Glenavy Milk Run event is hailed '˜a complete and udder success'

Milking the applause: The 10k winners pose for a picture. Photos by Bert Trowlen

More than 700 runners and walkers took part in the fun-filled fundraising event on Saturday, May 6.

Organised jointly by Ballymacrickett Fundraising Committee and the local Health and Wellbeing Team, the aim of the event was to raise funds for a new play area and sports pitch, to encourage more people to drink milk and to promote the health benefits of drinking milk before and after sporting activity.

Around 400 runners and walkers had been expected to participate, but that estimate was ‘udderly’ smashed when 703 people turned up on the day to take part.

Nadine, Eve and Lara Crossey proudly wearing their Milk Run medals.

The Glenavy Milk Run comprised a Children’s 3k Fun Run, a 5k Walk, a 5k Run and a 10k Run.

According to organiser Joe Mulholland, competitors travelled from near and far, from Ahoghill to Dromore, from Dundrod to Martinstown, from Newtownabbey to Toomebridge, with the farthest being from Newport On Tay, Fife in Scotland.

“We were totally blown away by the numbers that turned out and with the support we received locally from dairy farmers, businesses and over 70 volunteers,” Joe said.

“There was a real sense of community spirit and all the hard work was worthwhile when we saw the children’s proud faces as they left with their hard earned medals.”

The 5k winners, including 'First Female', Ballymacrickett Primary School P1 teacher Miss McCormick (centre).

Prize winners in the 10k were:

Male: 1st Stephen Scullion, 2nd Stephen Nicholson, 3rd John Miskimmin.

Female: 1st Shileen O’Kane, 2nd Gillian Miskimmin, 3rd Sinead Scullion.

Prize winners in the 5k were:

Elizabeth Mulholland, Daisy Gourley and Helena Mulholland.

Male: 1st David Conliffe, 2nd Ian Keys, 3rd Conor Murphy.

Female: 1st Aine McCormick, 2nd Donna Graham, 3rd Fionnuala Brennan.

“This was an excellent fundraiser and all monies raised will go towards the installation of a multifunctional play area and a new pitch,” explained Betty Campbell, Treasurer of Ballymacrickett Fundraising Committee. “Thank you to the local club for the use of their pitch and parking facilities on the day.”

• For more photos by Bert Trowlen check out the ‘Glenavy Milk Run’ Facebook page or visit the Ballymacrickett Primary School website.