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29th
Aug 2010
Greg and Marina win Dessie's
Run
City of Derry AC's Greg Roberts continued his excellent season
with a convincing win in the Spar Dessie's Run 10k running
a swift 30 mins 53 sec in windy conditions. Marina Campbell,
also of City of Derry won the womens race in a new pb of 39
mins 46 secs. Full results here.
Photos from Cathy here..
24th
Aug 2010
Spar Dessies Run Kicks off
Busy Road Race Agenda
As the summer threatens to say goodbye the road race season
hots up with three weeks of top class action kicking off this
Sunday 29th August at Gransha with the annual Dessies Run
set to attract big numbers for the popular three lap 10K in
the Clooney Road venue. Carlow is the venue a week later,Sunday
September 5th for the National Half Marathon championship
with the local Spartans travelling to defend their senior
mens team title and then on Sunday September 12th its back
to Gransha for the 29th staging of the Waterside Half Marathon
which this year has a target of 1500 participants. more
20th
Aug 2010
Carlin wins 3rd Buncrana
Mile
Kevin Carlin of City of Derry continued his winning ways
last night when taking a convincing victory in the Buncrana
Mile. Kevin had 10 secs to spare over Spartan Eoghan Furey
in 2nd place. 3rd place went to CoD's Shane McGowan who at
13 years of age ran a great race to finish 3rd in 5 mins 3
secs. Full results here.
Results by category here.
Well done to all those who took on the challenge but unfortunately
the low turnout represented the unfounded widespread fear
of racing 1 mile in the local running fraternity! People will
run 26 but won't run 1?????? Photos taken by Cathy
Furey here
20th
Aug 2010
Weekend Track Action -Starter
for the Spar Dessies Run
Following last nights Super 5 track meeting at Mary Peters
in Belfast in which a few locals participated--no results
available as we go to press- Antrim is tomorrows venue for
the NI Team Trophy which should see Olympian attempt to defend
the title won last year.After their Nationl League heroics
in Tullamore last weekend City of Derry are unlikely to put
in anything other than a token appearance at this one which
probably suffers from the late season date. more
15th
Aug 2010
Spar Dessie's Run 10k
Click the link on the left of the site for details of the
2010 Spar Dessie's Run 10k. Online and postal entry available.
Help us by entering before the morning of the race please.
Strictly NO entries after 11.30 on race day.
UPDATED
16TH WITH REPORT
15th
Aug 2010
City of Derry win Bronze
in National League
City of Derry Spartans confirmed their status
as one of the best clubs in the country when taking magnificent
bronze medals in the All Ireland Men's Track and Field league
on Saturday. The club only gained promotion to the premier
division last year. Clonliffe Harriers won by some distance
but only half a point separated the next 3 clubs. DSD finished
in 2nd, 1/2 a point ahead of City of Derry and Menapians who
had the same points. The spartans got the bronze on countback
with more individual wins. Full results here.
The women finished 6th in the Division 1 final. Well done
to all! Report and photos added Mon 16th
here

12th
Aug 2010
Buncrana Mile on Thursday
19th Aug
The annual Buncrana 1Mile Road Races will
take place on Thursday 19th August 2010. All are welcome to
have a go at this new challenge. Poster here.
12th
Aug 2010
Spartans Go For National
League Glory In Tullamore
The Tullamore Harriers Stadium on Saturday
hosts the National League Finals with the City of Derry Spartans
senior male and female squads both in the mix for honours,the
men in the Premier Division and the women in the First Division,after
battling their way out of the two qualifying rounds in June
and July and setting up a crack at the top track and field
clubs in the country. more
12th
Aug 2010
Carlin and Rodriguez win
Jog in the Bog
City of Derrys Kevin Carlin led home an 80
plus field at wednedsay nights Jog in the Bog 5K,clocking
an impressive 16m 14s for a 20s victory margin over English
visitor,Clayton Payne with Inishowen AC,s Declan Caldwell
third on 17m 08s.The Spartan and the visiting Triathlete who
has a 15m 01s PB for the distance,battled away upfront from
the gun and the red vest showed real bottle to outlast his
opponent and stride home to a welcome win which should boost
his confidence after an indifferent few months. more
4th
Aug 2010Jog
in the Bog next Wednesday
The annual Jog in the Bog 5K will be staged
out of the Gasyard Centre on Wednesday 11th August next,starting
at 7 30pm with entries at £5 taken in the Centre from
6.30pm.A similar course to last year will be used again with
the "round the houses" format proving popular with
both runners and spectators.The finish may indeed be switched
to maximise spectator input! more
4th
Aug 2010Smyth
Bows Out On A High
Jason Smyths inspiring run to the European
Championships 100m Semi Final in recent days was the athletics
headline grabber of the week, as the City of Derry Spartans
speedster wrote his name majestically all over the media,locally,nationally
and European wide as the first Paralympic athlete to compete
successfully at a major mainstream championships. more
4th
Aug 2010SPARTANS
ARE THE MC CAIN’S NORTHERN IRELAND YOUNG ATHLETES LEAGUE
CHAMPIONS
The City of Derry Spartans are the Northern
Ireland Young Athletes League Champions for the fourth year
in succession. The Spartans travelled to Antrim Forum on Saturday
in the hope of securing this title and certainly did it in
style. more
4th
Aug 2010Rising
Stars Coach Recruitment
The closing date for applications for this
year’s “Rising Stars” Coaches is drawing
nearer (4pm Fri 13th Aug 2010). Athletics NI would like to
encourage as many coaches to apply this year to ensure the
young athletes get the chance to experience the best coaching
Ulster has to offer. more
21st
July 2010Johnston and Crossan
win Furey Series
The final race in the 2010 Furey Insurances
Series took place tonight on a wet Ballineska circuit but
the weather didn't deter some 140 hardy souls. Richard Johnston
led the way to win by some 9 seconds over his rival Scott
Rankin with Emmet McGinty in 3rd. This win gave Johnston the
overall series title for 2010. Helena Crossan likewise won
the women's race and in doing so won the series ahead of Gemma
Turley. The final race was kindly sponsored by Donnelly and
Taggart Motors. . Photos taken by Bernie here.
Thanks to all the race sponsors, to all who helped out in
any way and to all the runners who made this the most successful
series to date. Eoghan. ps: Any errors in the results please
email me at eoghanfurey@gmail.com 22nd
July 2010Updated Results here
Report and AGE GRADED CORRECTION HERE
17th
July 2010Furey Series last
race this Wednesday
Wednesday 21ts July is the final race of
the 2010 Furey Insurances 5k series and takes place on the
Ballineska course beside Templemore Sports Complex. Overall
series prizes will be decided on the night. With the growth
shown in previous races we are expecting alarge turnout for
the final race.. It would be most appreciated, if you intend
to run that you pre enter. NOTE : No penalty for non attendance.
