Half Marathon joy for Armagh AC

ARMAGH AC enjoyed Half Marathon success across the weekend with races in Donegal and Larne.

First up was Paul Finnegan who travelled to Donegal to take in the Donegal Half Marathon where he broke the tape at 1.18.43 to secure a podium finish in the V40 Category.

At the same time, eight Armagh AC athletes were participating in the Antrim Coast Half Marathon in Larne. With light winds and dry conditions, Armagh AC runners performed superbly with a number of notable PBs and SBs among the results. First home for Armagh AC was Michael Fox. Michael was called up to represent NI & Ulster in the elite event and crossed the line in a time of 1.08.43. Armagh AC should have had two athletes in the Elite Section but unfortunately, illness meant that Fionnuala Ross could not take part this year. Next in was Stefan Kennedy who added to his Ulster T&F medal haul the previous week by setting a new PB time of 1.17.21. Newry based athlete, Mark Patton set a new PB time of 1.20.57, with Armagh based physiotherapist Sean McSorley posting a superb 1.22.56. Ciaran Mallon is going from strength to strength and completed in a wonderful time of 1.23.46 (SB) and James Brannigan is fighting his way back from injury and posted an excellent 1.26.39. Not to be outdone by their fellow male club members, the female team both set two terrific PB times with Nakita Cuddy and Aine Devlin posting 1.52.44 and 1.46.59 respectively.

Congratulations to everyone who competed!

Two Towers Mountain Race

The penultimate Mountain Event of the 2023 season took place at the weekend and Armagh AC mountain athletes, Keith Johnston and Gareth Kelly represented the club. The Two Towers Race is a relatively new mountain race in the Mournes, commencing in the Happy Valley and running along the Ulster Way and Trassey Track to Slievenaglogh, Commedagh Tower, Hare’s Gap, Meelmore Tower and returning to the Happy Valley. First over the line for Armagh AC was Keith Johnston in 7th place in a terrific time of 1.21.21. Just 4.10 behind the winner Adam Cunningham from Mourne Runners. Gareth Kelly was 26th overall in a time of 1.41.17 and enough to take a terrific podium place in the V45 category. Congratulations to both Athletes.

‘We Want You’ for the upcoming Cross Country Season

TJ McElmeel XC Day

The Annual TJ McElmeel XC Races, generously sponsored by McElmeel Mobility Services takes place in the Palace Demesne on Sunday, 24th September, 2023. Along with the Senior Events, Whites Oats are generous sponsors of the Junior Events on the day. Recently, Armagh AC were delighted to welcome sponsors to the PR/Media launch. Armagh AC are indebted to ABC Council for the kind use of the Palace Grounds for the event. Entries are Open and via. The Athletics NI Website or MyRunResults.