Records broken and Standards achieved by local athletes over the weekend!
08 May 2024
Photo credit: Belfast Live
There were several excellent performances over the bank holiday weekend from NI athletes in disciplines ranging from 400m up to the Marathon distance.
On Saturday the Irish Milers Club (IMC) meet took place at Morton Stadium in Santry, just outside Dublin. In the 400m men’s A race, Callum Baird of Ballymena & Antrim, won in a blisteringly fast 46.19 which improved his personal best by over half a second which previously stood at 46.88.
Known for having very competitive middle-distance races, this IMC meet was no different. Notably in the women’s 3000m A race it was an NI 1-2 with CNDR Track Club’s Rebecca Rossiter taking the win closely followed by Willowfield Temperance Harriers Emer McKee.
In a very competitive Men’s 1500m A race, Lagan Valley’s Lughaidh Mallon produced a sensational performance to take the win in a lifetime best of 3.44.27. This also secures a B standard for the upcoming World Juniors in Peru this August.
On Sunday, thousands took to the streets of Belfast to take part in the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon in what was the 42nd running of the event.
In the men’s race, Annadale Striders and Endurance Potential athlete, Eskander Turki took the NI & Ulster title in what was his debut in the event. Eskander crossed the line 9th overall in a quality time of 2:22.22. Strive Racing Club’s Gary Hegarty took the silver in personal best time 2:25.34 and rounding out the podium was former Marathon Potential Athlete Chris Madden of Beechmount Harriers who was also making his debut in the event, crossed the line in an impressive 2:32.09.
In the ladies’ race, Gladys Ganiel of North Belfast Harriers, who is no stranger to the event, took the NI & Ulster title in an outstanding 2:40.21. This was also good enough for 4th overall finisher in the elite field. The silver medal was won by Letterkenny AC and Endurance Potential athlete, Claire McGuigan in a time of 2:50.06 and completing the podium was North Belfast Harriers Elisoa Crawford who clocked 2:57.34.
To cap of the day there were several records broken.
James Hamilton of Ballymena Runners clocked an impressive debut time of 2:46.35. This was a British Para T20 record which was previously held by his former teammate Steve Morris in a time of 2:59.06.
Tommy Hughes of Strive Racing Club set a World record for a 64 year old clocking an incredible 2:36.37.