There will be a separate desk for those pre entered for Race
No up untill 7.10pm this will speed up your entry and allow
for a more relaxed pre race atmosphere . The email address
for pre entry is fudgelarge@gmail.com Just send me your :
Name - Male/Female - Race Day Age – Club
Subject line -----Ballineska 5K All pre entries will be accepted
with up to 4pm Wednesday (race day). All pre entries by email
will receive a copy of the race results that night.
The overall series is too tight to call at
this moment with some key people still on 3 races. The vets
prizes overall will be done on an age graded basis with the
best 4 times age graded. The overall 1st and 2nd will be worked
out slightly differently this year. The best 4 performances
will win. We have previously used time and position but in
order to make it as fair as possible this year we are adopting
the pergentage system. This way the number of people in the
race is reflected. The attached spreadsheet should show what
I mean. The best 4 percentages are averaged out. There may
be the odd mistake in my calculations and if you spot anything
then please email me at eoghanfurey@gmail.com. Looking forward
to seeing you all there and the series t-shirts for those
who complete 4 races will also be available on the night.
Registration from 6 pm as usual at Templemore Sports Complex
Derry. Overall spreadsheet so far here.
Remember that the vets prize is calculated differently! Thanks
Eoghan Furey
12th
July 2010Athletics Northern
Ireland & Ulster Rising Stars Squad
Details and applications for the Athletics
NI and Ulster Rising Stars squad are now available. For programme
info click here.
Coach information and application form here
and here.
Athlete medical consent form here.
12th
July 2010Carey just Misses
out on Gold at Santry
A top quality National Senior Track/Field
championships at Dublin,s Santry Stadium over the weekend,yielded
eight medals for North West athletes,among them City of Derry,s
Tom Carey who battled to 400m Hurdles silver as just one second
separated the top three finishers in a tense final. more
12th
July 2010Juveniles Stars Impress
A total of thirteen National Juvenile championship
medals were brought home last weekend by the talented young
athletes from City of Derry Spartans,highlighted by Hurdlers,Mark
McGarvey and Ryan McParland who both struck gold in Tullamore.
more
7th
July 2010Spartans dominate
Young Athletes League Again!
Congratulations and Well Done to the Juvenile
Spartans for their emphatic table topping of the McCains Young
Athletes League for yet another year! They had almost 500
points to spare over nearest rivals Regent House and will
travel to Antrim at the end of July,very hot favourites to
retain the Team Title and qualify once again to represent
NI at the UK Finals in September. Well done to everybody concerned!!!!
Come on you Spartans!!! Total points here
7th
July 2010All Ireland Juvenile
Athletic Championships
13 Medals won by City of Derry Spartans Athletes
at the first weekend of the All Ireland Juvenile Athletic
Championships in Tullamore at the weekend. more
7th
July 2010Masters Championships
and Tailteann Games Medal Haul
Local athletes showcased their talent across
the age bands over the weekend with big performances at the
NI Masters championships at the Mary Peters track and at the
Juvenile Inter Provincial Tailteann Games in Tullamore. more
7th
July 2010Round the Bridges
Emmet McGinty ran a good 54m 28secs for the
runners up spot behind Neil Douglas of Ballymena Runners at
last Thursdays annual Limavady Round the Bridges 10 miler
as local runners filed six of the top ten places. more
30th
June 2010Johnston and Davidson
Lead Home Record Field at Carndonagh 5K
Richard Johnston won the latest installment
of his season long battle with tenacious Foyle Valley rival
Scott Rankin, at a wet and windy Carndonagh 5K on Wednesday
night last and American visitor Hannah Davidson was much too
good for the local opposition in the Womens race,as a record
179 finishers contested the penultimate race in the hugely
popular Furey Insurances 5K Series. Results here.
Photos taken by Cathy here.
Full Report here
21st
June 2010Furey Insurances
Series moves to Carndonagh
Wednesday the 30th of June sees round 5 of
the Furey Insurances 5k series move to the north Inishowen
town of Carndonagh which is approx 30 mins from Derry City.
This continues the cross border aspect of the series which
branches out from the city into it's natural hinterland of
the Inis Eoghain pininsula. The race is sponsored by local
firm Atlanfish for
whom Declan McCarthy is the accountant. Furey Insurances also
have a branch there. This race is jointly organised with Inishowen
AC and the race head quarters is Carndonagh Community School.
Another great turnout is expected as the running boom continues.
Overall the series battle looks to be between Foyle Valley's
Scott Rankin and City of Derry's new recruit Richard Johnston
but with only 4 races run nothing is decided. The open womens
and vets isn't clear yet but plenty of scores will be settled
in "Carn"! Poster here
21st
June 2010Road Racing
Pauric McKinney won last Friday nights Lifford
5K,his 15m 30secs seeing him home ahead of Aaron Doherty's
15m 55secs with Ivan Toner third on 16m3s..more including
Lifford results and carndonagh 5k poster here
21st
June 2010NI/Ulster Juvenile
Championships winners
There were many excellent performances from
young local athletes at the weekends Provincial Championships
in Antrim with the stand outs, a triple golden treble from
Mark McGarvey,Andrew Bolster and Anna Barr plus double gold
from Ciara Armstrong and Jack McCloskey as a host of championship
medals and All Ireland qualifications were achieved. Mark
McGarvey at U17 level won his 100m,100m Hurdles and Long Jump,Anna
Barr in the same age band won the 200m,300m and Triple Jump
and at U16 Andrew Bolster was successful in the 200m,100Hurdles
and 250Hurdles. Ciara Armstrong and Jack McCloskey at U15
level each won their respective 100m/200m golds.
photos here,
here,
here,
here,
here,
here,
here,
here,
here,
here
21st
June 2010Claire and Ryan in
Romania
Staying with track/field and two young City
of Derry stars are currently at a European Youth Olympics
training camp in Romania with a select 24 strong group of
15/16 year olds from clubs all over Ireland. The Spartans,Triple/Long
Jumper Claire Docherty and Hurdler/Sprinter Ryan McParland
joined three Donegal athletes, selected to travel as part
of the Olympic Council of Irelands preparations for participation
in next years European Youth Olympics Festival in Turkey.Congratulations
to all of them and no doubt the experience will add to their
further development in the sport.
