It was a bumper race event for the third Saintfield Strider Anniversary Race as over 300 runners took in the scenery of Saintfield on Sunday during the 5km and 10km distance runs. Gareth Lyons from North Belfast Harriers took the 10km men’s title in just 33:14, with Amy Bulman from Willowfield Harriers the first female over 10km coming it at 40:26.
As well as the serious business of running there was also a ‘Spooky Sprint’ for children which saw approximately 60 children getting dressed up for a fun run which kicked off the day’s events, which was started by Spanner the safety dog from event sponsor Phoenix Energy.
This was the third anniversary race organised by the Saintfield Striders Club which now has over 150 members of all abilities who meet up and take part in regular runs, weekend park runs and races every week with over £1,193 being raised for local charity Down Right Incredible and more still to come.
Speaking about the event Phoenix Energy Communications Manager, Gillian Orr said: “We are delighted to support such a fantastic community event and to be part of something that showcases the scenery of Saintfield in an active and social way with an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to get involved.
“Phoenix Energy is passionate about being active in the areas we serve and having been working in the Saintfield area for the past year now to bring the benefits of natural gas to local residents we see events like today as a great way for us to give back to the local community.”
Gillian Johnston from Saintfield Striders said: “We’re thrilled that so many people have come out and got involved in our anniversary race. For us the club is all about community, our members come from all sorts of backgrounds and abilities but have a common focus of being active and having some fun and we’re very much open to increasing that membership.
“We want to say a huge thank you to all our sponsors and supporters, without whom this event simply wouldn’t be able to take place, and a special thank you to our new sponsor Phoenix Energy who have helped fuel today’s event.”
Through the extension of its licence to East Down, Phoenix Energy is bringing natural gas to over 28,000 properties in 13 towns, including Ballynahinch, Hillsborough, Downpatrick, Castlewellan, Dromore, Newcastle and Saintfield.