CROSS COUNTRY, MARATHON SUCCESS AND MORE ATHLETICS NIS AUTUMN ROUND-UP

CROSS COUNTRY RETURNS IN STYLE

The return of cross country brought athletes from across Northern Ireland back onto the trails, with a busy programme of fixtures spanning Masters, club, school and championship competition.

The NIMAA Cross Country Championships and Trials opened the season for Masters athletes, providing an opportunity to compete for championship honours and selection opportunities as the winter programme got underway.

The Comber Cup and Malcolm Cup also featured prominently in the early autumn calendar, bringing together athletes across the age groups for two established fixtures in the Northern Ireland cross country scene. Both races provided excellent competition and valuable opportunities for athletes and clubs to build momentum ahead of the championship season.

The Flahavan’s Primary Schools Cross Country League also returned, with Round 1 welcoming more than 2,750 pupils across the opening fixtures. The league continues to provide an excellent introduction to athletics for young people, encouraging participation, school spirit and a love of running.

BOBBY REA XC AND EVEN AGE GROUP CHAMPIONSHIPS

One of the standout fixtures of the autumn was the NI & Ulster Even Age Group Cross Country Championships & Bobby Rea XC, held at Billy Neill MBE Country Park on Sunday 1 November following its postponement.

The event welcomed an outstanding 1,309 entries, with athletes from across Northern Ireland competing in the Even Age Group Championships alongside senior and Masters competition.

From the youngest age groups through to senior and Masters athletes, the day showcased the depth of cross country talent across Northern Ireland and the fantastic support from clubs, officials and volunteers.

UNEVEN AGE GROUP AND NOVICE XC CHAMPIONSHIPS

The cross country action continued on Sunday 8 November with the NI & Ulster Uneven Age Group and Novice Cross Country Championships, hosted by Finn Valley AC in Stranorlar.

With 903 entrants, the championships brought another huge turnout, featuring championship races for juvenile athletes alongside novice competition. The event provided another brilliant opportunity for athletes to compete for provincial honours and experience the excitement of championship cross country.

Across both championship weekends, participation and enthusiasm were exceptional, highlighting the continued strength of cross country athletics throughout Northern Ireland.

JUDITH STORM MAKES HISTORY AT THE DUBLIN MARATHON

Road racing also delivered a major highlight, with Judith Storm of City of Derry Spartans producing a remarkable performance at the 45th Dublin Marathon on Sunday 25 October.

Storm was crowned Irish National Women's Marathon Champion, crossing the finish line in an outstanding 2:35:46. In a dramatic finish, she came from behind to overtake Sorcha Nic Dhomhnaill within the final 400 metres, securing victory by just 12 seconds.

The performance marked a significant personal achievement for Storm, delivering a substantial personal best and improving by approximately four minutes on her previous marathon performance.

Her journey into running has been equally inspiring. Having taken up the sport following the Covid period, Storm has continued to develop her performances while balancing family life and her professional career. At 39, her success is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through dedication, commitment and perseverance.

Northern Irish athletes also featured strongly throughout the Dublin Marathon field, with impressive performances and personal achievements across the distance, further showcasing the depth of endurance talent across the province.

THROWSFEST – A LITTLE MORE THROWING ACTION

Away from the cross country and road racing scene, track and field has also continued to feature in the autumn athletics calendar, with the ThrowsFEST series providing plenty of opportunities for athletes to showcase their talents.

ThrowsFEST Meet 1 successfully took place, featuring competition in shot putt and javelin, while Meet 2 was unfortunately postponed due to weather conditions.

The series continued with ThrowsFEST Meet 3, which went ahead with competition in the javelin and discus, providing further opportunities for athletes to compete and develop their performances.

Looking ahead, ThrowsFEST Meet 4 is scheduled to take place on Saturday 21 November, bringing another opportunity for athletes to enjoy competition as the winter season continues.

The series offers athletes across the age groups opportunities to compete, develop and maintain competitive momentum throughout the autumn and into the winter months.

AN INCREDIBLE MONTH FOR ATHLETICS

From the thousands of young people taking part in school cross country to championship performances, marathon success and continued competition across the throwing events, the past six weeks have been a fantastic celebration of athletics.

Athletics NI would like to thank all athletes, clubs, coaches, team managers, officials and volunteers who have contributed to such a busy and successful period. Your continued support and commitment are what make these events possible and helps ensure athletics continues to thrive across Northern Ireland.

With the winter season now well underway, there is plenty more to look forward to in the weeks and months ahead.