21st
June 2010Sprinter Smyth--Brilliant
in Budapest
Sundays update on the AAI Website captured
perfectly the ongoing success story which is local sprint
sensation Jason Smyth as the Eglinton Flyer stormed to another
new 100m PB of 10.27secs in Budapest the previous day. more
14th
June 2010Smyth's Stunning
Sprint Record in Superb Athletics Weekend
If speedster Jason Smyth,s stunning new NI
100m record of 10.32s at Antrim on Saturday quite rightly
grabbed the headlines for the Eglinton Flyer, lets also flag
up Tom Carey,s and Aaron Crawford,s 400m Hurdles and Javelin
Ni/Ulster Championship Golds ,the brilliant National League
Premier Division first round runners up performance by the
City of Derry Spartans mens squad and an impressive Division
1 third place effort from their female counterparts,as Antrim
hosted a real quality weekend double header. more
14th
June 2010National League Round
1 in Antrim
Sunday saw the second half of the weekends
double header featuring Round 1 of the National League with
City of Derry flying the local flag in both the Mens and Womens
competitions. Both performed very well,the mens Premier Division
runners up spot,an eye catching one and the female red vests
in Division 1,kept their qualifying hopes high ,scoring an
impressive 101 points for a third place finish. more
14th
June 2010Buncrana 10K
The consistent Innishowen AC man Joe McKinney
was a comfortable winner of Saturday nights Buncrana 10K which
attracted an entry of around 150. McKinney ran 34n13s for
the win,ahead of City of Derry,s Brendan Murphy on 35m03s
and his M45 clubmate,Gerry Duddy with 35m24s. More here
including full results and photos.
14th
June 2010YAL Rd 3 Results
Click here
for the complete set of results for Round 3 at both Magherafelt
and Bangor along with the results for the senior events at
both venues. Thanks for the support during the last season.
Regards Chris Power.
10th
June 2010Johnston wins latest
head to head at Culmore 5K
Richard Johmston and Scott Rankin resumed
their seasons ongoing battle for supremacy at Culmore on Wednesday
night, in Race 4 of the hugely popular Furey Insurances 5K
Series,with the Randalstown based City of Derry Spartans newcomer
carving out a ten second victory margin over his Foyle Valley
rival in a wind affected 16m 6secs,as the Womens race went
to Innishowen,s impressive Helena Crossan in 18m 45secs. more.
Results here.
Photos here,
10th
June 2010Smyth to Star in
Antrim Track/Field Weekend
Double Header!
Antrim will be the venue this weekend for
a top class double header of athletics action with tomorrows
NI/Ulster Senor and U18/U20 Track and Field championships
followed on Sunday by Round 1 of the prestigious National
League. more
8th
June 2010Irish Schools Golds
for Claire and Ryan in Tullamore
Claire Dougherty,s excellent High Jump/Triple
Jump double and Ryan McParland,s impressive 100m Hurdless
victory, were the golden treble from the local seven medal
haul,won at last Saturday,s All Ireland Secondary Schools
Track/Field Championships in sunny Tullamore.
more
5th
June 2010Culmore 5K Pre entry
With the growth shown in previous races we
are expecting alarge turnout for the Furey Series 5K at Culmore.
It would be most appreciated, if you intend to run that you
pre enter. NOTE : No penalty for non attendance. There will
be a separate desk for those pre entered for chip and Race
No up untill 7.10pm this will speed up your entry and allow
for a more relaxed
pre race atmosphere . The email address for pre entry is fudgelarge@gmail.com
Just send me your :
Name - Male/Female - Race Day Age – Club
Subject line -----Culmore 5K
All pre entries will be accepted with up to 4pm Wednesday
(race day). All pre entries by email will receive a copy of
the race results
that night. Your co-operation with this experiment will be
appreciated by those working behind the scene who give of
their time so that you can perform. Charlie Large
Race poster here
3rd
June 2010Culmore 5K
Culmores Cooney Rd circuit hosts race four
in the Furey Insurances 5K Series next Wednesday night at
7 30pm on the familiar Coney Rd circuit with sponsorship from
Physio,Shaw Barron and the Joe Jackson franchise. A big entry
is expected for this one,entries will be taken from 6pm at
race HQ,the Victoria Hall on the Arden Rd/Coney Rd junction.
This is adjacent to the race start and finish and spectators
are reminded that the Culmore circuit is very good for catching
the action close up and personal.
3rd
June 2010Schools Stars Chase
All Ireland Honours in Tullamore Tomorrow
Tullamore and Donegal Town are the featured
venues for local athletes this weekend,as the Midlands Stadium
hosts the ultra competitive All Ireland Track/Field Championships
tomorrow,while tonight at 7 30pm,the Donegal Town 5K is the
seventh in the County wide Grand Prix Race Series.
more
31st
May 2010Buncrana 5K Records
Galore
Results amended! Click here.
Report now included from Gerry
L -3rd june
24th
May 2010Super Ulster Schools
Medal Haul
Local Schools athletes were in superb form
at last Friday/Saturday,s Ulster Schools Track/Field Championships
staged in sizzling conditions at Antrim and came away with
an impressive haul of 21 individual medals plus the Thornhill
College Minor Girls sprint relay squads team bronze more
24th
May 2010Donegal town 5k
Details here
of the Donegal Town 5k
24thReport
added 21st May 2010Paddy
Mor 2nd in Wilkies 5m
Paddy Mor Doherty of City of Derry continued
his best season in recent years with a comfortable runner
up spot in Wilkies 5 mile road race held last night in humid
conditions out "the line". A fair number of Spartans
turned out for the annual Foyle valley event which attracted
a large field of 130 runners. The race was won by Scott Rankin
of Foyle valley with Cathy McCourt of NBH winning the womens
race. Full results here.
Report here from
Gerry 24th May
18th
May 2010Arnie 3rd in the Interfirms
5k
Aaron Doherty of City of Derry made a welcome
return to competition tonight finishing 3rd in the Interfirms
5k in Letterkenny. The race was won in excellent times by
Letterkenny duo of Patrick Brennan (14.56) and Maria McCambridge
(16.31). 220 finishers! Full results here.
Inter-firm race here
18th
May 2010SPARTANS DOMINATE
ROUND 2 OF YAL
The second round of the Northern Ireland
YAL took place last weekend at a sunny Templemore Sports Complex
with City of Derry Spartans dominating the meeting. After
leading Round 1 of the N.I. League by 200 points from Regent
House, Belfast, the Spartans were feeling very confident.
more
18th
May 2010Jason Smyth--Flying
in Florida!
