trevor Lamb and Rebecca Tester completed their 22nd one on 17/09/16, Allan Grant completed his on 24/09/16, Alison Welsh completed hers on 01/10/16, Nikita Murray completed hers on 08/10/16, Michael Kane finished his last one on 05/11/16 + Julie Kelly & Geraldine Kane finished theirs on 19/11/16.

The two charities are Brainwaves NI and Macmillian Cancer Support. Remember that if each of the two charities reaches the £2500 target then Michael Kane and Trevor Lamb will get their legs waxed and then run a 10K with nice waxed legs. You know that the suffering of others will make you feel better so dig deep.

Links

Official hashtag #AllNIparkruns2016.

Andy’s parkrun challenge 2016

Andy’s parkrun challenge ended on 29th October and the winners where announced at the prize giving dinner on 26th November.

25-29 winners
Ian Cleland & Sara Johnston.

30-34 winner
Simon Trimble.

It appears we don’t have any 30-34 females in Seapark as they are all insisting that they are still only 29.

35-39 winners
Jonathan Beattie & Alison Welsh.

40-44 winners
Trevor Lamb & Gillian Strudwick.

45-49 winners
Charlie McCormick & Karen Waring.

50+
Bobbie Irvine.

No female 50+ winner because if there were it would only have been Bobbie in a skirt.

Everyone had to do Carrickfergus, Larne and one other + volunteer at Carrickergus at least once.

For their third parkrun choice Ian & Sara did Waterworks, Charlie & Jonathan did Valley, Bobbie Cookstown, Gillian Queens, Karen Limavady, Alison Craigavon, Trevor Princes, Liverpool and Simon Amager Felled, Copenhagen.

Race report for December 2016

January 2, 2017January 2, 2017 admin Leave a comment

The Born2Run Loughall 10K was held on the 3rd December. Colin McCrum was the first Seaparker over the line with a time of 53:28. He was followed by Simon Trimble 59:12, Becki Tester 59:23 and Karen McMaster with a time of 1:03.

Gary Connolly and Gillian Barnhill both completed the Clonakilty Back to back marathons on 2nd & 3rd December with Gary having a finishing time of 4:24 and Gillian being First Lady with a time of 4:03.

Bobbie Irvine also competed in the ‘Loop of the Lough’ event and finished 4th (3rd Male) with a time of 9:20:00.

On Sunday 4th December members of Seapark AC took part in the Action on Hearing Loss 5 mile fun run in Hazelbank with Richard Craig winning the 5 mile race with a time of 28:41. He was followed by Gareth Hamill 37:47, Heather Haggan 39:29, Lynda Shannon 41:01 & Catherine Steele 42:44.

On Wednesday 7th December Brendan Rice and Gillian Barnhill ran the EAMS Santa Dash marathon in Monkstown. All proceeds from this race went to support the Billy Caldwell Appeal. Brendan finished in 3:53:50 and Gillian was first lady home in a time of 4:04:21.

A marathon is just a ‘Dash’ for an ultra marathoner

On Saturday 10th December Karen McIlroy and Jackie Reid travelled to Hillsborough for the 10K and 5K Santa Run respectively. Karen finished with a PB time of 57:10 (10K) and Jackie 31:28 (5K).

Karen and Jacki working out who's on the nice list — Karen and Jacki working out who’s on the nice list

Also on Saturday 10^th December Ronald Simms competed in the first of the Sperrin Harriers Winter League trail series – the Davagh 10K (his 30^th 10K this year) which he finished in a time of 48:42.

Saturday 17 December saw the 4th race in the Born2Run ‘Run Forest Run’ series in Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor. First Seaparker home was Bobbie Irvine with a time of 45:33. He was followed by Gavin Irvine 53.18, Nicola Irvine 58:43, Colin McCrum 58.58, Simon Trimble 1:01:09 (course PB) and Becki Tester 1:04:51.

A rare photo of Colin not pulling a face

On Sunday 18 December 4 Seaparkers headed to Belfast for the Cave Hill 5 mile run. First home (and 6th place overall) for Seapark was Ian Cleland in 39:43. He was followed by Jonathan Beattie 41:22, Robert Murray 45:05 and Ronald Simms 45:17.

Ian's turn to speed along — Ian’s turn to speed along

On the 27th December 13 teams from Seapark entered the Castlewellan Christmas Cracker, where competitors run as pairs.

Results; Jonathan Beattie and Ian Cleland 1:04:30.

Robert Steele and Pamela Kane 1:29:43.

Andrew Smyth and Gillian Strudwick 1:30:31.

Bobbie Irvine and Gavin Irvine 1:32:23.

Philip Mone and Mark Anderson 1:36:12.

Julie Clyde and Martin Clyde 1:39:42.

Rebecca Tester and Conor Sheridan 1:44:24.

Nicola Irvine and Julie Lyness 1:44:27.

