Lifford Strabane AC: Full round-up as five athletes take part in the Lough 5 road races

It was a matter of racing out with the old & running in with the new, for members of Lifford Strabane AC.

New Year’s Eve, Monday, December 31, we had athletes competing at the 10^th annual Lough 5 Mile, Loughmacrory, which had a total of 689 took to the starting line.

Lifford Strabane AC was represented by five athletes at this road race with all making improvements on their race times on “Boxing Day”.

Garreth McCullagh was the first of the Lifford Strabane AC athletes to the finish line, finishing 19^th overall placing second in his respective category M40+ in a superb time of 29.50, next was Master Athlete & National Marathon Medal recipient Michael Duncan who battled hard to successfully take second place in the M55+ Category in a great time of 33:04.

Following closely behind was Sean Carlin in a fine time of 36:26, Paddy Tourish 37:03 with solo female club representative Claire Keys running a personal best time of 38:29PB knocking almost 2mins off her previous time over this distance.

New Year’s Day, Tuesday, January 1 Raphoe Road Runners, Family 5k Run & Walk attracted a strong crowd of 247 participants with all proceeds of the race being donated to The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (Donegal Branch).

Lifford Strabane AC was represented by a total of 14 club members including 5 juvenile athletes & members of our walking group at this event. First to the finish line for Lifford Strabane AC was a club athlete that prefers running much longer distances, endurance runner Ed McGroarty who finished an impressive 10^th overall in an excellent time of 17:29.

Chris Cuskelly was next to the finish line in a super time of 20:58!! Followed by two athletes battling their way back from injury Don Pearson 24:36, Pius Doherty 24:52.

First senior female finisher was Olivia Cuskelly 25:19, first female junior finisher for the club & 2^nd in her category was Taylor Neilands 26:17, first under 12 boy for the club to finish was Lifford Strabane AC’s James Bell in 28:08, Callum Macbeth B12 35:07, Cheryl MacBeth 35:07, Kelsy Parke G12 36:02, Logan Hegarty B12 41:20, Heather Doherty 52:28 & Marie Doherty 52:29.

Well done to all who competed over the course of the week. Congratulations to all athletes that ran personal bests and category prize winners.

A new season is ahead of us, it’s time to set new goals!! Whether it be to run/throw/jump/walk further, faster or more!! If you believe it, the mind can achieve it!!

Other news:

Lifford Strabane AC 5k Spring Series commences on Sunday 13^th at 10am in Carrigans, Co. Donegal. Technical top for all whom register for ALL 3 RACES!! See you at the start line!! Go on, go on! You know you want to.

Club Registration Nights will be held on Monday 7^th – Thursday 10^th January 2019 at 6:30pm – 7pm each night to facilitate all our existing & new club members to pay their membership/registration fees for the coming year.

Training resumes for Adults on Tues 8^th & Thurs 10^th Jan 2019 @ 6:45pm all past, present & future members welcomed!!

Training for juvenile members past, present & future on Monday 7^th January 2019 @ 6:30pm sharp!! Please note training for younger age group will take place in Lifford Community Centre 6:30pm – 7:30pm

Club gear can be ordered by contacting Carmel Hoynes through Lifford Strabane AC’s facebook messenger.

Lifford Strabane AC caters for all abilities. All training sessions are coach led. New members always welcomed!!