Another busy week of competitive action gets
underway tonight in Letterkenny with the annul Inter Firms
5K road race,starting at 7.30pm,closely followed by Wednesday
nights Spar Bann 10K,the second in the new Series,in Bambridge
at 7pm and then its back home on Thursday evening for the
popular annual Foyle Valley promotion,Wilkies 5m Classic which
should attract good numbers for the "out the Line"
course on the Letterkenny Rd. more
18th
May 2010SPARTAN ATHLETES AT
DISTRICT SCHOOLS
Last Wednesday saw the first round of the
District “C” Schools’ Athletic Championships
at Antrim Forum. The top 3 Athletes qualifying for Ulster
Schools Finals which will be held on Saturday 22nd May at
Antrim Forum. more
12th
May 2010Rankin Outruns Opposition
at Lisnagelvin 5k
Foyle Valleys emerging talent Scott Rankin
led home the record 120 strong field at Wednesdays Lisnagelvin
5K, race 2 in the Furey Insurances 5k series, but only after
an absorbing tussle with the promoting club City of Derry
Spartans new recruit Richard Johnston,the 2 second margin
on the line an indication of the intense battle for supremency
between the pair.
The 20 year old Rankin componsated for two recent defeats
by 23 year old Johnston by tracking his rival for close to
4K before edging in front and successfully holding off all
attempts in the long run to the finish.Letterkenny,s Ivan
Toner,a previous winner on the Lisnagelvin circuit finished
a distant third in 16m 16secs ahead of a red vested trio,Kieran
Hurley(16m 27s), Kevin Carlin(16m 34s) and Brendan Murphy(16m36s).
Abbey AC,s in form Gemma Turley who impressed at the Bay Rd
race three weeks ago,won the Womens race witha a 19m 1sec
run,getting home clear of Letterkennys Margaret Kelly on 19m
20secs and theresa Doherty from Innishowen Ac with 19m 29secs.
Jackie McGinley won the battle for local supremacy ahead of
Spartans clubmate Marina Campbell--19m 30seccs to 19m 46secs
and the top six was completed by another Spartan,Bridgeen
Byrne on 20m 7secs.
McGinley claimed the F40 prize,Byrne was the top F45 and Finn
Valleys Gloria Donaghey ran 22m 34secs for the F50 age group
victory. In 8th place overall,Declan McCarthy ran 16m 59secs
to win the M45 category, Dermot Connolly posted 17m 50secs
and Peter Lilburn 18m 9secs for the M50 and M55 awards respectively
Moville man Seamus McElhinney,out of competitive action for
a long time was the leading M60 on 24m 1sec.
Mid Ulsters John O Neill took the Male U20 win with 19m 26secs
and Foyle Valley runners Sandra McKeever,22m 4secs and teenager
Jenny O Brien on 22m 51secs were the top F35 and Female U20
finishers in the big field.
This was the second in the six race Furey Insurances 5K Series,the
next is in Buncrana on Wednesday 26th May at 7 30pm and with
the proven fast Donegal seaside circuit a big attraction,a
250 plus field is anticipated in two weeks time.
Robert Bigger of the Lisnagelvin sponsors,WB Thompson &Co
Solicitors,Limavady was on hand to start Wednesdays race and
present the prizes afterwards as the participants and
officials enjoyed some wll earned post race refreshments at
Lisnagelvin Leisure Centre. Gerry Lynch
Results here.
Photos from me here(Eoghan
-use as you like).. Well done to all and thanks to all who
helped out.
12th
May 2010Spartans top McCains
Young Athletes League Table
After last Saturdays second round match at
the Sports Complex,defending champions City of Derry Spartans
have a commanding lead at the top of the NI McCains Young
Athletes League and look poised for a fourth successive overall
victory. They lead closest challangers Regent House by almost
400 points,Lagan Valley are a further 300 points adrift and
the other Derry club Olympian,are chasing hard in fourth spot.
The third round match featuring the locals is in Magherafelt
on 9th June and both clubs will expect to progress smoothly
to the League Finals in July and a shot of qualifying for
the UK Final a month or so later.
Finally mention of a host of good performances at Wedneddays
District Schools Track/Field Championships in Antrim by local
Schools athletes with a sizeable number qualifying for the
Ulsters! Well done to all!! Gerry L
9th
May 2010Lisnagelvin Hosts
Round 2 of Furey Insurances 5K Road Race Series
The second round of the Furey Insurances
5K Series will be hosted at Lisnagelvin Leisure Centre tomorrow
night, Wednesday 12 May with Robert Bigger of Limavady-based
race sponsors, WB Thompson Co Solicitors, confident of another
bumper turnout for the popular local 5K series.
Race start time is 7.30pm with entries taken at the Centre
from 6pm. The usual 3-lap, flat course will be used once again
with the runners benefiting from the spectators’ ability
to easily access the course at strategic points to cheer on
their favourites and watch the action unfold.
The usual age category prizes are on offer. There is a £300
plus prize fund available and, of course, post-race refreshments
and the opportunity to discuss and compare performances all
add to the occasion.
As ever in the Furey Series the top local club athletes will
be joined on the line by a large turnout of participants of
all abilities, all anxious to see just how they measure up
to the 5K challenge; so chasing 30 minute finish times will,
for some, be just as important as the 15 minute clockings
of the front runners.
The top three from the first round race at Bay Rd three weeks
ago, Greg Roberts, Richard Johnston and Scott Rankin could
well be in the mix again with Aaron Doherty and Emmet McGinty
possibly looking to crash the upfront party. North Belfast’s
Cathy McCourt, a clear Bay Rd winner could be the women to
beat once again while local interest is likely to focus on
what could be an interesting tussle between Jacqueline McGinley
and Marina Campbell.
All in all a terrific nights road racing is in store with
the spectators set to be royally entertained on an excellent,
spectator-friendly course. Race 3 in the Series follows in
Buncrana on Wednesday 26 May and this one, with its proven
fast course and massive numbers, should be well worth going
along to sample.
WILKIES 5Mile Classic
Immediately prior to the Buncrana Race, Foyle Valley AC will
stage their annual Wilkies 5m Classic from the Long Tower
Community Centre on Thursday 20 May. Using the familiar Letterkenny
Road course - out the Line - this popular race will attract
big numbers once again. More information later.
Gerry Lynch
9th
May 2010YAL Round 2
Below complete rd2 and senior results from
today’s YAL competition. We have again got another YAL
record. In Round 1 it was Clare Dougherty from City of Derry
Spartans who achieved a Under 15 Juniors High Jump record
with 1.60m and now this weekend we have a new Under 17 Youth
Javelin record by Matthew Martin with 54.55m.Thanks Chris.
Rd2 Match 1 here,
Rd2 Match 2 here,
Rd2 Senior results here.
9th
May 2010YAL Round 1
A very good start to the first round, by
all the Spartan Athletes. Two buses travelled to Antrim Forum
with strong teams and even with a few cry offs the Spartans
showed why they are Northern Ireland Champions for the last
three years.
The day started with the short hurdle races where the club
showed their strength in depth by winning the boys U15 &
U17 races. This was followed by the longer hurdles where Andrew
Bolster on his first outing at this distance (400m Hurdles)
destroyed the field with an unofficial time of 60.4sec.
