A brief synopsis by Bogusboy

Lisburn was awash with colour as athletes from the length and breadth of the North descended upon the city for the now firmly established evening of racing. First off was the 10k at 6:50pm – 1840 took part in the event which was won by Chris ‘KFC’ Madden (31:51) and Heather Foley (37:58). Marty Melville was first home for Newcastle in 35:07. Mari and Sinead ran stride for stride the whole way and the end proved to be a bitter dilemma – who would take third place? Both ladies eyed each other up and down – who would break first in the international game of cat and mouse. The reality was altogether different. ‘You take third Mari’ was followed by, ‘No, you take third Sinead.’ and so it continued until both crossed the line together.

Championship Chip timing declared Mari to be the winner by one second on elapsed chip time. Frank Cunningham produced a chisel and a lump hammer and attempted to break the crystal ‘right down the middle’, thus enabling each lady to take a share of the spoils. This proved altogether unsuccessful, but each athlete did go home with 437shards of glass in a carrier bag! Like the football the previous evening, Irish/Swedish relationships were never in any danger and a draw was declared the fairest result! Worse was to follow when Wonderwall realised that he could have won the 3k fun run, observing that he could ‘have run them kids into the ground early on.’ Long suffering Mrs Wonderwall completed the 10k in under the hour (58:56) and was delighted with her efforts – Mr Wonderwall says she will have to go a lot harder in the future, so the happiness was short-lived as relations in the Gallagher household turned icy!

Half marathon madness

Ten minutes after the 10k, the half began.  Three NAC athletes were among the 1141 finishers.  Jack O’Hare was easily the best of the bunch with an excellent 15th place overall in a very quick 1:23:07, going through the first half in a speedy 40:42.  When asked about the secret of his success he was eager to point out the contribution made by tinned tomatoes and mushy peas – sounds like the diet of a certain Alf Tupper – minus the fish and chips of course!!! ‘Moreover, he continued, I arranged all my items of bric-a-brac and other household sundry items to sell from my fold out table hours before the summer fete was due to open.’ This caused some consternation until he concluded by saying, ‘You know what I mean, I set my stall out early!’ Why did I ask!!! The race was won by former Hill and Dale competitor Stephen Duncan of Omagh Harriers (1:12:21 – and 3 minutes 58 seconds ahead of the second placed man!) with Laura Graham of Morune Runners continuing her outstanding run of success with another brilliant performance (first lady and 9th overall in 1:19:51).

The Ford 5

Bryansford GAC are flat out in their preparations for their 5k on Saturday 9 July.  The race is at 2pm and further details are available on the club website. You can also watch a top local athlete complete the course in a really quick time by checking out the link below!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwQMcTqzyQU&feature=youtu.be