Wesley Wallace and Carrie Brown 1:50:52.

Neill Harper and Karen Waring 1:55:12.

Karen McMaster and Marie Nicholson 1:58:55.

Ann McCracken and Phillipa Bell 2:02:13.

Caroline Mone and Lorraine Ogilby 2:09:38.

On the 30th and 31st December the East Antrim Marathon Series ran a Back to Back marathon event, with a marathon on each day. The 30th started at Carrickfergus Castle and the 31st from Greenisland. Seven club members successfully completed both Marathons, Gillian Strudwick (2nd lady on the first day and 2nd lady overall for both marathons), Caroline Salters, Brendan Rice, Charlie McCormick, Bobbie Irvine, Gillian Barnhill and Gary Connolly.

Bobbie getting one last wave in before the year is out

Just checking the run was saved as it doesn’t count if it’s not saved

The 30th was also notable as four Seaparkers successfully completed their first marathon.

Jacqui Coghlan 4:36:35, Alison Welsh 4:37:06, Julie Marshall 4:39:56 and Sara Johnston 4:39:57.

Alison Welsh happy to be running with Julie Marshall

img_7584n — It’s so good it was taken twice

Alison can’t jump for every shot (with Julie)

Johnathan Beattie also entered the Marathon on the 31st and was the first Seaparker home in a time of 3:55:25.

Johnathan squeezed his 2016 marathon on on New Years Eve

Seapark AC Awards 2016

December 14, 2016December 14, 2016 admin Leave a comment

OIt has been a very successful year for Seapark AC with the club growing to almost 150 members and several members achieving podium places and in some cases winning running events. With the increased number of members the club handicap races have taken on a bigger meaning this year with a lot of rivalry going on throughout the year. This made this year’s prize giving night the biggest since the club was formed 10 years ago in 1996 with almost 100 friends and family attending the event on 26th November.

The club did their traditional 5K, 2.75 mile forest race, 5 mile & 10K races plus this year a 10 mile road race was introduced. In a lot of cases the runners excelled beyond their own and the coach’s expectations to make the very interesting handicap series.

First up for the series was the 5K race with all of the first 3 over all the line being female.

3rd place went to Jessica Lyness, 2nd to Becki Tester and the winner of the race was Nicola Dunlop.

SeaparkAC_Prize_Winners — Mark and Becki

Next up was the 2.75 mile Forest Race. This is a lot of members favourite and due to the increased numbers a new course was designed by Bobbie Irvine around Woodburn Reservoir. 3rd over the line was Beth McCormick, 2nd for the first of his podium finishes was Colin McCrum and 1st was Patrick Hughes.

The third race of the series was the much loved 5 miler. Ronald Simms crossed the line in 3rd Place, Colin McCrum took his second 2nd place and 1st over the line was Charlie McCormick.

The fourth race in the series was the newly introduced 10 mile road race designed by new Head Coach Karen Poag. Runners excelled in this race with a lot of members not having covered this distance before. 3rd over the line for this race was Catherine Steele, 2nd place went to Ian Cleland and Ronald Simms crossed the finish line in 1st place for the second of his podium finishes.

The fifth and final race in the series returned to one of our traditional events in the form of a 10K. In 3rd place was Marie Nicholson, 2nd place went to Aimee Weatherhead and 1st place went to Rory Poag.

Every member who completed all 5 events had the opportunity of taking home the Overall Handicap Series trophy and Plaque. It took great commitment to complete all the events throughout the year, so well done to those who completed all five events.

The 3rd placed Male runner was Jonathan Beattie, 2nd Male was Ronald Simms and the male winner was Richard Craig. Richard not only won the series, but set new records for 4 of the 5 races in the male category.

In the female category, Heather Haggan finished in 3rd place, Caroline Saulters finished in 2nd place and the winner was Elisoa Crawford. Elisoa set the female course record for all 5 events.

Throughout the year a lot of members took part in the training on a regular basis and 2 members were awarded for their dedication. Charlie McCormick and Alison Dunlop topped the list of members who attended most throughout the year.

To reflect the growth of parkrun in Northern Ireland Andy Smyth created a Challenge whereby members had to complete 3 parkruns and volunteer at the local parkrun in Carrickfergus. Ian Cleland and Sara Johnston won the 25-29 category, Simon Trimble won the 30-34 category, Jonathan Beattie and Alison Welsh won the 35-39 category, Trevor Lamb and Gillian Strudwick won the 40-44 category, Charlie McCormick and Karen Waring won the 45-49 category and last but not least Bobbie Irvine won the 50+ category.

Well done to all those who completed this increasingly popular challenge.

The Seapark AC Performence of the year Award went to Bobbie Irvine for all the laughing (and a bit of running) he did this year.

While the Ownies Bar and Bistro Achievemrnt Award went to Ann McCracken for #STC10K.

