East Coast Athletic Club

⚫🟡 ANTRIM COAST HALF MARATHON & 5k 🟡⚫

On Sunday 23rd August 2026 eight East Coast AC athletes toed the line in their own town, Larne, to race in the Antrim Coast Half Marathon events.

The half marathon route took runners through the heart of the town for four miles, before hitting the world famous Coast Road. Runners then made their way to Ballygally before turning and retracing their steps back to Larne, finishing beside the historic Chaine Memorial Tower. A very welcome sight after the hard miles that they had endured.

Conditions for the race were pretty much perfect for running, with virtually no wind to speak of and dry. A little humid, but not too bad.

Experienced distance runner Robert Martin was the first of our athletes to cross the atmospheric finish line, recording an excellent time of 1:26:22.

Trev McRoberts continued to show great form, putting in an impressive second half to finish in a speedy 1:27:55.

A few weeks previously, Caeris Armour displayed outstanding fitness during our clubs fundraising event and went on to further prove that form here, by way of a fantastic and much deserved new personal best half marathon time of 1:43:19.

This year Gary McNeill has shown real progress over various distances and again impressed at our local half marathon, finishing in an excellent 1:46:33.

Hannah O’Toole was the next athlete to cross the busy finish line, securing a time of 1:47:21, having enjoyed her run over the flat and fast course.

Michael McIlwrath logged a 1:58:46 for the 13.1 miles before recent recruit Katie Doey showed her strength and determination, holding a consistent pace throughout and covering the final few miles quickly to secure a time of 2:02:03.

Earlier in the day there was also a 5k race, where an inform David Brennan stormed home in an excellent time of 17:14.

WELL DONE to all eight of our athletes who represented our club impeccably. 🫡🖤💛

ANDREW TAKES ON THE SCRABO TOWER RACE

On Friday 20th August 2026 our athlete, Andrew Topping, took on the Scarbo Tower Hill Race, near Newtownards. Starting in Scarbo Country Park, the scenic course incorporated two laps of the parks gnarley trails.

Andrew completed the testing 4.5 mile NIMRA Championship event, with 365 metres of ascent/descent, in a FANTASTIC 38:11, almost a minute quicker than his previous efforts here. Andrew finished 34th overall and 2nd in his MV60 category, just 9 seconds behind the (MV60) leader!

KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK ANDREW!

Thank you to Scrabo Striders for delivering another super event! 🖤💛

WILSON RECORDS 5K PB AT NI & ULSTER CHAMPS

On Friday 21st August 2026 East Coast AC athlete James Wilson travelled to Coleraine to race in the competitive Coleraine Campus 5k, which was hosting the NI and Ulster 5k Championships.

The event organised by Springwell Running Club is renowned for being fast and a great opportunity for personal best times, on a looped course around the University of Ulster campus.

The event had three races on offer, based on times previously recorded by athletes, a 22 minute plus race, a 17 – 22 minute race and an elite race for under a time of 17 minutes. Our club captain James raced in the 17-22 minute field.

Conditions on the night were difficult for racing, with strong winds throughout the evening.

James ran a very controlled race, working well with a talented pack of athletes before making a good break away on the last lap to dip over the line in a new personal best time of 18:25 and claiming a very respectable 13th place.

THANK YOU to our good friends at Springwell Running Club for hosting a great event.

⚫🟡 BATTLING IT OUT IN BROUGHSHANE 🟡⚫

On Monday 17th August 2026 five East Coast AC athletes made the journey over Shanes Hill to race in the Broughshane 5 Mile Road Race', hosted by Ballymena Runners.

Broughshane has been no stranger to racing over the years, with numerous road races and multi-terrain battles, over various distances, being hosted in the historic village. Now, this particular event is in it's third year as a five mile road race.

On the night, conditions were less than ideal, with driving rain and blustery winds making it a real challenge for our athletes.

This however didn’t dampen their enthusiasm and our team set off to tackle the mixed terrain course of roads and trails, starting and finishing at the local community centre.

Stephen Wilson swapped mountainous terrain for the roads and performed as impressively as ever, showing great form to record a super run of 38:34.

The ever consistent Louise McMullan followed shortly after, battling her way to a super finish of 49:46. Louise is another one of our athletes showing superb form over the summer.

With that familiar smile, Lillian Magee was close behind, crossing the line in for a strong time of 57:28. Another fantastic display of determination from our athlete.

Jennifer Lloyd was back in action and battled her way to a time of 1:00:59, whilst enjoying a great night on the rolling country roads.

Popular club mate Andrea Jamison crossed the line in a brilliant time of 1:04:27. A great outing from Andrea who is preparing for some upcoming challenges.

A big WELL DONE to ALL of our members who made the journey and who thoroughly enjoyed the event. THANK YOU to our friends at Ballymena Runners for putting on another great race.

SIX TAKE ON MALLUSK 5 MILE ROAD RACE

On Friday 14th August 2026 six East Coast AC athletes made the journey up the A8 to take part in the annual, and extremely popular, Mallusk Harriers 5 Mile Road Race and one mile junior race.

This race is always a popular one with our members and again, in 2026, was a sell out, with over 360 local runners toeing the line.