Later in the day Claire Dougherty U15 broke the YAL Record
with a winning jump of 1.60m . Great start to the season for
Claire. Tamara Boyle & Rebecca Mc Laughlin (U17) ran a
great 300m with both girls winning their races. Another great
performance was Roisin Laverty winning the Long Jump with
a new PB 5.04m. More success from Anna Barr (U17) 100m &
TJ (10.64m) and a great race from Amy Jackson (U15) to win
her first 1500m race on the track. Mark Mc Garvey & Ryan
Mc Parland gave a great account of themself during the day
by picking up valuable points for the team and winning their
events.
Earlier in the morning the Hammer throwers did great with
some pb from Calum Imrie(U15) and Lisa Dobbins (u17) and Aine
Harkin (U15).
nces.
Our u13 team were just brilliant as it was their first time
to compete for the club. Well done to all the athletes on
Saturday and we are looking forward to seeing how the team
scored after all these great performa
More news from the London Mini Marathon where Aoife Laverty
was representing Northern Ireland and finished first girl
home on the team over the 3miles. Well done Aoife.
Danea
21st
April 2010GGreg and Cathy
win Race 1 of the Furey Insurances 5k Series 2010
City of Derry's Greg Roberts and Cathy McCourt
of North Belfast Harriers won tonights opening race of the
2010 Furey Insurances 5k Series at the bay road. This race
was kindly sponsored by the University of Ulster at Magee.
A huge field of 171 runners turned out to make this the biggest
race in the series 10 year history outside of the Buncrana
fixture. The race also doubled as the NI Athletics 5k road
race championships and hosts, City of Derry AC won both the
mens and womens team titles from Foyle Valley and Inishowen
AC in the mens and from Inishowen and Finn valley in the womens
race. Many excellent times were posted all through the field
with pbs being the order of the day. All will be glad to hear
that there can be no disputing the distance as the course
was measured by Mr John Glover who is also the NI Athletics
President and presented the prizes on the night along with
Mr Paul McElhinney of the University of Ulster. Thanks to
all who took part and helped with the organisation. Full results
here.
Photos from the race here.
Note if anyone thinks there may be an error in their time
then please email us as mistakes do happen :). Thanks, Eoghan
There is now a Furey Insurance 5k series
group on facebook.
Report from Gerry below
Big,Brash and Brilliant
Bay Rd 5K
-------------------------------
Promoting club City of Derry Spartans,Gregory Roberts,finished
at the head of the record 170 strong field at Wednesday nights
Bay Rd 5K,retaining his Athletics NI 5K road championship
title in the process and leading the red vests successful
defence of the
mens team honours,ahead of local rivals,Foyle Valley and Innishowen
AC.
Indeed the Spartans also retained the Womens team title with
Jackie McGinley,Marina Campbell and Bridgeen Byrne combinig
to see off the challange of Innishowen and Finn Valley. North
Belfast,s Cathy McCourt improved from 4th last year to post
an emphatic individual win ahead of Laga Valleys Ruth McGill
who squeezed home just in front of Abbeys Gemma Turley.
The race was the first in this years Furey Insurances 5K Series
and hosted by UU Magee,was also the second race in the University
Challange series.The magnificient turnout was rewarded with
excellent running conditions,a cracker of a course, first
class organisation and responded by producing a brilliant
running spectacle for the appreciative spectators on the fast
3 lap Bay Rd circuit.
Up front recent Ballycotton 10 mille winner,Gregory Roberts
faced down an early challange from last weeks top two at the
UU Coleraine 5K,Richard Johnston and the improving Foyle Valley
man,Scott Rankin,to go on for the win in 15m 15s. The unattached
Johnston just edged Rankin in a desperate drive for the line
with both given the same time of 15m34s significant pb,s for
both!Emmet McGinty on 15m$4s and track specialist Pajo Hamilton
with 15m 57s,his first sub 16m clocking filled the next two
places and wrapped up the team title for City of Derry.
Cathy McCourt was an easy womens race champion with 17m 38s,
well clear of F50,Ruth McGill whose 19m 6s gave her a one
second margin over Gemma Turley in the battle for individual
silver and bronze.Both Jackie McGinley and Marina Campbell
produced sub 20m runs for the Spartans and with Bridgeen Byrne
on 20m 20s the women in red retained team gold from Donegal
rivals,Innishowen and Finn Valley.
The other indivual category winners were Male U20,JP Williamson,with
an excellent 16m 1s,M35 Paddy Doherty,M40 Matt Wray,M45 Declan
McCarthy,M50 Sammy McAnaney,M55 Peter Lilburn and M60 Athletics
NI President and Course Measurer,John Glover
The Female winners were U20,Amy McDaid, F35 Margaret Kelly,F40
Jackie McGinley,F45 Bridgeen Byrne,F50 Fionuala McCourt and
F60 Roisin Lynch.
The next race in the series is at Lisnagelvin on Weds 12th
May,once again with a 7 30pm start time and entries will be
taken on the night at Lisnagelvin Leisure Centre.
Gerry Lynch
14th
April 2010Furey Insurances
5k Series 2010 Launched
It's just under a week until the first race
in the 2010 Furey Insurance 5k Road Race Series organised
by City of Derry Spartans AC. This is the 10th year that the
series has been run and the 4th year being sponsored by Sean
Furey Insurances of Buncrana and Carndonagh (Formerly Bob
Mullan Series). The cross border dimension continues with
4 races in Derry City and 2 in Inis Eoghain.
Last years series was the most successful to date with on
average 100 runners for each of the 6 races. This year we
are also trying out Championchip electronic timing on 2 of
our biggest races at the Bay Road (race 1) and in Buncrana
(race 3).
Again this year our opening race on the Bay Road is run with
sponsorship from the University of Ulster Magee and we have
again been granted the honour of NI Athletics 5k Road Race
Championship status which means medals and team prizes. Race
1 is on the 21st April so time to get yourself ready again.
Race 2 crosses the Foyle to the ever popular Lisnagelvin
5k (remember the rain last year!) which is again kindly sponsored
by Spartan masters middle distance specialist and Limavady
solicitor Mr. Robert Bigger of WB Thompson and Co Solicitors.
Race date is 12th May 2010.
Race 3 is our first trip over the border on the 26th May
to the home of our series sponsor Sean Furey Insurances. The
Buncrana race has consistently seen the biggest entry due
possibly to the fast course and big feed after. Course record
prizes are also available for this one with all prizes sponsored
by Sean Furey Insurances. No Champions League clashes this
year so hopefully we can break the 200 mark!
Race 4 on the 9th June is in Culmore with the individual
sponsor to be confirmed. This is an excellent course for spectators
and is completely flat. It is also the home race for Mr. Athletics
himself, Gerry Lynch.
