The Hill and Dale Series continued last week with race five at Luke’s Mountain, where three Saintfield Striders — Peter Davison, Rab McClenaghan and Victoria Kelly — took on one of the most demanding routes of the series.
Although the course measures just over 7km, it features approximately 450 metres of climbing across the Mournes.
Starting from Meelmore Lodge, runners faced a steep ascent of Slievenaglogh before tackling a fast and technical descent over open mountain terrain, navigating rocks, bogs and uneven ground.
Conditions were challenging, and one Strider experienced the full force of the mountain after an unexpected waist-deep encounter with a bog, later described, with good humour, as “a very refreshing experience”.
It proved to be a superb evening of mountain running, with tough climbs, dramatic views and plenty of mud — everything the Hill and Dale Series is known for.
Well done to all three runners, and thanks to Newcastle AC for hosting another excellent event.
Striders support Marie Curie Bap Run
On Sunday, club members joined friends from Comber for their annual Marie Curie Bap Run.
Runners enjoyed a sociable morning of sunny miles in support of a fantastic cause, followed by well-earned breakfast baps in McBride’s on The Square, Comber.
It was a great turnout and a lovely example of local clubs coming together for charity and community spirit.
Mairead delivers at Cape Town Marathon
Saintfield Striders were also represented much farther afield, with Mairead Andrew delivering an outstanding weekend of racing in South Africa.
Mairead completed the Cape Town Marathon in a superb time of 3:42:11, describing the race as a “real battle”, particularly after the 30km mark. Despite the heat and rolling roads, she showed tremendous determination to finish strongly in a superb time.
The Cape Town Marathon is regarded as one of the world’s most scenic marathon routes, taking runners past Table Mountain, the Atlantic coastline and many of the city’s iconic landmarks.
Competing in the Age Group Championships, Mairead earned two medals, a fantastic achievement on the international stage.
Earlier in the weekend, she also took part in the Cape Town Peace Run 5k, a community event celebrating unity ahead of marathon day.
A huge congratulations from everyone at the club on an exceptional weekend of racing.
