Great running over the weekend in Belfast at North/South CC Challenge hosted by Northern Ireland Masters. In the opening race for Women & M65plus over 6km, Barbara Cleary F45 made all the running from early on & was rewarded with a hard fought win, holding off a stiff challenge from Claire McGuigan F35. Other Rep of Ireland winners were, Carmel Crowley F50, Niamh O’Sullivan F55, Irene Clements F60, Majella Diskin F65 & Eileen Kenny F70. Paul Elliot M65 held off a strong finish by Gerry O’Doherty, Northern Ireland, with both awarded same time. Martin Kerr won the M70 title.
Race 2 over 8km was dominated early on with Northern Ireland Athletes to the fore, plus John Kinsella M40 tucked in. Over the final lap, it was a 2 way battle between John Craig of Northern Ireland who prevailed by 1 second over John Kinsella, winner of M40 title. Other Republic of Ireland winners were, Brian Geraghty M45, Pauric McKinney M50, & Tommy Hughes M60.
Team honours were shared with Republic of Ireland winning the Women’s title & Northern Ireland winning the Men’s one. Given the success of this event, it is hoped that it will now take place annually.
A big thank you to all in Northern Ireland Masters Athletics for hosting this inaugural event. To those Officials & Volunteers who did trojan work setting up & marking out the course, announcing & providing results, your endeavours are appreciated by all.
Would also like to thank those Athletes who took up their selections for Irish Teams, especially those who had to make long journeys or who stepped up from Reserves, some at very short notice. I know from speaking with many of you that you fully enjoyed the event & look forward to this Challenge continuing in future.
Photos available here
Michael Fennell,
President/Sec IMAA