Athletics: Magherafelt Harriers meet Mary Peters at 10k Classic

Dame Mary Peters, pictured here with Magherafelt Harriers Darren Church and Niall Higgins. Dame Mary will start the Magherafelt Harriers 10k Classic Road Race on March 14th

Mary represented NI at every Commonwealth Games between 1958 and 1974 where she won two gold medals for the pentathlon and a gold and silver for the shot putt. She set 25 British records from 1962 to 1972.

Dame Mary’s attendance is another example of the quality of the race and progress the Harriers are making in the world of athletics.

It is hoped this will entice many runners to take up the 10k challenge.

This year’s race will start at noon and registration will open at 10am at the Meadowbank Sports Arena.

Runners can also pre-register via the Athletics NI website. The entry fee is a modest £10 for registered athletes and £12 for non-registered.

Once again the Harriers are delighted to be working in partnership with local business man Oliver Higgins of the ED GROUP who is the principal sponsor of the race.

The club has also secured sponsorship from a range of local businesses and the local Council.

A donation from every entry will be made to the Charis Cancer Care Unit. The Harriers are offering almost £1,000 in prize money across all male and female categories. In addition, the club are offering prize money if the course records are broken.

Current record holders are Adam Boyd North Belfast harriers in a time of 33:58 and Hannah Oldroyd unattached in a time of 39:57.

Gavin Corey of Sperrin Harriers and Paul Barbour Omagh Harriers are two men who could challenge the male record on the day.

Sperrin Harriers ladies Pauline McGurren and Natalie Hall could also be in with a shout in the female category.

Club Chairman Kevin Murphy stated: “Once again the Harriers will host a quality, competitive race which will show off the best aspects of Magherafelt.

“Athletes of all abilities are guaranteed a warm welcome. We are grateful for the support of our sponsors and acknowledge the help of club members in organising the race.”

The final race in the Sperrin Harriers Winter League series took place on Saturday at Lough Fea just outside Cookstown.

The 10 mile race consisted of 4 loops of the lough with varying weather conditions was a perfect finale to this great trail series.

A ten strong squad travelled to support our good friends at Sperrin. It was Alvin Taylor leading the team home followed by the ever improving Lawrence O’Kane and Adrian Ferson.

Gregory Cahoon just pipped Martin Conway with Sebastian Wisneiski following soon after.

Ever consistent Paul Martin was next in then Thomas Doherty got the better of Joe McCann. Rodney Young unfortunately had to pull out with an injury. Results: Alvin Taylor 1.07.45; Lawrence O’Kane 1.09.04; Adrian Ferson 1.10.01; Gregory Cahoon 1.10.31; Martin Conway 1.10.43; Sebastian Wisneiski 1.13.44; Doc Martin 1.15.36; Thomas Doherty 1.16.40; Joe McCann 1.16.51.

Upcoming races- Saturday: Carmen 10k at 11am; Church Island 10k at 12 noon; Albertville 5 mile at 2pm.

Training continues Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6.30pm and Sunday mornings from 8.30am all from Rainey OB rugby club.