The Bell's Pegasus AC 10k Forest Race 2004

Saturday 25th September saw the fourth and undoubtedly the best running of the Bells Pegasus AC 10k forest race. With athletes travelling from as far away as Newcastle and representatives from the Northern Ireland Mountain Runners Association also present, entries jumped from 78 last year to 125 this year.

A sign of the growing popularity of this race was the arrival of Olympic athlete James McIlroy who reached the 800m semi finals representing Great Britain, so word must be spreading about what a great race this is when we can entice a top Northern Irish runner to a rare appearance at a local race as he is usually competing on the European stage.

The day kicked off with a pilot junior fun run consisting of 1k, thirty kids took part and this side of the event will be developed more for next years race.

At 2:00 pm the main event took place; consisting of two undulating laps this challenging course was a great test of speed and endurance for all who took part. Luckily weathers conditions were great with no sign of the predicted rain and a nice breeze to keep the competitors cool.

With such a top quality field assembled at the start line when the whistle blew everyone took off like whippets and it wasnt long before three runners pulled away from the pack and battled it out for the honours.

James McIlroy finished victorious eight seconds ahead of Donal Gallagher with Jamie Lewis coming in third.

First lady home was Kerry Harty of Newcastle AC well ahead of Mary Dyan.

Five Pegasus athletes escaped organisation duties to take part and first home was Chris Denton in 40min 35sec, followed by Ivan Park in 43min 24sec.Next was Peter Bell in 44min 41 sec, then Paul Gray in 49min 10 sec with 5th clubman home colum McIlfatrick in 52min 54sec.

After the race refreshments were provided for all finishers along with a fine t-shirt to help them remember the day.

Thanks must go to Bells Conservatories Portstewart for their generous sponsorship and to the Forestry service and Coleraine leisure centre for the use of their facilities.

On another note congratulations go to Ivan Park and Steve Curry for their victory in last weeks Mourne Mountain Marathon easily winning their class, and to Michael Henry, Peter Bell and Colum MCIlfactrick who also completed the difficult race.

If you want more info about Pegasus or want to join us for a run, just go to www.pegasusac.org.uk or phone 70355545 or 07753242192.