Race 5 moves to Inis Eoghain again and this one is a joint
venture between Inishowen AC and City of Derry Spartans. The
Carndonagh 5k was first run last year and is kindly sponsored
by Atlanfish through another top Spartan vet Declan McCarthy.
Race headquarters is Carndonagh Community School, base of
Inishowen AC Chairman Niall Magee. Sean Furey Insurance also
has offices in the town. Race date 30th June.
The final race returns to the home base of City of Derry
AC at Templemore Sports Complex with the race being run on
the Balliniska Circuit. Donnelly and Taggart motors are the
sponsor here and the race date is the 21st July. Always a
very interesting event as the overall series placing usually
come down to this one and it is your last chance to catch
him or her that you have been trailing for the previous races.
All of the races are run on a Wednesday evening and have
a 7.30pm start. Prizes are available for all races to the
first 3 across the line in both male and female and to all
the other categories(1st only). Refreshments are provided
after each race. For those who complete 4 out of 6 races a
high quality Series t-shirt is guaranteed.
Overall Series cash prize(Best 4 performances count) 1st,
2nd Senior; 1st/2nd Vets (Age Graded); 1st/2nd Junior U20
Men/Women
For further Series information contact Gerry Lynch on 07702006667
gerry.lynch@hotmail.com or Eoghan Furey on 00 353 879474883
or eoghanfurey@gmail.com
The Furey Insurances 5k Series is aimed at everyone from
Olympic hopefuls to those just moving up from walking pace.
All levels of runner and joggers are welcome. Don't be put
off by people telling you that 5k's are too fast, they are
as fast or as slow as you want them to be. There will always
be faster and slower runners than you! Looking forward to
seeing you all there. Eoghan F
Series Poster here.
Note changed dates for Culmore and Ballineska
5Ks moved to the 9th June and 21st July respectively
14th
April 2010Coleraine 5K
The previously unknown,Richard Johnston,rumoured
to be an apprentice jockey won wednesdayy nights University
Challange5K at Coleraine in a respectible 15m 51s,coming home
ahead of Foyle Valleys Scott Rankin on 16m 12s and in third
spot,Samuel Miller who posted 16m 15s.Springwell,s talented
Eimear Mullan ran a sparkling 17 m 24s for a clear win in
the Womens race,well ahead of Jessica Craig on 19m 6s and
Jemma Turley on 19m 11s.
There were101 recorded finishers in the 5K plus a good turnout
in the support 1K Fun Run and this augers well for next Wednesdays
Furey Insurances 5K on the established Bay Rd circuit.This
is the opening race in the six strong local Series whic continues
to attract scores of club runners and joggers to locations
across Derry and Donegal over the sunmmer months,since its
inception some years ago.
Wednesdays race on the ultra fast Bay Rd circuit--starting
near Sainsburys on the Cycle Path--will take entries on the
night from 6pm at the Magee college Sports Centre at the Northland
Rd Campus for a 7 30pm start.The usual category awards plus
T shirts for the first 100 entrants are on offer,so why not
enter early to guarantee your T Shirt. You can do this At
Magee,phone 02871375424 for details!
14th
April 2010Local Athletics
News
More Championship Road Race action this weekend
for local athletes with the National 10K set to attract a
massive entry on Sunday in Dublins Phoenix Park, while the
boys and girls of Summer, aka the Track/Field specialists,will
be looking forward to next week and the first NI Open Meet
of the new season on Wednesday evening.Wednesday evening also
opens the 2010 Furey Insurances 5K road race Series,incorporating
the Athletics NI Championships at the Bay Rd Circuit with
a rare mix of top club runners and joggers set to burn up
the local roads on what should be a marvellous night bof road
racing.
First though to Dublin on Sunday and local hopes will rest
with the City of Derry Spartans
M50 squad,chasing National team medals at the 10K road championships
on the testing Phoenix Park circuit.This championship will
be run alongside the Great Ireland Run and the overall entry
is measured in thousands so a marvellous event is anticipated.Sammy
McAnaney,Peter Lilburn andOliver McCullagh will carry local
hopes and could possibly challange for medals although it
will be a big ask for a squad shorn of a few top men.
The injured Christy McMonagle unfortunately cannot defend
his M65 title and Dermot Connolly,Robert Bigger and Malcolm
McCausland also miss out.
The latter duo may however take in the first NI Open Track/Field
Meet of the year on Wednesday evening next and could be joined
by some of the younger local track/field specialists,all keen
for an early season run out.With the season proper looming,the
sprinters,throwers and jumpers in particular will welcome
an early test of form. This will be especially important for
local Juveniles getting ready for Round 1 of the Young Athletics
League,set for Antrim on Saturday week,24th April.
Gerry Lynch
14th
April 2010Declan Reed Wins
Easter 5k in Gransha
Declan Reed had an easy win in the annual
Easter 5k in aid of the Foyle Hospice. Behind him many of
the feild got PB's in a great days racing. Thanks to Paula
Mc Gilloway and her team for organising the event. Full results
here.
14th
April 2010Greg in flying form
in Ballycotton
Spartan Greg Roberts continued his fantastic
season with a win in the Ballycotton 10 mile race in Cork.
His time of 50.16 was enough to win by 30 secs from some of
the countries top runners. He is reportedly the first Ulster
man to win the prestigous race. This win is the highlight
of his running career to date and encaps a wonderful cross
country season. Congratulations from all at City of Derry
AC. Results here.
23rd
Feb 2010U17+U20 Scottish Indoor
Championships
Last weekend 7 athletes from City of Derry
Spartans travelled to the Kelvin Hall in Glasgow to compete
in the U17/U20 Scottish Indoor Championships. This group returned
home with 4 Championship medals and several personal bests.
The results were Mark Mc Garvey Silver medallists in the 60m
Hurdles and Bronze in the Long Jump U17. Jamie Herron silver
in the Triple Jump U20 and Ryan Mc Parland Bronze in the Triple
Jump U17 Boys. Photos here 1,2,3,4
Results here
22nd
Feb 2010 City
of Derry win All Ireland Intermediate XC
All Ireland Intermediate and Vets Cross
Country Championships in Lough Key Forest Park in Roscommon.
Photos here
City of Derry Spartans won the Intermediate club race for
only the second time in its history, the last win coming back
in the early 90’s.
Interclub
1st City of Derry Spartans
2nd Clonliffe Harriers
3rd Donore harriers
Intercounty
Derry 2nd or 3rd team depending on an appeal from county Clare
CoD individual positions
6th Greg Roberts
7th Declan Reed
12th Aaron Doherty
23rd Emmett McGinty
46th Brendan Murphy
92nd Dara Furey
In the Vets races
Christy McMonagle 2nd V65
Rosin Lynch 3rd V60
Well done to all! That makes 4 All Ireland senior team titles,
plus 2 individual senior titles for City of Derry Spartans
AC in the last 12 months!
