Both Junior and Senior athletes continue to demonstrate the diverse range of talents nurtured within the club. Over the past week, there have been outstanding achievements from the Junior mountain runners, alongside some notable performances on the track. With the local road racing calendar in full swing, there is always a red and yellow vest appearing among the line-up.
ANI Team Trophy and Open Meet
The Athletics NI Team Trophy and Open Meet took place last weekend at Mary Peters Track.
In the Senior Open Meet, Patrick Sheridan was first to take to the track in the 800m. Coming around the first bend, he led the pack as they merged into lane one. Patrick led from gun to tape, taking a comfortable win in 1:56.
Up next, Siobhan Grant toed the line in the 3000m Racewalk for the final time this season. Having missed out by half a second on her personal best at the National Masters the previous week, there was a score to settle. Continuing her flawless form this season, Siobhan finished the season having knocked another 51 seconds off her 3000m race-walk time and maintained her clean sheet.
Loughside Festival 10K, Warrenpoint
Patrick McDaid takes the top spot in Warrenpoint
Patrick McDaid found himself at the top of the podium in Warrenpoint last Sunday when he incorporated the Loughside 10K into his long run.
Leading the race from the outset and enjoying the undulating aspects of the course, Patrick crossed the line in 33:45.
Scrabo Hill Race
Newcastle and District AC had eight athletes competing in the Scrabo Hill Race.
Simon Hodge led the club home, finishing 8th overall in 32:22, followed by David McNeilly in 11th in 33:38. Rebecca Magee finished third female overall with 35:51, with Martin McMullan finishing 27th in 37:21 and claiming a category win.
Pete Grant crossed the line in 38:57, followed by Dominic McGreevy in 45th in 40:36. Franky McGivern finished 41:38, while Pearse Brogan completed the Newcastle contingent in 56th place with a time of 42:52.
STARTRACK finale at Magherafelt
Aoife Grant was the sole Newcastle representative at Magherafelt, where she was double-jobbing as she continued to earn volunteer credits towards her Officials qualification.
Cruising to the 1000 Walk win in 5.29
In between her duties, Aoife competed in the Shot Putt, Javelin and to finish off the season, the 1000m Racewalk, enjoying the last event on what has been a jammed packed Track and Field season which kicked off back in January.
It was another impressive outing for the young athlete, who has enjoyed a season packed with achievements. Aoife returned home with one of each medal colour, including a new personal best in the 1000m Racewalk in 5.29, once again demonstrating why she is the current Ulster Schools and Ulster Clubs champion in the discipline and a new PB in the Shot Putt of 42cm.
NiMRA trials
Amazing representation from the club at the NIMRA trials for the U18 & U20 British & Irish Championships, which take place in just a few weeks, on the same route.
A strong uphill climb to the summit highlighted Donals technical abilities
Danny O’Connor, Donal McDaid, Hermione Sheridan and Mary Houston who are all U16, took on the mammoth challenge of racing for an U18 spot.
Mary pushing the pace in the downhill
Outstanding running from all four athletes who proved that the natural facilities we have available on our doorstep are being fully utilised. With selection for the squad is still to be confirmed, Hermione was the first NAC lady across the line with Mary closely following in her tracks.
An exceptional run from Hermione
The incredibly strong field of young men really put Danny and Donal to the test. However they didn’t back down and with that, they took on the climbs with gusto and bravely navigated the ever changing terrain to run races they should be proud of.
Danny proves he is one to watch finishing 10th in his first open moutnain race