Lagan Valley AC Annual Charity Run

Report by John T Glover

The Lagan Valley family once again  proved that their generosity knows no bounds. Given the poor forecast there was a great turnout on Sunday morning with the Sky Blue and Navy faithful joined by a welcome collection of friends from  a few other clubs. 

 First away were the mainly younger competitors who were doing one lap of the course which included the legendary Bowl 500m steep climb.  It seemed that they had barely left the track when Adam Hanna flew down the hill back to the track to finish in a superb 11:49.  Not to be out done Sophie Wylie was the next to cross the line in another course record of 13:14. For some, including Isla McNutt, it was the first taste of competition and if they can cope with that,  they can cope with anything.

  Not unexpectedly the Junior Endurance Squad dominate the 5K but they were made to work hard to make up the handicap. It was a two man battle for the line with Jack McCausland just pipping Tommy Arthur who’s dad had travelled up from Kildare to see the race. The race for 3rd and 4th also saw just one second separate Niall McAufield and Rory Armstrong.  Fastest of the Ladies was visitor  Martsje Hell of NBH just 6 seconds ahead of a returning to form Rebecca Wallace with Aoife Magee and Chloe Young dead heating for 3rd.

In total 95 ‘athletes’ finished the course and the prize giving afterwards saw the usual array of discarded wine bottles, perfume and sweets gratefully accepted.  While the run/walk was fun the main purpose of the days event was to raise money for our chosen charity the Motor Neurone Disease Association. A quick count of the ‘donations’ showed a total of just over £1300 an astonishing amount considering the ‘entry fee’ was a minimum donation of £3. Combined with the money already raised via Jim McKeown’s Cross Country League and the sale of Christmas Trees by Stranmillis Primary School we are in position to present a significant cheque to the Association the near future.