And the Seapark AC Runners’ Runner of 2016 Award (as voted for by members) went to #STC10K cover girl Karen Poag.

November 2016 parkrun report

December 4, 2016December 12, 2016 admin Leave a comment

5th November

Richard Craig made up for the lack of PBs at Carrickfergus on 5th November by taking 1st place, there is that at least.

He was followed by William Jenkins, Jonathan Beattie, Robert Steele, Philp Poag, Catherine Steele, Bobbie Irvine, Susan Kane, Karen McMaster, Neill Harper (and Oska), Julie-Ann Mitchell, Karen Bell and Karen Waring.

Bobbie is trying to beat Becki at this jumping thing

Alison Welsh, Glenda Murray (with a course PB of 31:53) and Carol Downey (1st run on this course) went to Craigavon with Geraldine Kane (1st run at Craigavon) who has now completed 21 of the 23 (so far) NI parkruns this year.

Derek Kane retuned to Larne to help Michael Kane finish his 22/23 (soon to be 24) challenge. It was Michael’s 1st run at Larne.

You’re nearly finished the challenge Michael ?

Cupcakes for everyone for Michael’s 23 NI parkrun challange

Bless him, Michael dosn’t know yet that there will be a 24th NI parkrun starting soon (he found out stright after)

Richard Hetherington enjoyed the fresh autumn air at Valley.

And Ronald Simms returned to familiar ground by going to Wallace.

Elsewhere Ian Cleland was 1st on his 1st appearance at Falls, Alan Poag turned his 22 challenge into 23 by attending Omagh for the first time, Colin McCrum went back to Queens while Brendan Rice and Ann McCracken both ran at Victoria.

12th November

Seapark took over the volunteering duties at Carrickfergus parkrun on 12th with every position being filled by a Seaparker.

It appears professional photographer wasn’t one of the roles this week

William Jenkins was the first Seaparker to finish and was followed by Jonathan Beattie, Ben McCaughran, Chris Hogg, Paul Daniels, Catherine Steele, Colin McCrum, Richard Hetherington, Karen McIlroy (with a parkrun PB of 28:17), Claire Hamilton and Simon Trimble.

Susan Kane & Geraldine Kane both attended their 1st run each at Bangor.

Geraldine Kane before the dark times (AKA before the marathon training)

Susan can hid form the photographer but not from me

Bobbie Irvine, Allan Grant, Nicola Irvine and Derek Kane all went to Omagh for the 1st time each, turning their 22 parkrun challenges into 23.

Another four people to reach the 23 NI parkrun challenge

Elsewhere Richard Craig attended his 1st run at Ormeau, while at Queens there was Ian Cleland (1st run at Queens) & Sarah Johnston (with a parkrun PB of 24:29).

19th November

Richard Craig took another 1st place position at Carrickfergus on 19th November.

Richard give someone else a chance please

He was followed by Chris Hogg, Jonathan Beattie, Emily Smiley (parkrun PB of 25:09), Catherine Steele, Allan Grant, Derek Kane & Susan Kane.

The 19th was the date that the Team Blue/Pink ‘original’ 22 parkrun challenge came to an end with Robert Murray attending his 2nd run at Derry for the boys (to run on behalf of Mark Welsh who pulled out of the challenge earlier in the year).

Robert Murry made the long trip to Derry on his own to make sure the boys didn’t lose the challange

While the girls finished in Armagh. Michael Kane (with a course PB of 31:51) accompanied both Julie Kelly and Geraldine Kane who where finishing the original 22 challenge. It was the first time at Armagh for both girls.

Julie and Geraldine with Micahel the traiter at Armagh

This was also the week of the Valley mannequin challenge. If you haven’t seen the video yet then stop what you’re doing and watch it now.

Valley Mannequin Video

Ian Cleland was the first Seaparker home and he was followed by Richard Hetherington, Bobbie Irvine, Philip Poag (with a course PB of 25:55), Karen Poag and Karen McMaster.

Elsewhere Karen Wearing attended Antrim + William Jenkins achieved a parkrun PB on his 1st run at Victoria. He was followed by Gary Craig and Brendan Rice. Then Ronald Simms returned to Wallace. While further afield Paul Daniels attended Cassiobury parkrun.

Bur not to be outdone Mark Welsh and Alison Welsh attended Crissy Field parkrun in San Francisco.

Some would say the US a long way to go for a parkrun

Alison wan’t happy that she had to remove her sunglasses

26th November

Just to be different Richard Craig took the 1st place spot at Carrickfergus. He was followed by Ian Cleland, Jonathan Beattie, Ben McCaughran (with a parkrun PB of 21:14), Robert Steel, William Jenkins, Colin McCrum, Sara Johnston, Catherine Steele, Claire Hamilton, Derek Kane, Karen McIlroy (parkrun PB of 28:04), Julie Lyness, Rebecca Tester (on her 50th parkrun), Gillian Strudwick, Neill Harper, Brendan Rice and Susan Kane.

