Atheltics: Acorns AC in action at Donaghmore 5 mile road race

Eight Acorns members travelled to Donaghmore on Thursday evening for the annual 5 mile road race.
Aaron Meharg and Diarmuid O'Kane were in action in the Dessies 10k run at the weekendAaron Meharg and Diarmuid O'Kane were in action in the Dessies 10k run at the weekend
Aaron Meharg and Diarmuid O'Kane were in action in the Dessies 10k run at the weekend

Conditions were ideal for the 100+ runners as they left the Torrent Complex to set out around the country roads of Donaghmore town.

Darrell McKee took the lead for the team, and he pushed hard to keep in touch with Paul Barbour (Omagh Harriers) and Chris McPeak (City of Derry), and eventually finished 3rd overall, a great result.

Sean Boyle ran a great race to finish 6th overall in 31:40, and not far behind was Roger McLean who crossed the line in 33:59. Niall Hasson and Gary McGuckin had a close battle right to the finish with only a few seconds separating their times.

Connor McWilliams picked up an injury along the way, and his pace slowed off, but still finished in 36 minutes.

Jennifer Leacock and new member Leslie Talbot ran very well and finished in 45 mins and 52 mins respectively. Thanks to the Torrent Complex for their post-race hospitality.

Results: 3rd- Darrell McKee 28.46; 6th- Sean Boyle 31.40; 14th- Rodger McLean 33.59; 30th- Niall Hasson 35.41; 31st- Gary McGuckin 35.49; 34th- Conor McWilliams 36.00; 87th- Jennifer Leacock 45.29; 99th- Leslie Talbot 52.10.

Dessies 10k- Aaron Meharg and Diarmuid O’Kane took part in this race on Tuesday night, along with over 300 other competitors.

Aaron finished in an excellent 12th place overall in 34:30, and Diarmuid crossed the line in 17th in 36:49. A great result for both men to finish in the top 20.

O’Brien Challenge- Several members of the club, including Alan Shaw, Oli Murphy, Marty Loughran and Barry Loughran took part in the O’Brien Challenge charity run in Davagh Forest on Saturday, no results have been published yet, but well done to those who took part.

A great turnout from Acorns at this week’s local Parkrun, results as follows:-

2nd Sean Boyle 19:33; 4th Roger McLean 19:54; 5th Eugene McAuley 20:06; 9th Niall Hassan 21:11; 19th Diane Carey 25:57; 22nd Jennifer Leacock 26:50; 23rd Evelyn Morgan 27:17; 27th Denise Wright 29:21; 29th Andra McKeown 31:28; 30th Marina Abbott 31:29; 32nd Noreen Donnelly 32:35; 41st Demi-Lee Dallas 44:17.

If you are interested in taking part in our next training camp on Saturday 20th September at Portrush, please contact Francis Purvis.

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.

Race Calendar: Wednesday 3rd September- PSC 6 Mile/3 Mile Road Race; Mill Hill Mile.

Saturday 6th September- Keith Reid 10K Memorial; Diamond Dental 5 Year 5K Race.

Sunday 7th September- Pure Running Laganside 10k; Galbally Pearses GAC 10K Run and 5K Run/Walk.

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.