Runher 9/10/11

Tue 11 October 2011--admin

There was the usual carnival atmosphere at Stormont Estate in East Belfast on Sunday afternoon where a good squad of City of Lisburn girls competed with great success in the women-only Runher event. Some 1200 women lined up for races, with the 10k distance slightly more popular than the the 5k route this time. Despite marshalling errors affecting both races the competitors enjoyed the event.

Conditions were damp but good for running and the Lisburn ladies had particular success in the 5k. Top of the pile was Judith Lowry, who won the race comfortably in a time of 19:08 which is fast considering much of the route is on hilly trails. This rounded off a great weekend’s work by Judith who of course was the lead off runner for the Lisburn team which secured the N. Ireland relay title at Victoria park the previous day.

Ruth Little has enjoyed success at these events previously and had another good run here for third place in the 5k in 20:15. The consistent Heather McLarnon was amongst the prize-winners here in 2010 and would surely have been in contention again but for a marshalling error which sent her off-course early in the race when in the top 4. Lynn Lyness is clearly back in good form and should be pleased with her 5th place here, which made it some impressive packing by the Lisburn girls.

Orla Smyth has been another who has supported these events over the years and she was 21st this time in 23:38. Alison Gibson enjoyed a high profile build up to this race after a full page feature on her in the Belfast Telegraph prior to the event, and she ran as well as ever for 23rd place overall in 23:53. Melanie Minshull is building up to the longer distances these days with an eye on the London Marathon in the spring but she had another good outing here. Despite going off at a very fast pace she held on well for 25th place in 24:25.

Aoife Doherty had a good season as a thrower for the City of Lisburn young athletes league squad, and enjoyed her run here in the 5k with mother Lucy.

Congratulations to all the athletes although it would be great to see more sporting the (new) club vests rather than the assorted outfits on display here. Andrea Anderson or Joanne Savage will be happy to do business with you at the MPT on Monday or Thursday evenings!