It wouldn’t be a parkrun report without some cake

The 22 parkrun challenge (that then became the 23 parkrun challenge) has now become (you’ve guessed it) the 24 parkrun challenge. Rostrevor parkrun started on 26th November.

Attending the very first event (and thus becoming the first people to do all 24 NI parkruns) where Robert Murray, Karen Waring, Alison Welsh, Alan Poag, Michael Kane, Trevor Lamb and Geraldine Kane.

Mark Welsh also attended.

The magnificent seven (and Mark) at the gateway to Narnia

Little did Geraldine know at this time that she would be crowned Queen of the London Marathon ballot

While that was going on Gary Craig achieved a course PB of 25:02 at Queens, Philip Poag and Karen Poag (with a course PB of 27:04) returned to Valley, Ann McCracken went to Victoria and Karen McMaster attended her 1st run at Newcastle (Upon Tyne).

Race to 100

Karen McMaster (AKA Team Chair) ran her 100th parkrun on 15/10/16.
Glenda Murray (AKA Team Devious) ran her 100th parkrun on 29/10/16.
Trevor Lamb (AKA Team Wolf) also ran his 100th parkrun on 29/10/16.
Allan Grant (AKA Team Barcode) is at 96 parkruns as off 26/11/16.

Official hashtag #Raceto100.

Seapark charity parkrun challenge

Everyone has now finished the original 22 NI parkruns. Though a few still have to finish Omagh (the 23) and Rostrevor (the 24).

Derek Kane
Completed 02/07/16 and 1st Male Winner.

Glenda Murray
Completed 02/07/16 and 1st Female Winner.

Links

Official hashtag #AllNIparkruns2016.

Andy’s parkrun challenge 2016

Andy’s parkrun challenge ended on 29th October and the winners where announced at the prize giving dinner on 26th November.

25-29 winners
Ian Cleland & Sara Johnston.

30-34 winner
Simon Trimble.

It appears we don’t have any 30-34 females in Seapark as they are all insisting that they are still only 29.

35-39 winners
Jonathan Beattie & Alison Welsh.

40-44 winners
Trevor Lamb & Gillian Strudwick.

45-49 winners
Charlie McCormick & Karen Waring.

50+
Bobbie Irvine.

No female 50+ winner because if there were it would only have been Bobbie in a skirt.

Everyone had to do Carrickfergus, Larne and one other + volunteer at Carrickergus at least once.

Race report for November 2016

December 3, 2016December 4, 2016 admin Leave a comment

On Saturday 5th November Gillian Barnhill and Gary Connolly travelled to Galway for the MCI Ballinasloe (bit more than a) marathon. They both finished the 27.4 mile course in 4:23 with Gillian being 2nd lady home.

Saturday 5th also saw the first 2016 Born2Run Forest Series event at Minnowburn, Belfast. This year they have included a 5K course as well as the 10K course.

In the 5K Lorna Dunn finished with 29.14.

10K Results; Phil Mone 48:29, Rosemary Hay 54:22, Colin McCrum 57:10, Simon Trimble 59:52 (course PB) and Rebecca Tester 1:04:50.

On Sunday 6th November a number of Seaparkers took part in the Decathlon 10K in Belfast (unofficial times only as not a chip-timed race).

First home for Seapark was Ian Cleland in a time of 38:30.

Others taking part included Jim Jenkins 40:25, Phil Poag 49:53, Karen Poag 51:46, Jonny Bell 46:26, Shelley Bell 54:51 PB, Jennifer Jackson 55:51, Sarah Rea 55:51, Karen McIlroy 57:31 PB, Carol Seymour 1:06:25 and Lorraine Ogilby 1:11:00.

The runner’s runner is walking for a bit

Jim Jenkins was the first Seaparker to finish

A number of Seaparkers attended the Tollymore Trail Marathon on 12th November.

Marathon Results; Gary Connolly 4:55:30 and Gillian Barnhill 4:55:26.

Half Marathon Results; Neill Harper 2:24:34, Karen Waring 2:24:43, Karen Hanson 2:27:04, Becki Tester 2:29:33 and Josephine McAlister 2:40:56.

On 12-13th November Mark Welsh and Alison Welsh took part in the Las Vegas Rock N Roll 5K and Half Marathon. Mark ran the 5K in 22:47 and the Half Marathon in 2:22. Alison Welsh ran the 5K in 30:02 and the Half Marathon in 2:22.

On 16th November Simon Trimble took part in the 10K Run in the Dark at Stormont, finishing in 61:39.

Also on 16th November Gillian Barnhill ran the East of Ireland (EOI) Marathon in Clontarf. She was the 1st lady home with a time of 4:15:30.

