BY LEE MAGINNIS
HANNAH Gilliland of Annadale Striders rose to the challenge from a unexpected rival to win the women’s NI and Ulster 10K Championship on the roads of Bangor.
The early pace was taken up by a relatively unknown athlete Ivana Anderson who pushed the pace hard and had built up a huge lead by halfway.
On a hilly course and in breezy conditions, Hannah Gilliland began to reel in the long time leader and finally caught her on the final climb.
Hannah, coached by Paul Lawther, himself a former top class athlete, used her speed to break away in the final run-in to the line. She became champion with a time of 35:19.
Ivana was second in 35:24.
Around two years ago, Local Women Sport featured the wedding of athlete and former hockey player, Robyn McKee. Here she made headlines again, this time in Annadale Striders colours, finishing third with a time of 36:20.
The event was sponsored by John Minnis estate agents in association with North Down borough council.
Top three: Hannah Gilliland, Ivana Anderson and Robyn McKee
Men’s top three: gold Brhane Gebrebrhan (Annadale Striders), silver Finn McNally (North Belfast Harriers), bronze Cameron Stewart (Annadale Striders)
The team from sponsors John Minnis who ran the Bangor 10k
