The Lisburn Half Marathon and 10k on the last Wednesday of June have become increasingly popular events and attract large crowds of athletes of all abilities. The hot weather did not deter those in search of a fast time or those looking to wear the t-shirt and tell their friends that they completed the course.

A small number of Newcastle AC athletes made the trip to join the masses on the start line. In the Half Bob Brown recorded an impressive 1:31:36 on a course that is contains a few deceptive climbs. He was closely followed by Lorna Cunningham who took almost 3 minutes of her Newry time set a few weeks back. She ran a measures race as always and showed perseverance, resilience, determination and discipline for the first 11 miles before ‘giving it a lash’ in the last two. Her time of 1:37:56 is testimony to the benefits that invariable accrue from a structured training regime that incorporates cardio training and muscular endurance work.  Clare McStravock was on pacing duty and had the task of coaxing John Curry around his old stomping ground. Clare had to hold back the autograph hunters who were relentless to get the initials JC inscribed on their hearts. All went according to plan and the pair crossed the line in 1:58:14. John was most appreciative of the fact that Clare sacrificed her own chances of a much faster time to support him.

Ten minutes after the half marathoners departed the 10k athletes were on their way. Newcastle’s Sinead Murtagh is one of the in form NI lady athletes. She continued her recent success with a 3rd place podium finish in a very impressive 38:04. This comes on the back of wins in the Newry Half and Mourne Way Mountain Marathon in recent weeks. No doubt she will be on the start line in the Comber 10k this Friday. Gerard McAuley continued his much anticipated comeback with a very respectable 41:34. He was well pleased with’ his performance saying, ‘my wee legs went as fast as they could.’ Hugo Rodgers made a rare racing appearance and recorded 47:33. It is great to see Hugh out again racing in the red and yellow.

Report by Bogus Boy