On Saturday 19th Gillian Barnhill and Gary Connolly ran the EOI Marathon in Balbriggan; both finished in 4:47.

Also on 19th Seapark attended the Drum Manor 10K Born to Run Forest Race.

Results; Colin McCrum 54:13, Patrick Hughes 55:37, Rebecca Tester 1:04:13 and Simon Trimble 1:05:41.

Colin ‘If I actually had Facebook and saw these photos I probably would stop pulling faces’ McCrum

Sunday 20th November saw Jonathan Beattie taking part in NI Duathlon 4 Mile race and Belfast 5K Tandems. His 5K time was 20:03.

On Saturday 26th November five Seapark members took park in the Seeley Cup 10K. Jim Jenkins finished with a time of 39:12 & was followed by Richard Heatherington 40:47 PB, Andy Smyth 51:53, Thomas Dunlop 51:56 and Nicola Dunlop 64:07.

That wasn’t good enough for Bobbie Irvine as he attended the latest Last Man Standing warmup event at Castle Ward that day. No results given as it was a non-competitive 5 loop, 21 mile course.

Bobbie with a few others who all appear to be standing

On Sunday 27th November at the EAMS Half Marathon the following members took part; Gary Connolly 1:52:54, Heather Haggan 1:59:01, Nicola Irvine 2:04:39 PB, Jacqui Coghlan 2:06:28, Julie Marshall 2:06:38, Julie Clyde 2:07:38, Catherine Steel 2:11:14 PB, Julie Lyness 2:14:18 PB, Julie Kelly (completing her first half) 2:16:05, Gemma McCullough 2:33:00 and Marie Nicholson 2:33:00.

Gillian Barnhill ran the EAMS Marathon in 4:17:48.

And last but not least Paul Daniels completed the CCAR 2 – Adventure Race in Portglenone. He was 4th place overall with a score of 2150 in a time of 4:48.

Race report for October 2016

October 31, 2016November 1, 2016 admin Leave a comment

1st October saw 5 Seapark AC ladies heading to Peatlands Park, Dungannon for the 10K Jog around the Bog for Guide Dogs NI.

Karen Waring was the first Seapark lady to finish with a time of 57:34. She was followed by Jacqui Coghlan 1:00:33, Carol Woods 1:00:33, Julie Marshall 1:00:48 and Karen Hanson 1:02:20.

Meanwhile Neil Harper took part in a works charity run, the Fujitsu 5K Action for Children. He came 3rd in a field of 10 people with a time of 25:58.

On Sunday 2nd October there was another fun filled day at the 5K Waggy Races at Mount Stewart. Taking part were Cody & Robert Murray who finished 9th in 20:57, Oska & Neil Harper who finished 39th in 26:57, Sasha & Dixie with Gary Craig who finished 64th in 30:38 and last but by no means least; Bazil, Nikita & Glenda Murray who finished in 41:50. In true Seapark style Oska got a little bit competitive and tried to take Cody and Robert out at the start.

On Saturday 8th October Seapark was well represented in this year’s GR8 Dundrum 8 mile race, with no fewer than 35 athletes taking part.

Results; Richard Craig 51:15, Bobbie Irvine 57:35, Mark Welsh 1:00:12 PB, Paul Daniels 1:01:05 PB, Philip Mone 1:02:04, Gillian Strudwick 1:06:05 PB, Heather Haggan 1:09:04, Amy Beatson 1:09:42, Janet McCullough 1:09:48, Kate Delaney 1:10:00, Allan Grant 1:10:29 PB, Julie Clyde 1:11:11, Laura Johnston 1:12:42, Nicola Irvine 1:13:36, Karen Waring 1:15:10, Alison Welsh 1:15:19 PB, Lynette Magill 1:15:53, Andrew Smyth 1:16:17, Wesley Wallace 1:16:17, Neill Harper 1:16:17, Catherine Steele 1:16:28, Sarah Rea 1:16:31, Julie Lyness 1:16:36, Alison Dunlop 1:20:01, Philip Magill 1:21:42, Alyson Sangster 1:21:43 PB, Loran Dunn 1:21:43, Rebecca Tester 1:21:54, Marie Nicholson 1:22:48, Josephine McAlister 1:24:51, Ellie Wallace 1:26:08, Suzanne McConkey 1:27:04, Beverley Kernoghan 1:27:06 PB, Lauren Scott 1:30:47 PB & Caroline Mone 1:34:46.

October is still sunglasses weather for Alison Welsh

Becki Teater gives Dundrum the thumbs up

Further afield Karen McMaster completed the Royal Parks Half London Marathon in a time of 2:30 on Sunday 9th October.

Karen McMaster showing of her bling and the Seapark bag

Glenda and Nikita Murray both took on the scarily difficult 5K obstacle course at the Zombie Run on Sunday 9th October and survived to tell the tale.

