The Belfast City Marathon on Mayday Monday was a successful venture for Ballynure Presbyterian Church as all five relay teams, individual runners and walkers all achieved their targets. The Majestic Movers team of Ken Armstrong, Paula McCullough, Richard Lee, Julie Young and Zoe Gilmour finished in a very creditable time of 3-54-07, just holding off the Freedom Flyers, comprising Michael Matthews, Richard McGookin, Christopher Weatherup, Robert Weatherup and Andrew McGookin by a mere 31 seconds.
Next to finish a further 3 minutes adrift was the Johnny’s Angels quintet of Christine Murray, Bertie Allen, Ross McCowan, Neill Walker and Gillian Hanna, who clocked 3-57-45.
Further back, and perhaps running more sedately were the Refiners Runn
ers of Christine Murray, Julie Richardson, Gillian Moxen, Erin Montgomery and Lisa Montgomery, who clocked 4.23.44, and the Holy Rollers team of Heather Boyd, Jim Logan, Alastair Black, Irvine Richardson, and the Rev. Jonathan Moxen, who finished in 4.44.00.
Individuals who ran the Full Marathon Race were the impressive and enthusiastic Christine Murray, who ran the first leg of the relay for both Johnny’s Angels and Refiner’s Runners, and went on to run the entire 26.2 miles in a personal best time of 3-51-22, being placed 460th overall out of 1550 Finishers, 10th in her age category, and, crossed the finish line before any of the church’s relay teams.
Also running on and doing the Full Marathon was Michael Matthews (774th) who finished in a time of 4-13-21. Sharon McCowan took part in the 26.2 mile Marathon Walk and finished in a very commendable 6.30. Also taking part in the Walk were Linda Logan and Freda Allen, who finished their 9 miles in a well-deserved 2.30. While the emphasis on the day was to have fun within a sporting context, the main challenge of course was to raise valuable funds for the Tear Fund’s “Bringing Childhood Back To Life” campaign, and Ballynure Presbyterian Church’s Building Fund. All the runners therefore would like to take this opportunity to thank all those people who supported them financially and otherwise, and who made their endeavours on the day so worthwhile and fulfilling.
Belfast City Marathon Relay Race - Majestic Movers 3-54-07; Freedom Flyers 3-54-38; Johnny’s Angels 3-57-45; Refiner’s Runners 4-23-44; Holy Rollers 4-44-00.
Belfast City Marathon Race - Christine Murray 3-51-22 (460th overall, 10th FV35); Michael Matthews 4-13-21 (774th overall).
Belfast City Marathon Walk (26.2 miles) - Sharon McCowan 6-30;
Belfast City Marathon Walk (9 miles) - Linda Logan 2-30; Freda Allen 2-30.
The full article contains 459 words and appears in Newtownabbey Times newspaper.
