From left-to-right: Mrs Alexander, Gillian Brooks, Catherine Dempsey, Victoria Steele, Rebekah Bell, Mrs McGrath, Mrs Martin, Mrs Watterson, Miss Love

Nine staff and students of Magherafelt High School braved the harsh Belfast weather in a bid to raise money for charity (Ulster Cancer Foundation)  by completing the fun run section of the Belfast Marathon today.

The 'Fun run' follows a different route and starts after the main marathon event but is still a tough 3-mile course taking the participants from in Front of the City hall to the ‘Ozone’ in Ormeau park (See route below).

(Click on image to enlarge)

The runners started off at 9:15am in drizzling rain but with high spirits- Some might say idyllic conditions for a ru!. The first of the pack arrived at their destination after an impressive 20 minutes with the tail-end arriving shortly thereafter.

Both staff and students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and although there were a few breathing difficulties towards the end, you can be assured that many of these highly trained, focused athletes will be back again next year to pit their wits against the best distance runners in the world today. Who knows they may even attempt the 'big one'. Watch this space....

Well done to all involved!

Click here>> to see marathon photos.

3rd May 2009