Springwell runners forest race

On Saturday 17.02.2007 a good contingent of finely tuned athletes from Pegasus AC travelled up to Limavady for the Springwell runners forest race.

With the sun shinning and wind at a minimum the conditions couldn’t have been better as everyone prepared to set off.  The 6.7k course started off fairly flat following the contour of the river before crossing and going back again in the general direction of the start, but anyone who went out too quickly would start to pay, as shortly after this a series of short sharp climbs tested weary legs. After a spell across the grass it was back onto the paths with some welcome downhill running only to be greeted with one final steep sprint to take you to the finish.

The day started with the junior 1 mile run, everyone took off like hares from the start and the eventual winner was Peter Kidd. Star man for Pegasus was Stephen Park finishing in 14th place and knocking 22 seconds off his time here last year.

Next it was the turn of the glamorous Pegasus ladies, with numbers up in this category it was great to see that the club represented almost 1/3 off all the entrants.
The early leader was Hannah Shields of city of Derry, she maintained this advantage over the other competitors and held on to win in 23.47.

First for Pegasus and 9th overall was Sonia Knox having a great run and taking a few people by surprise Sonia came home in 28.05, she was closely followed by Tess Mccomb, the marathon girl clocking an impressive 28.57. Next it was the turn of Linda Gillen always making it look easy, Linda cruised across the line in 29.20.

Pegasus star of the show was Cathy Barr; she had a great finish to cross the line in 30.26 and claim 1st place in her age group.

Making a comeback from injury and illness, the ladies coach and inspiration Shirley Park was the next to finish with a solid display of 30.57.

Following closely behind was Lorna Stynes with another fine display clocking a P.B for this distance with a time of 33.11, great preparation for the mountain run next week.
Starting at a good steady pace and getting stronger as she went round Debbie McLaughlin looked ready for more as she finished in a time of 35.55 with Ruth Dunn not far behind with a fine 38.00 time to her credit.

Fine performances all round.

Next it was the turn of the men in the senior race, again numbers were up and a strong field of elite runners took off at the start. Pre race favourite was probably Alan Bogle of city of Derry club and he did indeed take the honours just ahead of Declan Reed of Foyle Valley.

Pegasus had three competitors in this event, first to make it round was the fabulous Chris Denton, clocking 22.41 with a good well paced run, next it was club debutant Stephen O’Hara sprinting across the line in 23.42, defiantly one to watch out for in the future!! 3rd man was Ralph Thom, getting better all the time Ralph finished in 27.50 to continue his improvement by getting faster and faster all the time.

Thanks to Springwell for a well organised event.

Next on the calendar is the Pegasus AC Fell Race, next Saturday at Binevinagh Mountain, at 7.1 miles this is a great introduction to fell running, want to take part then come along to St Aidans for 12.00 noon, for more info ring the club secretary on 07753242192.
With the Belfast Marathon coming up and the race for life series, many ladies will be running in relay legs, if you want to see an improvement in your running or are a complete beginner why not come along to our ladies only night, leaving the leisure centre at 18.30 every Tuesday.