On Saturday 15th October Richard Hetherington, Jonathan Beattie, Paul Daniels and Gillian Barnhill competed in the The Wall Adventure Duathlon staged from Silent Valley in the Mourne mountains. The race comprised a 3K run, 45K road cycle + 15K mountain run.

Results; Jonathan Beattie 3:33, Richard Hetherington 3:44, Paul Daniels 3:52 & Gillian Barnhill 5:31.

On Sunday 16th October a number of Seaparkers took part in the Knockathon half marathon organised by East Antrim Marathon Series. The weather was atrocious with high winds and heavy rain but in spite of the conditions Seaparkers took all 3 podium positions in the men’s race and 1st & 3rd places in the women’s race.

Ian, Charlie and Brendan took the top three spots

Results; Ian Cleland (1st place) 1:30:00, Charlie McCormick (2nd place) 1:32.40, Brendan Rice (3rd place), 1:41:07, Gary Connelly 1:51:20, Gillian Strudwick (1st female) 1:52:00, Gillian Barnhill (3rd female) 1:59:00, Patrick Hughes 1:59:22, Martin Clyde 2:01:26, Laura Johnston 2:01:39, Sara Johnston 2:03:38 PB, Jacqui Coghlan 2:05:58 (course PB), Julie Clyde 2:06:23, Karen Hanson 2:19:51, Josephine McAlister 2:27:12, Phil Magill 2:28:00, Marie Nicholson 2:31:28 & Caroline Mone 2:43:00.

Sun 23rd October saw a lot of Seaparkers achieving a PB at the runher Titanic 10K.

Results; Jenney Martin 48:12, Amy Beatson 49:31, Rosie Hay 51:33, Jessica Lyness 55:20 PB, Catherine Steele 55:35, Claire Hamilton 56:24 PB, Jackie Reid 59:11, Lauren Lavery 59:25 PB, Susan Kane 1:00:41 PB & Karen Mcilroy 1:02:39 PB.

On Wednesday 26th October Gillian Cordner ran the Armagh City Marathon. She was 1st lady with a time of 4:28:00.

On Friday 28th October a presentation took place for the Pure Running Half Marathon Series. Charlie ‘always second’ McCormick took (what else) second place in his age group.

Further afield Robert Murray ran the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon on Sunday 30th October. He finished with a time of 3:28:55.

Robert showing off another Dublin Marathon medal

What’s that coming over the Hill? It’s Thomas & Nicola Dunlop taking part in the 10K Running Scared. It was a Halloween themed run over Divis/Black Mountain that took place on Sunday 30th October. This was not an officially timed run.

October 2016 parkrun report

October 12, 2016November 2, 2016 admin Leave a comment

1st October

No first place finishers for Searpark at Carrickfergus this week. Jonathan Beattie was the first Seaparker to finish in a pitiful 6 position. He was followed by Bobbie Irvine, Laura Johnston (with her 1st ever parkrun), Nicola Irvine (course PB of 25:42), Jessica Lyness (parkrun PB of 26:10), Julie Lyness (parkrun PB of 26:31), Catherine Steele, Gary Craig & Julie-Ann Mitchell.

Richard Craig attended his 1st run at Antrim (with 2nd place) while Rebecca Tester achieved a course PB of 29:05.

Antrim parkrun used this as their cover photo

Another member of the 22 challenge finished today at Craigavon. Alison Welsh on her 1st run at Craigavon got a parkrun PB of 26:31. Not to be outdone Mark Welsh, also on his 1st run at Craigavon, got a parkrun PB of 20:47 & Allan Grant ran a course PB of 24:21.

I wonder how many NI parkruns Alison has done?

Mark makes a guest appearance at a parkrun

Trevor Lamb returned to Falls with Michael Kane & Geraldine Kane (1st run at Falls).

At least someone got a 1st place finish this week. Robert Murray took 1st place at Stormont while equalling his parkrun PB of 19:43. Nikita Murray & Glenda Murray also attended.

Ian Cleland came 2nd at Waterworks (not 1st, boo!) with a course PB of 18:52. Also in attendance where Paul Daniels (1st run at Waterworks), Patrick Hughes (course PB of 23:30) & Sara Johnston (parkrun PB of 24:39).

Elsewhere there was Richard Hetherington at Limavady, Julie Kelly on her 1st run at Ormeau, Karen McMaster + Clive Weatherhead (1st time) at Valley & Gillian Strudwick (with a parkrun PB of 23:02) at Victoria.

8th October

It was back to a Seaparker finishing in first place at Carrickfergus on 8th with Ian Cleland taking the podium spot. Following him where Charlie McCormick, William Jenkins, Robert Murray (with a course PB of 19:56), Jonathan Beattie, Bobbie Irvine, Rory Poag (parkrun PB of 24:58), Nikita Murray (1st run at Carrickfergus and finishing her 22 challenge), Julie-Ann Mitchell, Glenda Murray & Toma Gerasimaite.

