Local athletes didn’t have to wait long for their first race of 2007 when Ballymena runners hosted their annual Race over the glens on new years day.

A tough and challenging course set off from glenarriff forest park at noon when most of the population were still recovering from the night before.

A deceptively fast start saw the runners flying downhill for the first mile but then the work began, the first of the killer hills saw most people reduced to a walk and after a short recovery another steep climb awaited them followed by a sharp set of steps. Anyone who thought that was the hard work over were to be disappointed, barely half way at that stage the course continued to dip and climb until another quick decent brought you back onto the road and a further half mile sprint to the finish line. Of course blustery winds, a bit of rain and a touch of sleet all added to the occasion and made it that bit more enjoyable!!

Fastest man on the day and a previous winner was Jarleth Falls of Ballymena and Antrim who completed the race in 32.23.

First Pegasus finisher was Chris Denton putting in another solid display to come home in 38.52.

Second finisher for the club was a battle between Michael Henry and Ivan Park, both making comebacks from injury and it was Michael who held off the challenge to finish in 42.49 with Ivan closely behind in 44.03.

Making her debut at this race was Tess McComb, pacing herself well Tess finished strongly in 49.31 to be well placed in her age group.

Next it was Shirley Park, still trying to learn how to ride a bike! Shirley was carrying a cycling injury after falling off her bike the previous week, along with a recurring knee injury these set backs didn’t stop Shirley from knocking almost 4 minutes off the time she set here a year ago when she crossed the line in 54.39.

Our 6th athlete who is showing great signs of progress was Lorna Stines, setting herself a target of the 1 hour mark Lorna easily beat this to come home in a time of 58.38, her P.B for this race.

Well done to Keith Fitzsimmons, a prospective member of the club Keith is an adventure racer who is looking to improve his running and put in a solid display with a time of 57.57.
Afterwards athletes were rewarded with a well-earned cuppa and a few sandwiches to round off a very enjoyable day.

At Pegasus we welcome runners of all standards, now that the New Year is here why not come along and get fit or loose weight and have a bit of craic at the same time.
As well as club training there is also a ladies only night on Tuesdays.