There was a good turn out of Vets and Ladies at Ballyclare for the Malcolm Cup Cross Country.  FULL RESULTS

JOE SEELEY MEMORIAL 10k  8th December 2007

Despite the dreadful conditions of heavy rain, strong winds and a massive deep puddle to contend with three times during the race there were some excelent performances from LV athletes at Ormeau Park. Suzanne showed that she is really getting back to top form with an excellent 3rd place in 37:05 over a minute faster than her run in the  Laganside several weeks ago. Rona just missed the 40 mins barrier and Julie got back in time from her dry sking in the morning to help the womens team to Silver medals in the Northern Ireland Team Championship. Eric continues to get faster and there was a great first time under 40 mins for Billy Moody.

73rd McCONNELL SHIELD Ballyclare 10th November 2007

Suzanne McCormick was the leading club athlete at ballyclare as she took a clear second place in the Ladies 3 miles. Unfortunately for some reason there was again no team prize for the ladies (tut tut East Antrim) but with Suzanne ably supported by Rona Harkens, Ruth Magill and Kate Montgomery we would clearly ahve been in with a shout.

In the McConnell itself there were solid runs by Eric Montgomery and Jonnie Davis and it was good to see Neil Darby back in action. Hopefully we will have a full turnout at the Malcolm Cup in two weeks time.

FRANKFURT 2007.The long anticipated tour to the Franfurt Marathon finally got underway on Friday morning 26th October long before dawn and by mid afternoon the party of 17 were happily enjoying the free coffee and cake in the excellent Monopol Hotel. Registration was completed on the Friday evening and several of Frankfurt's many eating establishments were sussed out. Saturday was spent in general sighteseeing and despite a few unexpected train journies everyone returned safely and got to bed early in preparation for the real reason for the trip.   

Many long hours had been spent pounding literally thousands of miles of roads over the past few months and the Marathon Eight were delighted to find that conditions on race morning were ideal. Final good wishes were exchanged and as the 42kers headed for the start the Staffle (relay) runners set out in search of the change over zones.                                                                                                        

It was clear as the runners approached the half way mark that the six Lagan Valley runners had stuck carefully to their pre race plans and all looked strong. Ten kilometres later as the dreaded 'wall' approached somethings were beginning to change. Davy Nesbitt had deviated from the plan and was taking an individual approach by trying to crash through the wall at speed. The gamble worked almost to perfection as he finished in 3:05.47 to improve his personal best by 20 minutes.

Andy feeling good at 12k with Davy waiting to pounce a few metres behind.

Davy's training partner Andy Edwards was next to cross the line in another personal best of 3;14.08 closely followed by Julie Murphy who literally ran herself into the ground in an excellent 3:21.23 collapsing over the line and ending up on a drip in the medical room.

Hazel, Susan and Kate doing some sightseeing.

Hazel Hunter's original target was 3 hours 40 but such was the dedication of last years winner of the Most Improved Athlete Trophy that this has been recently revised to 3:36. In the event Hazel went even better to finish strongly in 3:33.03. Martina Elliott by her own admission had not prepared as well as she might but still ran an excellent 3:35.10.

The man behind the idea of the Lagan Valley onslaught of Frankfurt was Bobby Hanna and as well as coming up trumps with the organisation he also produced a great run finishing like the sprinter he once was to finish in 3:41.05 over 6 minutes faster than last year.

Our two very welcome guests Mark Mackin and Heather Bamford made sure that it was a 100% record of finishers with Mary excelling herself with a fifth place in her age category in 3:32.28.In the team race scoring three runners the Lagan Valley men were 116th out of 488 teams and the women again upstaged them with a superb 5th out of 80.  

The performances of the two relay teams also brought honour to the club. Inspired by the performances of the younger members of the club at Jordanstown on Saturday the 'golden oldies' (sorry Susan)  set out to emulate their performances. Over 1200 hundred teams of four runners left the start line and at the finish the Lagan Valley men Eric Montgomery, John T Glover, Gary Hamill and Frank Sharkey (average age mid 50's) finished in 9th place and the women Ruth Magill, Kate Montgomery, Fionulla McCourt and Susan Edwards (average age mid 40's) were a magnificent fourth.

Frank Sharkey sprinting towards the final turn into the finishing stadium.

The days proceedings ended with a very civilised party in the O'Reilly's Irish bar where we were delighted to be joined by Fiona Galliano of North Belfast Harriers now teaching just outside Frankfurt and who provided great vocal support at the 26 kilometre mark.

Photos of the exploits will follow but the results and videos of all the runners can be viewed at http://live.frankfurt-marathon.com/2007/  and then type in the runners surname. Julie's coup at the finish is not to be missed!

All those involved would like to thank the club, Mizuno and all who purchased ballot tickets for their help. Also to Anne Skeffington for her support around the course.The next incursion into Europe in being planned as you read this. Watch this space.

BOBBY REA MEMORIAL

Female 3mile Race-

2nd-Suzanne McCormick 7th Rona Harkins  20th Patricia Brady  Team 2nd

Mens 5 mile Race- 

27th Johnny Davis 53rd-Ian Gourley 67th Michael McSorley