By Jonathan Brown
TRIBUTES have been paid to Lauranne McMullan, a much-loved and respected member of the local running community, following her sad passing last week.
Castlewellan native Lauranne was a member of Murlough Athletics Club and a regular participant and volunteer at Castlewellan parkrun. She competed across a wide range of distances in Murlough colours, from shorter races to marathons, and just last year completed the London Marathon.
She completed more than 71 parkruns, many of them at Castlewellan Forest Park, where she became a familiar and friendly face on Saturday mornings.
Lauranne was a regular volunteer at Castlewellan parkrun as well as a competitor, and as recently as January she finished as the first woman home in the popular local 5k event, a feat she achieved on four occasions.
Paying tribute, Murlough Athletics Club said: “It is with profound sadness that we said goodbye to our dear friend and clubmate Lauranne.
“Lauranne wasn’t just a runner, she was an important part of the Murlough running family. Quiet, humble and always encouraging, she inspired everyone who had the privilege of running alongside her.”
The club added: “Your footsteps may have fallen silent Lauranne, but your memory will echo through Murlough Athletics Club forever. Thank you for the smiles and friendship you gave us all.”