Trevor Lamb returned to Portrush to help the remaining participants of the 22 group tick another parkrun off their lists. He was the first Seaparker to finish (not often he can say that) and was followed by Julie Kelly (1st run at Portrush), Michael Kane (1st run at Portrush) & Geraldine Kane (1st run at Portrush).

You can see Trevor waiting at the finish line. Just saying

Michael Kane is beginning to wonder why he came up with the 22 challenge

Elsewhere in NI Gary Craig & Ann McCracken attended Ormeau, Susan Kane went on her 1st run at Valley, while Gillian Bell got a course PB of 34:12 at the same parkrun + Brendan Rice & Colin McCrum returned to Victoria.

Further afield Philip Poag & Karen Poag both participated in their 1st run each at Marlay.

15th October

The Race to 100 had its first finisher this week with Karen McMaster at Carrickfergus (yea!)

Richard Craig was first over the line at Carrickfergus on 15th October. He was followed by William Jenkins, Bobbie Irvine, Allan Grant, Laura Johsnston (2nd parkrun with a PB of 24:53), Colin McCrum, Jessica Lyness (10th parkrun and everyone a PB, 25:53 this week), Catherine Steele, Simon Trimble, Karen McMaster (on her 100th parkrun) & Julie-Ann Mitchell.

Someone didn’t mention to anyone it was her 100th parkrun. It was Karen McMaster. Congrats.

Charlie McCormick and Susan Kane both ran their 1st run each at Larne.

Charlie McCormick showing of his 50 top at Larne

The 22 challenge became 23 with Seapark attending week 2 of the new Omagh course for the first time.

Rober Murray set the Seapark time to beat at Omagh

Robert Murray took 3rd place with a parkrun PB of 19:29 & Mark Welsh was 6th with a parkrun PB of 20:35. Then came Karen Waring, Nikita Murray (with a parkrun PB of 26:27), Neill Harper and Oska (who was the 1st dog to finish), Alison Welsh, Michael Kane (who beat Trevor Lamb by one second), Trevor Lamb (who didn’t beat Michael Kane), Glenda Murray & Geraldine Kane.

1st dog over the line. Oska’s wondering “When am I getting my own barcode?”

Elsewhere Julie Kelly completed her 1st run at Limavady, Ann McCracken returned to Ormeau, Rory Poag attended Valley for the first time with Karen Poag & Phillip Poag + Gary Craig went to Waterworks.

22nd October

Alison Welsh made sure Carrickfergus parkrun knew it was her 50th parkrun

Richard Craig took the podium spot at Carrickfergus on 22nd October with a course PB of 17:56. He was followed by William Jenkins, Jonathon Bell, Bobbie Irvine, Charlie McCormick, Laura Johnston, Nicola Irvine (with a course PB of 25:30), Alison Welsh (with a parkrun PB of 26:21 on her 50th parkrun), Catherine Steele, Karen Poag, Derek Kane, Trevor Lamb, Chloe Anderson, Neill Harper (and Oska) & Elise Park (with a course PB of 35:52).

Dosen’t Alison look good for 50. What?! 50 parkruns, Oh.

Julie Kelly attended her 1st run at Antrim with a parkrun PB of 26:42.

Julie Kelly getting another parkrun of the challenge at Antrim

Ronald Simms was the 1st finisher on his 1st appearance at Colin Glen.

‘Taking it easy’ still results in a 1st place finish for Ronald Simms at Colin Glen

A few excited Seaparkers attended Larne for Andy’s parkrun challenge. Robert Murray was the first Seaparker to finish (with a course PB of 20:23) and he was followed by Jonathan Beattie (1st run at Larne), Colin McCrum, Simon Trimble (with a course PB of 28:36) & Karen McMaster (1st run at Larne).

The guys at Larne just found out about the cake at Carrickfergus

Rebecca Tester turned her 22 parkrun challenge into 23 by attending Omagh for the 1st time.

Rebecca Tester just can’t wait until the 24th parkrun starts (wherever that may be)

The third Seaparker of the week to obtain a 1st place finish was Ian Cleland at Stormont (with a course PB of 19:05).

Ian Cleland made it to 88 and ended up back in a time when the world was black and white.

Elsewhere Robert Steele did his 1st run at Portrush. Queens was attended by Gillian Strudwick (1st run at Queens with a parkrun PB of 22:48), Andrew Smyth (1st run at Queens) & Gary Craig. Gillian Bell achieved a course PB of 33:07 at Valley, while Allan Grant did the same (course PB of 24:14) at Waterworks.

29th October

Carrickfergus parkrun on the 29th October was the event everyone had been waiting for all year, but that was most likely due to the fact they knew there would be cake. That said, it was the 100th parkrun each for both Glenda Murray and Trevor Lamb + it was the big five-o for Karen Poag (again I mean parkruns, not age). Both Glenda and Trevor took a wee dander around the three lap course to make everyone wait for the cake.

