The annual NICS cross country championships took place at the Stormont grounds, Belfast, on Saturday 26th February. Near perfect conditions overhead and underfoot rewarded those who turned out for this popular end of season cross country fixture.

For the first time, the organizers included teams from outside of the Civil Service in the race award categories. This is a welcome step to acknowledge the many athletics clubs who support the event every year.

Foyle Valley A.C was the largest club from the Northwest in attendance on the day with runners competing in both the male and female race categories.

In a very competitive race, Patricia O’Hagan, St Peters AC, took the honours in the women’s race with Karen Alexander, Sperrin Harriers, and Roberta Dornan, North Down Harriers taking 2nd and 3rdrespectively.

Dawn Mc Daid, despite continuing problems with a recurring achilles injury, led in the Foyle Valley women’s team with a creditable 6th place overall and was the 2nd ladies vet over the line. With Dawns sister Rosie O’Brien in 13th place and Deirdre Quigg in 20th, the Foyle Valley women’s team were took bronze position in the team category. North Down Harriers women won the women’s team event with Lagan Valley AC in silver place.

Sandra Mc Keever and Annette Mc Carron made their cross country debuts for Foyle Valley and were closely grouped with team mate Trish Mc Clintock with Sandra, 25th, Trish 28th and Annette, 30th. I am sure we will see them back on the grass next year when they get over the shock of the transition from road to cross country

The Mens race was pretty much settled during the first of the three 1.65 mile laps of the Stormont estate. The first six were each separated by approx 20-25 seconds at the end of that first lap and the positions were held by each runner until the end.

Johnny Steede, Ballymena Runners took the honours with Mark Wright, Annadale Striders, in second and Patrick Linden, Willowfeild Harriers in third.

Foyle Valleys Scott Rankin continued his excellent form from 2010 with an overall 5th place in a very competitive field. Ciaran Graham followed Scott in a creditable 20th place and was well up the vet’s category. Juniors Adam Wilson and Kyle Colby (another cross country debutante) supported the senior men in 45th and 62nd respectively. Stalwart Dessie Mc Court who turns out for every event completed the team for Foyle Valley in 66th place.

Of other local note was City of Derry veteran Gerry Lynch’s mid field placing to secure the over 60 trophy well ahead of his nearest rival.

Congratulations and well done to the Civil Service Athletics Club for another well organised event.

Next up for Foyle Valley runners will be the start of the spring half marathons, followed by both theBelfast and London marathons. Preparations are also ongoing for Foyle Valleys annual 5 mile race, the Wilkies Run, which takes place on Thursday 19th May.