Division 1 winners – National Track and Field League
- Aug 2009
All Ireland half marathon team title - Oct 2009
All Ireland Novice Cross Country Team title(Club and County)
–Dec 2009
All Ireland Intermediate Cross Country Team Title(Club) -
Feb 2010
All Ireland 100m Senior Individual Champion – Jason
Symth - July 2009
All Ireland 400m Hurdles Senior Individual Champion –
Tom Carey -July 2009
Add to this the success of our Juvenile team in the NI Young
Athletes League and many other excellent individual performances
and this is arguably the most successful period in the club’s
history.
Congratulations to everyone in the club and a special thanks
to all those behind the scenes who give their time and energy
so that all this is possible.
Le meas,
Eoghan Furey
City of Derry Spartans Club Vice Chairman
31st
Jan 2010City of Derry defeated
in the "Senior"
Despite a valiant effort by the Derry men,
St Malachys AC won the NI/Ulster Senior Cross Country Championship
in Stormont on Sat. The Spartans had 6 in the top 15 but still
had to settle for silver as Malachys had 4 in the top 10 to
the Spartans 2. Gary Murray was the deciding factor as he
took control from the start and won the race by 30 sec in
the end. Greg Roberts has the leading Derry man in 5th with
Declan Reed having an excellent run in 8th place. Diarmuid
Grant then led in a CoD train in 12th place with positions
13,14 and 15 being filled by Collie Roberts, Emmett McGinty
and Aaron Doherty. However the final score was 55 St Mals
to 67 CoD. The scoring 6 were backed up by strong runs from
Brendan Murphy, Ciaran Hurley, Gerry Duddy and Dara Furey.
Well done to all who competed. We'll be back next year! Photos
here.
Results here.
31st
Jan 2010Declan Reed wins bronze
in the "Junior"
City of Derry's Declan Reed continued his
fantastic season yesterday winning an individual bronze medal
in the NI/Ulster Junior/Intermediate Cross Country Championship
in Ballybofey. While there was a smaller than usual entry
in the race in terms of numbers, there was no lack in quality.
The race was won by St Malachy's Michael McKillop who is really
benefiting from being a full time athlete, with another Malachys
athlete Aiden McGowan in 2nd. This led the way for an easy
team win for St Malachys who obviously expected it as they
didn't bring the cup with them!! North Down took silver with
the Spartans having to settle for bronze. In a very strong
Masters men’s race Colin Roberts was the leading CoD
runner in 5th. No category winners available at the moment.
The ladies race also contained a strong field and the Derry
club picked up Silver and Bronze team medals in the Intermediate
and Masters respectively. Well done to all. Full results here
and photos here.
10th
Jan 2010Training details for
Tue 12th Jan 2010
Training for U15, U17 and Senior Track and
Field Group will be in Gransha next Tue 12th Jan. No training
for U13 group till the weather improves. Danea.
10th
Jan 2010NI & Ulster Age
Group Championships, Odyssey
Note to all athletes competing in the NI
& Ulster Age Group Championships, Odyssey. Attached are
Entry forms and timetable with Information about New False
Start Rules. here
and here.
Form must be printed out and returned to the club with entry
fee before 14th Jan. Danea.
11th
Dec 09 NW Cross Country Championships
Annadale Striders' Eddie McGinley won the
main event at yesterdays North West Cross Country Championships
in Gransha. Top female Spartan Aileen Morrison was an impressive
winner of the womens race which was run along with the men.
Results of Senior Open 6km Race here.
Photos thanks to Dara here,
and from Malcolm here.
Junior races results
here.
11th
Dec 09 NW Cross Country Championships
Details
Poster for NW XC Races on the 19th Dec here.
Note registration from 10.30. Main race starts at 12.15
6th
Dec 09 City
of Derry runners win team and county double at All Ireland
Novice XC
The Spartan men's team made history today
when they won the All Ireland novice cross country championships
for the first time in a very mucky Coleraine. The team won
not only the club championships but also the county with Derry
prevailing over a strong Cork squad. The club championships
was won with an excellent 34 points to Clonliffe's 51. That
man again, Greg Roberts led the club in a fantastic 3rd place(to
win his 4th medal in 2 days!), some recovery from 30.37 for
10k the day before. He was backed up Diarmuid Grant, getting
back to himself in 5th place. In 12th place was Aaron 'Arnie'
Doherty, recently returned from Spain with Declan Reed having
another fantastic run in 14th. These 4 did the job for the
club championships and with the addition of Emmett McGinty
26th and Kevin Carlin 52nd (both getting back to good form)
the county championships was won. Backing the top 6 up were
gutsy runs from Eoghan Furey 62nd, Pajo Hamilton 65th, Brendan
Murphy 90th and masters athlete Declan McCarthy in 91st. The
most unlucky man of the day must be Gary Slevin who lost his
spike in the crowd after only 300m, no doubt he will be back!
Marina Campbell was the sole Spartan female on duty having
a solid run to finish 26th. Photos here
and here,
thanks to Dermott Conolly and Malcolm McCausland for these.
Club
1ts City of Derry Spartans 34pts
2nd Clonliffe harriers 51 pts
3rd Donore harriers 127 pts
County
1st Derry113
2nd Cork158
3rd Kerry235
6th Donegal312
6th
Dec 09 Greg runs new PB in
the Seeley
Greg Roberts continued his great running
with a fantastic 3rd place in the Joe Seeley 10k in Belfast
yesterday running 30 mins 37 sec. A small number of City of
Derry runners competed as the main club target of the weekend
was the all ireland novice xc in Coleraine the following day.
Good runs were also had by James Crampsie and Philip Donaghy
who both ran pbs. Foyle valley also had a good showing at
the race. Full results on NI Athletics website.
6th
Dec 09 City of Derry surrender
Malcolm Cup
Despite a decent effort by a hastily assembled
Spartan squad, North Down lifted the Malcolm Cup in Ballyclare.
Emmett McGinty led the spartans home in 7th. Results here.
Photos on the Annadale site here.
22nd
Nov 09 Spartans dominate Pegasus
XC
City of Derry men’s squad won the team
race easily at yesterdays Pegasus XC race held in the grounds
of Coleraine Academical Institution. The Spartans filled 7
of the top 10 places. Greg Roberts had a comfortable win and
Aaron Doherty won the battle for 2nd with Owen Carlton spoiling
the Derry clean sweep by edging out Declan Reed for 3rd. This
race may as well have been a Derry County Championships, as
the majority of the field was made up of Derry clubs with
Foyle Valley and Springwell also turning out in large numbers.
