Judith Storm takes win as Derry XC returns

Judith Storm took victory at the Derry XC in extremely heavy underfoot conditions at Thornhill on Saturday.

Over 520 athletes in total took part in a very successful event hosted by City of Derry Spartans. Storm judged the race to perfection to come through in the final 2k to take the win. It was a good day for the Spartans with Amy Jackson producing a super run to take 2nd lady while great runs from Hannah Wade first FJ and Ciara Toner gave the Spartans ladies team victory in the four to score contest.

Jacqueline McMonagle had another great run to take the F55 prize while there was strong runs also from Catherine Hribar and Una Gavin 3rd F60.

IN PICTURES: Successful Derry XC held at Thornhill College

Photos: George Sweeney, nwpresspics

Declan Reed as ever skipped over the soft conditions to take an impressive 3rd position behind Jarod Martin who took the win and Luke Dinsmore in 2nd. Category wins for Ciara Toner F40, Darren Coyle M50, Declan McCarthy M60, and Jim Doyle 2nd M60.

It was also a successful day for members of Foyle Valley who had plenty to celebrate.

Sadhbh Callan got the proceedings underway with a fantastic 1st place in the 600ms P4/P5 race, dominating the race from gun to tape. Next up was the P6/P7 race where Lana, Grace and Tess all had good strong runs in the 1k loop. Not to be outdone Niall Callan had a fantastic run for 3rd place in the U13 race with Matthew Mulgrew 7th and Alex Sarkissian close behind in 13th. Farah Doherty made her debut and had a great run on the 1500m course and 4th girl home.

The U15/17 mixed race didn’t disappoint with another amazing performance by Clara Casey 1st female U17 with teammate Sophie Holmes taking the 3rd spot. Cara Doran also making the podium in 3rd place in the U15 girls race. Strong performances also by Harry Francis Darragh Mooney, Darragh Norrby, Conor Sharkey, Eoin Wilson, Leo O’Carolan, Sean Monaghan, Holly Sarkissian, Amy Brolly, Katie Ferguson, Rebecca Sweeney and Ella Doherty.

The last race of the day was the Senior Open 6K race. First in for the purple vests was Pius McIntyre in a strong 9th place followed by Ciaran Logue 38th, Aron Cole 45th, Gary McCay 54th and 4th scorer. Good runs also by Gerdy McKinney with training partner Dolores McLaughlin having a good run in the female race. Deaglan Barrett, Callum McMonagle, who made his debut, today ran well with Jim McGuinness, Eoin Mailey and Dessie McCourt completing the team.