And a 100 one for Glenda Murray and Trevor Lamb

The Pink Flamingo aka Ian Cleland was 1st over the line and was followed by William Jenkins (with a parkrun PB of 19:31 – He must really wanted to catch that flamingo), Mark Welsh, Charlie McCormick, Paul Daniels (with a parkrun PB of 21:45), Bobbie Irvine, Jonathon Bell, Allan Grant, The Red Queen aka Sara Johnston (with a course PB of 25:10), Laura Johnson, one of the Witches of Shaftesbury Park aka Gillian Strudwick, Catherine Steele, Claire Hamilton (with a parkrun PB of 26:59), Nikita Murray (with a course PB of 27:33), a mindless zombie aka Robert Murray, Derek Kane, the Human Baker aka Karen Poag (on her 50th parkrun), Rory Poag, the only S Club 7 fan left aka Philip Poag, Karen McIlroy (with a parkrun PB of 28:29), Simon Trimble, Alison Welsh, the second Witch of Shaftesbury Park (but is she the good Witch of the North or the evil Witch of the East?) aka Julie-Ann Mitchell, Susan Kane (with a course PB of 29:33), Kara Zor-El aka Kara Danvers aka Supergirl aka Rebecca Tester, Karen Bell, Richard Hetherington, the Dread Pirate Roberts aka Oska with Neill Harper, a zombie cheerleader aka Karen McMaster, Nicola Dunlop, Thomas Dunlop, Gillian Bell, Mario aka Murrio aka Glenda Murray (on her 100th parkrun), Luigi aka Lamigi aka Trevor Lamb (on his 100th parkrun) and Darth Vader aka Karen Waring.

I heard Sara Johnson bites the heads of jelly babies

Robert’s more likely to be in The Running Dead than that other show

Though that would be more like Karen McMaster’s speed

Darth Vader’s about to hit me for that comment

It’s Murrio and Lamigi being chased by the Darth

It’s the Dread Pirate Roberts and his trusty sidekick Neill

Becki knew that if she started to fly around the course she wouldn’t get a parkrun credit

Another Mario? Must be Wario with the Human Baker and the last S Club 7 fan

Colin McCrum and Nicola Irvine missed out on the cake by going to Stormont.

Colin’s beginning to see that if he had Facebook he would know where all the cake would be

Richard Craig got a parkrun PB of 17:22 on his 1st run at Victoria while Gary Craig and Brendan Rice also attended.

Elsewhere Ronald Simms went to Falls for the first time while Ann McCracken returned to Ormeau.

Race to 100

Karen McMaster (AKA Team Chair) finished her 100th parkrun on 15/10/16.
Glenda Murray (AKA Team Devious) finished her 100th parkrun on 29/10/16.
Trevor Lamb (AKA Team Wolf) finished his 100th parkrun on 29/10/16.
Allan Grant (AKA Team Barcode) is at 94 parkruns as off 29/10/16.

Official hashtag #Raceto100.

Seapark charity parkrun challenge

Team Blue for the boys and Team Pink for the girls.

As of 29/10/16 there are 10 parkruns left to the end of the year (if you count Christmas Day).

12 people have finished the original 22 (with 7 on 23 thanks to Omagh).

Derek Kane finished his 22nd parkrun 02/07/16
1st Male Winner.

Glenda Murray finished her 22nd parkrun 02/07/16
1st Female Winner.

Bobbie Irvine, Nicola Irvine, Robert Murray and Alan Poag all completed their 22nd parkrun on 13/08/16.
Karen Waring completed her 22nd parkrun on 03/09/16.
Trevor Lamb and Rebecca Tester completed theirs on 17/09/16.
Allan Grant completed his on 24/09/16.
Alison Welsh completed hers on 01/10/16.
Nikita Murray finished hers on 08/10/16.

Team Blue (the rest for Mark) – 1 left as of 29/10/16.
Michael Kane – 1 left as of 29/10/16.
Julie Kelly – 1 left as of 29/10/16.
Geraldine Kane – 3 left as of 29/10/16.

The two charities are Brainwaves NI and Macmillian Cancer Support. Remember that if each of the two charities reaches the £2500 target then Michael Kane and Trevor Lamb will get their legs waxed and then run with nice waxed legs. You know that the suffering of others will make you feel better so dig deep.

https://www.justgiving/com/teams/seapark

Official hashtag #AllNIparkruns2016.

Andy’s parkrun challenge 2016

It’s now complete. Between 26/03/16-29/10/16 participants had 32 weeks to complete three different parkruns, plus volunteer at Carrickfergus (and wear a hi viz vest) at least once. The parkruns included Carrickfergus, Larne and the third one was any of the participants own choosing. Age grade percentage will decide the winner. Results to be confirmed.