Terry O'Hare is Record Breaker

European Masters Athletics Championships 2025

IN blistering heat of 30 degrees, humidity and strong winds Terry O’Hare ran a storm! Such a storm, he in fact broke both the NI and ROI Record in his age category of M70 for the 10,000m track race, writes Una Campbell.

Terry was racing in the European Masters Athletics Championships in Maderia. Racing in a field of runners of an extremely high calibre, all competitors found the going so tough that even the first four across the line were on average 2.5 minutes off their seasons best.

Terry romped home in 5th place overall, having trained for and aiming for a time of 44:20, he was sitting at 22:11 at the 5K marker, but the heat & humidity was energy sapping, however even with the adverse conditions he still got a new Irish and NI record in a time of 46:39:51, which was truly amazing, doing himself, family, club and Country proud.

GR8 Dundrum

The weather could not have been more perfect on an October morning as over 1250 runners descended upon Dundrum to race across the two distances of 3.5 miles and 8.4 miles in the ever-popular GR8 Dundrum Road Race which is hosted by Murlough Runners.

Any chill in the air that might normally have one shivering was dissipated by the adrenaline running through the veins of each participant.

All eight members of NCR took on the very challenging 8.4-mile race, which covered a few terrains: road, sand, shale and boardwalk being some.

It was an 11am start for the eight as they set off from Dundrum Village along the Main Street, continuing along the Dundrum Road turning right onto the Old Road. It was on Old Road that they met with their first and toughest hill, from thereon in the course was undulating to say the least, with a few more climbs to the finish, there was an overall elevation of 74 feet.

Just after the second mile the terrain changed, heading along a stony path for approximately one mile, then heading through a nature reserve which included crossing not one, but two cattle grids. At Murlough House they took a sharp right, the legs and feet having another tough transition of surface onto boardwalk before hitting the leg searing section of the beach, a surface of sand and shale required skill, true grit and determination. After what must have felt like an eternity, it was back to the boardwalk, reserve and then the welcome sight and feel of the road beneath their feet on the Dundrum Road. With the Gantry coming into sight on Main Street each of the crew drew on every ounce of energy they had to cross the line with a sprint finish and excellent times too.

First home for the team was Eva Kitchen, all her hard & dedicated marathon training paying off, as she finished in 1:03:33. Joanne McCluskey was hot on her heels, earning herself a new PB of 1:03:35. Patricia Brown keeps getting speedier, knocking almost 6 minutes off her time two years ago to finish in 1:04:46.

Liam Sloan also had a great time of 1:08:32, as did Ciaran McBride 1:09:09, with Helen McElroy, Maureen O’Hare and Lorna Murphy all flying across the finish line in 1:10:37, 1:12:05 and 1:12:06 respectively.

Abbott Chicago 5K

Janine Burns and Karen McElroy took part in the Abbott Chicago 5K on Saturday morning. Having travelled over on Thursday afternoon, I am sure the were still adjusting to the time difference, but both had a great run. Weaving through the heart of downtown Chicago they passed many of the iconic landmarks, it started and finished in Grant Park. Janine finished in 32:26 and Karen 36:05.

Jog On Cancer 5K

Sunday morning was another perfect one for a race, as Patricia Brown and Una Campbell headed to Lurgan Park for the Jog On Cancer, which this year was in aid of Craigavon area Hospital Breast Cancer Unit and Knitted Knockers Northern Ireland.

Set in the beautiful surroundings of Lurgan Park, the 5K route consisted of roughly 1.75 laps of the park, through the tree lined paths, with a few climbs it headed out through the gates and onto the road for a short distance before heading back into the park, past the lake, back in around the same tree line path and up through a couple of small hills before turning left down towards the finish line. Una Campbell finished in 23:35 and Patricia Brown had a superb race after the GR8 Dundrum the previous morning, running with her dog Bobbie she finished in 26:09.

A special mention to Hayden McCormick (Nicola’s daughter) who not only was second female home but was third overall in a time of 22:16.

We cannot leave out Bobbie who also had a podium finish! Winning the category of first dog home. Bobbie has done a few races now, and this was a PB for him – 26:09.

Comber Cup XC – John McKeag Race

Pat and Rosin Rocks were at the Billy Neil Country Park on Sunday, both taking part in the John McKeag 5.5KM race which was for both Women (senior) Vets and Male Vets 60+. As the trials were cancelled last week, due to Storm Amy, it doubled as the NI Masters Athletics Association Championships and the selection event for the British and Irish Masters XC.

Whilst the running conditions were perfect with just a light breeze the course was an arduous one. Consisting of 3 laps (1 short and 2 long loops), with 2 tough climbs per lap, long drags and short steep sections. The ground was firm but still required spikes. The terrain and course did give the chance for a fast finish and both Rosin and Pat availed of it.

Roisin was 4th in her category and 23rd out a field of 200 women, in an amazing time of 22:14. Pat was 3rd in his age category in a superb time of 25:53.

Abbott Chicago Marathon

Across the Atlantic meanwhile a Terrific Trio took on the Abbott Chicago Marathon. Running conditions were perfect, blue skies, crisp autumnal sunshine and little wind to speak of.

Starting and finishing in Grant Park, it is described as flat and fast, but like all ‘flat’ marathons it had a few ‘sneaky’ hills throughout, most of which they were up before they knew it, although when the legs start tiring, those ‘small hills’ can feel like a humongous climb. Passing through 29 neighbourhoods of Chicago, there was crowd support throughout, the most notable sections of the course were crossing the Chicago River (several times) and a long finishing stretch on Columbus Drive.

The came, they fought the battle and conquered the beast that is the marathon, each of them triumphant as they crossed the finish line. Battling through injury etc., there was another 26.2 under their belts.

Ryan Corrin, despite having a few niggles which meant he couldn’t hold the PB pace for the entire distance still managed to pull was home in a time of 2:52:04 and his fourth Major Medal.

Mark Clements who had disrupted training, put in a superb performance, gaining his fourth Major, he crossed the line in 4:25:54.

Janine Burns is a stalwart of marathons. Having completed the six majors in 2024, was back to take on Chicago Marathon for the second time. Janines battle began from mile four, with searing pain in her foot, but despite this and a chest infection, quitting was never on the cards, she fought the battle and won, with another marathon in the bag.

Dungloe Parkrun

Hayley McAtteer took part in the Dungloe Parkrun finishing in a time of 19:57.

Upcoming events

The Christmas Classic Memorial Race

Now in its 25th year, The Christmas Classic Memorial Race will take place on Sunday, December7, at WIN Industrial Estate at 10:00 sharp, with registration at 09:00.

The 5K route will be an out and back course along the towpath. Historically this was in memory of Kevin Heaney, but with the sad loss of so many within the running community, particularly over the last few years, we have renamed it The Christmas Classic Memorial Race.

We want to remember all the friends, loved ones and family members that we have lost over the years, be it runners or those who tirelessly supported the running community, honouring them and their families too.

One thing that remains the same is the Charity that this is in aid of, with all funds going to The Evora Hospice (formerly The Southern Area Hospice).

All we ask for is a minimum donation of £5 entry fee. This is a non-chipped, no frills 5K race. All abilities are welcome, and it is a handicapped race, meaning that everyone has an equal chance of winning and holding aloft the Kevin Heaney Cup.

Please come along and support it and be part of history of this great race in memory of the best of our community and all in aid of a terrific cause.

Club Training

Club Training continues each week St Colman’s Running Track on Tuesday evening.