Down Royal Racecourse has become a familiar venue for local runners in recent times, with ChampionChip staging another event there, much to the delight of many athletes who are keen to race again as the COVID restrictions begin to ease. The blazing sunshine and climbing temperatures were less familiar, but...
The first in person race of the year took place on Saturday 24th April, signalling the beginning of the end of a long lockdown period. However, the continuation of virtual events is a reminder that running is not quite back to pre-pandemic times just yet. Nevertheless, the resumption of club...
On a cool and crisp Saturday morning, Mark Reid left his Cookstown home to set out on a breathtaking 50 mile charity run. Mark is a seasoned runner, having previously completed a 40 mile charity run, as well as a number of marathons. He is also the coach of Sperrin...
Ahead of his upcoming 50 mile challenge, Sperrin Harrier’s Public Relations Officer, Andrew Newell, caught up with Mark to gain an insight into what’s inspiring him to complete a 50 mile run around Cookstown. Andrew: For most people, running 50 miles is a very daunting prospect. What’s your reason behind...
Like many different aspects of life, running clubs have found their usual activities curtailed by the ongoing pandemic. However, the members of Sperrin Harriers have been far from dormant. There have been a number of virtual races and challenges in recent weeks. The Cara Bundoran virtual races have taken place...
Not many runners in the Mid Ulster area have made such an impressionable impact on the local running scene as Sperrin Harrier’s Mark Reid. In recent years he is perhaps best known for coaching the Harriers and as the Race Director for the award winning Stanley Reid Memorial 5 Mile...
For many, the races around the Christmas period are some of the best races of the year, particularly those in the Mid Ulster area. However, this year, as with everything else they have been impacted by the ongoing pandemic. Nevertheless, some members of Sperrin Harriers have found some running action...
The latest wave of COVID related restrictions continues to severely impact the local running scene. Determined to get involved in as best they can, Maureen Mallon and Briege McCann completed the Run in the Dark Virtual 10k in times of 58.25 and 61.00 respectively Further to previous announcements, the club...
Like many events this year, the Sperrin Harrier’s Winter League could not proceed this year. The League is well known for its challenging routes in picturesque locations around the local area. The club takes great pride in hosting one of the most popular running series of its kind in Ulster....
The Halloween period usually provides plenty of local running races as well as the Dublin marathon. However, action has been limited this year due to COVID restrictions. However, on Saturday, a trio of Harriers took part in a 10k event organised by local club Galbally Runners. The conditions were windy...
On Saturday Sperrin Harriers marked World Mental Health Day. This year the occasion was particularly poignant given the current circumstances we find ourselves in. The club’s chairperson, Maureen Mallon commented, “Running and mental health can go hand in hand. The sense of comradery and social interaction is invaluable, not...
Undeterred by the bad weather, six Harriers completed marathons over the weekend as part of the Virtual London Marathon and Keep ‘Er Lit marathon. The roads of Tyrone replaced the streets of London as runners Paul McLaughlin (3.36.30), Raymie Thom (3.36.30) and Declan Morrison (3.52.02) ran the 26.2 mile distance....
Coronavirus concerns continue to impact the local running scene. Nevertheless, several events have proceeded, both virtually and as races. A trio of Harriers took part in a half marathon event organised by local running club, Keep ‘Er Lit. The event was very well organised and allowed for competitive times. Brian...
Races at Down Royal and a novel Man v Horse event at Lissan House have been the main sources of action for the Harriers outside regular club training. Man v Horse At the end of August, Stephen Lynch competed in the Man v Horse event organised by Lissan Horse Riders...
As a sign of the times the Stanley Reid Memorial 5 Mile Classic, which was due to be held at the weekend, had to be run virtually. The event was recently crowned Spirit of Running best 5 mile event. Members of Sperrin Harriers pulled together to ensure the occasion was...