05/09/2026
๐ฝ Heath Graham Ards 5 Mile ๐
A fantastic turnout from the Saintfield Striders at last nightโs Heath Graham Ards 5 Mile - with a brilliant 42 Striders taking on the challenge! ๐
This event was the 6th in our Club Super 8 Series. A fairly simple concept, consisting of 8 events spread throughout the year, where the idea is: get out there, take part, enjoy the races and pick up those valuable Super 8 points along the way. And judging by the numbers last night, itโs doing exactly what itโs meant to! ๐
The Ards 5 Mile provided a good test, with a varied, circular, course taking runners along the skirt of Strangford Lough before the steady climb up through Bowtown and back round to Londonderry Park. The moderate elevation changes certainly gave everyone plenty to think about along the way. A great evening for getting the club vest out and enjoying a bit of running with plenty of familiar faces on the start line.
There were some cracking performances too, with Ben McCaughtry leading the Striders home in 12th place overall, followed by Simon Davey in 18th. ๐ฅ
But the biggest shout-out goes to everyone who pulled on the vest and got round - from those battling at the sharp end to those simply enjoying the run and supporting their fellow Striders.
๐ Our 42 Striders taking part were:
Ben McCaughtry, Simon Davey, Steven McMaster, Aaron Orr, Andrew Barr, Brian Swain, Alan McCaughtry, Gabe Reid, Heather Baron, Alan Jordan, Amanda Jackson, Dawn Bannatyne, Elaine Emo, Leanne Smyth, Malcolm McMillan, Jenny Fitzsimons, Julie Healy, Rachel Burgoyne, Stephen McCaughtry, Jan McMillan, Philip Jordan, Luisa Givan, Brian Sloan, William Redpath, Lorraine Sloan, Jayne Walker, Anna Walker, Emma McFarland, Caroline Kearney, Sarah McCarter, Nichola-Jane Weir, Kim Mccoubrey, David Armitage, Lesley Edgar, Stephen Glover, Hannah Moore, Gillian McCaughtry, Nicky West, Nuala McCaughtry, Ruth Okane, Gillian Johnston, Christine Gordon and Gemma Magennis.
The race is also a chance to remember Heath Graham, the man whose name the event carries. Heath was a friend to many across the running community and is sadly missed. Itโs a fitting tribute to see his name continue to be part of an event that brings so many local runners and clubs together. ๐๐
A huge thank you to Scrabo Striders Running Club for hosting the event and putting on another great race. ๐ Itโs brilliant to see local clubs supporting each other and giving runners plenty of opportunities to get out there and enjoy their running.
Well done everyone! ๐ช๐
