Murlough AC runners took a break from their usual Saturday haunt, as the sand dunes of Murlough Nature Reserve and Castlewellan Park were swapped for the back roads of Killough and St John’s Point at The Coast Half Marathon and 10k, organised by Born2Run.
Both races started in Killough, with runners going out as far as Rossglass or Tyrella before the return trip back to the village. Last year, supporters were treated to continuous sun and heat, but runners prefer cooler conditions. The sun may not have been shining and the temperatures were much lower than expected for mid-May on Saturday, but it provided perfect running conditions.
The favourable cooler weather may well have helped so many of Murlough AC’s participants achieve brilliant times and numerous PBs in both distances.
A few weeks ago, some club members were running marathons in Boston, London and Belfast, and the half marathon distance gave them an opportunity to stretch their legs again.
Declan McCormick, who recently completed both the Boston and Belfast marathons, ran the distance in one hour and 31 minutes. Second was Darina Burns, who flew around the course and was delighted with her PB of one hour and 39 minutes, with Colly McGivern just a few seconds behind.
All three athletes finished in the top 100 of 700 entries.
Other PBs were achieved by Stephen Gibbons, Nathan McComiskey, Brona Miller and Jenn Nixon. Fiona Barr once again achieved a PB, something which is becoming a habit for Fiona.
New club member Rhona Ferris was delighted to complete her first half marathon.
In the 10k, Martin Hyland once again showed his class with a finishing time of 43 minutes, placing 25th out of 680 entries.
Martin was closely followed by Gillian Ryans in 47:27. This was a great time, as Gillian has only recently returned from injury.
Stevie Burns, encouraged perhaps by wife Darina, made his debut in a Murlough AC vest with a sub-50-minute finish.
There were numerous Murlough PBs in the 10k distance, with Shauna Trainor, Hazel Crudgington, Peter King and Michaela King among the members queuing up to “ring the bell.”
Murlough AC wish to thank everyone involved with The Coast Half Marathon and 10k. The event was, as usual, extremely well organised. The club also offered special thanks to the Killough locals, who turned out in force to provide encouragement, jelly babies and water — support that made all the difference.
