Acorns AC celebrate their launch

The club had invited some special guests along to this important occasion, these included Gary Keenan (Athletics NI Chairman), Ryan Maxwell (NI Running), Mr and Mrs Matt Shields (Parkrun Ireland and North Belfast Harriers), Eunan Murray (MUSA / CDC) AND Cormac McLaughlin (MBS and MDC).

The evening got underway with a group Photograph of the 80 plus members, and committee who were in attendance.

After the Official Acorns Photo, a 2 mile time trial took place around the Meadowbank Track, which was 8 laps in total. This was in preparation for the Northern Ireland relay championships, which take place next month.

The ladies got underway first, followed by the men for their 8 lap timed speed session. It was then the turn of the junior runners, who ran 4 laps of the track. Overall an excellent performance by all 80 members involved, with plenty of opportunities for those who wish to take part in the relay championships.

Following the time trial it was time for some refreshments, and the cutting of the specially baked Acorns AC cake, by Athletics NI Chairman Gary Keenan.

A presentation of the Acorns Club Kit was also made to Matt Shields, who has been a big asset to the club over recent months.

Thanks to everyone who took part and to those who helped out with the organisation of the event, including Louise Ballentine who baked the Acorns AC Cake and to MSA for use of their facilities.

A special thanks to our guests who came along to support the event and help promote Acorns AC within Mid Ulster, and further afield. And finally thanks once again to Ryan Maxwell and NI Running for use of their photographs. The future is indeed bright for Acorns AC.

Northcoast Boot Camp- well done to the 30 plus Acorns who travelled to Portstewart and Portrush on Saturday for the Training day along the beaches.

A great workout, that included some tough hill running through the sand dunes, bare foot running in the sea, and plenty of craic along the way.

Thanks to J&K Coaches for the safe transport and to Coleraine Leisure Centre for the use of their facilities afterwards.

Felix 10k- Roger McLean put in a great performance in the Felix 10k on Saturday morning with a 42:35 finish time.

Boom Foundation 10k (Coleraine)- Niall Hasson and Deidre Bradley travelled to Coleraine on Saturday for the Boom 10k. Deidre had a fine run completing the course in 51:42 and Niall also put in a great time, finishing in 44:23.

Parkrun Results- MUSA- Marty McGirr 18.50; Denise Wright 28.06; Andra McKeown 30.41.

New stock of club kit is available from Trevor Dallas and Francis Purvis, please place you order with them by text or at the club training sessions.

If you wish your results to be reported in our weekly press coverage, then please send the details to Gary McGuckin (Club PRO).

Race Calendar:- Saturday 27th September – Bangor 10k at Castle Park, 11am; Saturday 27th September – Causeway Coast Half Marathon and Marathon; Sunday 28th September – Paddy Friel Curran Memorial at Foyle Marina, Derry, 10am.

Training takes place in Magherafelt at Meadow Bank Sports Arena running track on a Monday at 7pm, and a Wednesday at 7.30pm.

Cookstown training takes place at MUSA on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s at 6.30pm.

We welcome all newcomers, please speak to the following people, who will help you with your enquiries: Cookstown contact- Glenn Donnelly and Trevor Dallas; Magherafelt contact- Francis Purvis.