Karen Alexander won the women race where Anne Paul got bronze.
Results here.
Photos here.
19th
Nov 09 City of Derry AC are
the top club in NI
It's official! City of Derry Spartans is
the top athletics club in Northern Ireland for 2009. The award
was presented in Belfast on Wed 18th November at the annual
athletics awards ceremony. The overall club of the year award
was given in recognition of the fantastic year that the club
had in 2009. The junior club of the year award also went to
the Spartans. Individually Danea Herron won the development
coach of the year award and Mr Sparta himself, Gerry Lynch
was recognised with an award for his volunteering work. Some
of the reasons we won the award are listed below. Well done
to everyone, apologies if I left anything out. Eoghan.
Come on the Spartans!!!!!!!!!!!!
| Event |
Women |
Men |
| NI ½ marathon |
NI 1st Team |
2nd NI Championship Team
1st AAI Champ Team |
| NI 5km Road |
|
Individual 1,2,3 and 1st Team Championship |
| NI Junior XC |
2nd Team |
3rd team |
| NI Vets XC |
1st Team |
|
| NI Senior XC |
Individual winner Aileen Morrison |
2nd Team |
| Ulster Novice XC |
2nd Team |
2nd Team, 2nd Individual Declan Reed |
| Malcolm Cup |
|
1st Team |
| National T&F League |
1st Div – 6th in final |
Winners 1st div |
| AAI national champs T&F |
|
100m winner(Jason Smyth), 400h winner(Tom Carey), 3rd
TJ(Simon Herron) |
| McConnell Shield |
|
Team Winner |
| Comber Cup |
|
Team Winner |
| AAI Intermediate XC |
|
Team and County Silver Medal |
| YAL |
Team Winner |
Team Winner |
13 members selected on NI/Irish Teams for
British/Irish Masters XC International Birmingham 14/11/09.
2 club members on Irish senior squad for the European Cup.
Successfully Organised NI 5k Road Champs, NI Half Marathon
Championships, Furey Insurances 5k Series (6 races) and other
events.
Link to NI athletics website with details and photos from
the awards night here
19th
Nov 09 Bogle hits new heights
Spartan Allan Bogle had a fantastic performance
in the World Mountain Marathon Series final in Argentina.
Allan qualified for the final by winning the Grand Canaria
race of the series a number of months ago. The Limavady man
finished in 18th position in a time of 3 hours 40 mins with
the race being won in 3 hours 7 mins. Well done to our man
in the Canaries. Hopefully he'll make it back for the NI Senior
XC in Feb.
19th
Nov 09 Happy hunting for the
Spartans in England
A busy weekend of cross country action for
the club. Greg Roberts was the leading NI finisher in the
international XC race in Gateshead. Christy McMonagle got
an individual silver medal (V65) in the home countries masters
XC in Birmingham. Collie Roberts and Oran McBride picked up
team silver (Rep of Ireland) and bronze (Northern Ireland)
medals respectively in the M40 category. Well done to all
our club members on international duty.
19th
Nov 09 Marina wins Ulster
Novice
Marina Campbell had a great run winning the
Ulster Novice XC in Killybegs. This was last won by a Spartan
in 2007 when Aileen Morrison won the title. While both mens
and womens squads picked up silver medals and all competing
gave their best, the club will see this as two team titles
lost. If all entered had competed the story would have been
different!! Next year! There was similar disappointment in
Ballyclare when a vastly under strength men’s squad
surrendered the McConnell Shield. Apart from Marina's success,
a weekend to forget for the club.
1st
Nov 09 Donegal Senior XC Championships
The Donegal senior XC championships took
place today in horrendous conditions in Ballybofey on a new
course which can best be described as a real cross country
course. Puddles up to 1 foot deep ensured that none of the
competitors had time to relax. The individual titles were
won by Pauric McKinney and Theresa McGloin, while hosts Finn
Valley won both team contests. As this is an open championships,
a City of Derry Squad entered and won bronze medals in the
mens race. A day to remember for all! Results here.
1st
Nov 09 PATAGONIA BECKONS FOR
EGLINTON RUNNER
Eglinton man Allan Bogle is rapidly carving
out a name for himself in international running circles. Now
based in the Canaries where he teaches, Bogle recently won
the Gran Canaria K42 multi-terrain race across the island.
It was the first time a fixture of the International
K42 Circuit had been held in Europe and qualified the City
of Derry athlete for the grand final in Argentina on November
1. In the meantime races are scheduled in Brazil and Africa
where the course was in the Sahara Desert.
“I led from the gun, which was my plan, as
I like to control the pace, and wanted test myself in preparation
for Argentina,” said Bogle. “I was two minutes slower than
last year but it was much hotter and the tide was quite far
in meaning I had to run on soft sand.”
The winning man and woman from each qualifying
race will dispute the final Salomon K42 in Argentina’s Villa
la Angostura. Awaiting them there will 1500 runners, each
with his own personal target.
“I was pleased with how I ran, but I have
a lot of work to do this month because I will be facing World
class opposition in Argentina,” revealed the former Limavady
Grammar School pupil. “I plan to step-up my training this
month.”
It will be the toughest race that the City
of Derry Spartan will ever run with the course following paths
through the foothills of the Andes to a height in excess of
1400 metres. He will face, among others, Gustavo Reyes who
won last year’s race and one of his idols, Spanish marathon
legend and former World Champion Martin Fiz.
In the meantime, it’s twice a day training
for Bogle who tries to average between 10 and 14 hours of
running each week. “I don't enjoy getting up so early to train
before work, but it is a necessary part of my preparation,”
he confessed.
Prior to his departure for sunnier climes,
Bogle had been a key member of the City of Derry Spartans
helping the club to its first ever Northern Ireland Senior
Cross Country team title in 2007. Photo here.
1st
Nov 09 Juvenile Athletes of
the the year
Ciara Armstong and Ryan McParland have been
selected as County Derry juvenile athletes of the year by
the Ulster Sports Council. Ciara and Ryan have been invited
to a banquet in Killybegs to receive their awards. Ciara and
Ryan both train at City of Derry athletics club. This is a
fantastic achievement for the two youngsters and just goes
to show to other runners that commitment and loyalty in the
club really does work.
1st
Nov 09 CoD win the Comber
Cup
A large group of 'senior' aka masters spartans
competed in the recent Comber Cup. The mens team won the Comber
cup for the first time. The race also doubled as a trial for
the masters international and a the club was very succesful.
Possibly 11 members of the club have gained selection for
the international event on either the Northern or Republic
of Ireland teams. Well done to all. Some photos here
from Bridgeen and Martin.
|