THERE was relief and celebration for Ward Park Runners at the weekend as Storm Amy passed on Saturday evening to allow the club’s long-awaited inaugural 10k race in Groomsport to go ahead on Sunday morning.
Since its formation in 2016, the Bangor-based club has aspired to organise its own road race, and that goal finally came to fruition with the staging of the Groomsport 10k. The picturesque coastal village and its surrounding rolling hills provided a scenic and challenging setting for the event.
A total of 428 runners took part, with strong representation from local clubs and beyond. Scrabo Striders fielded the largest number of participants, while North Down AC, Coastal Runners, and Dee Runners also sent sizeable contingents.
Blustery but dry conditions prevailed along the undulating course, which started and finished at Groomsport Football Club on the edge of the village.
In the men’s race, Kyle McLellan of North Down AC dominated from the outset, taking victory in 33 minutes 44 seconds. Mark Smith from North Belfast Harriers secured second place in 34:54, while Glen Taylor completed the podium with a strong run to finish third in 35:16.
The women’s race was won by Victoria Kelly of Saintfield Striders in 40:47, with NDAC athletes Fiona McQuillan (41:38) and Sarah Benton (41:49) finishing second and third respectively after a close contest.
Race organisers from Ward Park Runners expressed their delight with the turnout and the positive feedback from participants. The club has plans to host the race again next year, building on the success of its inaugural edition.
More photos from Sunday’s race can be found in the latest edition of the Spectator.