The race started on the Mallusk Road just outside the Integrated Primary School and makes its way left up Sealstown Road. This is a really challenging area of the course, described as the ‘legendary hill’. This hill lasts for around 1.5 miles, with a left turn at the top, onto Boghill Road where the course flattened out. Runners were then greeted with a nice fast downhill section on Hydepark Road, all the way to the finish line just outside the Peoples Church.

David Brennan led the way with an excellent run of 32:08. In a closely fought contest, David's performance showed impressive consistency and strength over the full five-mile distance.

Matt Maguire produced a superb performance, completing the five miles in 32:15. Matt pushed Brennan all the way and was separated from the fastest time by just seven seconds. It was a very strong outing from Maguire and a performance that underlined he is in great shape.

Trev McRoberts was also comfortably inside the 33-minute barrier, recording an impressive 32:49. McRoberts finished just 34 seconds behind Maguire and 41 seconds behind Brennan, keeping himself firmly in touch with the leading pair and completing a very strong top three.

Andrew Topping crossed the line in 35:36. Topping is in great form of late, producing a super performance in an event he is a regular at.

Karl Joyce completed the five-mile course in 40:16. Joyce came agonisingly close to dipping under the 40-minute mark, missing it by only 16 seconds. A super effort by a man in good form.

Stephen Wilson rounded out the six performances with a finishing time of 42:02. Wilson kept his effort going through all five miles to complete the race just over the 42-minutes. With less than two minutes separating him from Joyce, it was a determined performance and a solid completion of the five-mile distance.

Our six speedy runners loved the event and hospitality shown by our good friends from Mallusk Harriers. We would like to thank them for putting on such a brilliant local event.

Like the goody bags, the spread afterwards was amazing and we look forward to making the journey back again next year. 🙏

Where has the summer gone…⁉️

It’s seems like yesterday we finished our junior and cheetahs training for the summer.

Lots of excited kids, looking forward to summer activities and for some, the step up to ‘big school’.

Now it’s here. Many of them have taken that first step this week; and for those not changing schools - a new school year has begun!

We can’t wait to hear about it all when junior and cheetahs training returns in a few weeks!

For now… keep being you and keep having fun! 🤩

Not forgetting: A big shout out to the parents / guardians who will be stressing and worrying quietly in the background for their loved ones! 🙌

TOPPING TAKES ON MULLAGHCARN GIANT RACE

WELL DONE to our athlete Andrew Topping who (on Saturday 25th July 2026) competed at the Mullaghcarn Giant Race in Gortin Glens Forest Park, near Omagh, in County Tyrone.

Over the twelve kilometre mountain and trail course Andrew claimed 1st place in the MV60 category and 25th overall, in a field of almost 100 participants.

CONGRATULATIONS to Andrew and to Carmen Runners, who again hosted a fantastic event.

Keep up the great work! 👏🏻

LEGS MISERABLES CLAIM OUR CLUB 24HR TITLE

Throughout the morning sessions and supported by an array of strong performances, Legs Miserables opened up a lead that ensured they would claim victory over their club-mates.

Team Legs Miserables included, Blaine Stewart, Diane McKay, Yolande Wilson, Sharon Jackson, Cheryl Robinson, Caeris Armour, Kyle Brady, Brian Maltman, Robert Martin, Jo Harris, Chris Davis, Jack McRoberts. Pictured below, collecting the team trophy is Jack McRoberts. WELL DONE all. 🏆

Here are the numbers ⤵️
1️⃣ 161.79 miles - Team Legs Miserables
2️⃣ 149.37 miles - Team Not Fast, Just Furious
3️⃣ 139.41 miles - Team We've got the Run's

Over the course of the twenty four hours, our teams accumulated a fantastic 450.57 miles. An OUTSTANDING effort by all.

Thank you so much to everyone for their generosity. If you still want to donate, you can buy using the link below 👇🏻

https://www.paypal.com/pool/9rgcidvt7Z?sr=ancr&fbclid

We would also like to thank every person who took the time to support our event, including our friends at Larne Cricket Club, who allowed us to use their premises whilst also hosting a very well supported cricket final.

Also, to the amazing team behind the teams, who spend many hours preparing for the event and were present throughout. 🙏🏻

24HR - LEG'S MISERABLES MAINTAIN THEIR LEAD

As we close in on the last few sessions of our 24hr Challenge, Legs Miserables are gradually increasing their grip on the trophy.

The current standings 👇🏻
1️⃣ 147.54 Miles - Legs Miserables
2️⃣ 137.46 Miles - Not Fast, Just Furious
3️⃣ 125.82 Miles - We've got the Run's

That's a total of 410.82 miles SO FAR!

If you want to support our fundraiser you can still donate at 👇🏻
https://www.paypal.com/pool/9rgcidvt7Z?sr=ancr&fbclid

Thank you so much for all of your support so far. 🙏🏻

JUST OVER HALF WAY IN OUR 24HR CHALLENGE!

It's 6am, the sun is (kind of) out and just over 200 miles complete. A tremendous effort from all of our athletes so far.

Team Legs Miserables have taken a slight lead.

Another 12 hours of fun incoming! 👏🏻

If you would like to support our fundraiser you can donate at 👇🏻

https://www.paypal.com/pool/9rgcidvt7Z?sr=ancr&fbclid

🖤💛♥️