ATHLETICS: Antrim, London, Lisburn action for Derry athletes

The YDL involves a team competition for U13, U15 and U17 club squads across all the Track & Field disciplines and is always a hotly contested competition.

City of Derry Spartans will once again fly the local flag with upwards of 60 plus juvenile athletes travelling tomorrow for the day long event.

Entry details for the Lisburn relays are hazy at this stage but the Spartans seniors have named three male squads for the trip. A mix of Masters and seniors are expected to be involved but the anticipated presence of Declan Reed has been put on hold as the classy Master, despite back running, delays his return from injury as a precaution.

The other local clubs are unlikely to travel but they did very well last Wednesday evening at the NI&Ulster 5K road championships at the Queens 5K.

Derry City Track Club led by bronze medallist Conan McCaughey took team silver and the Scott Rankin fronted Foyle Valley claimed team bronze.

McCaughey ran a quick 14m 53s just behind the 14m 51s of winner, Gary Murray now in the Clonliffe Harriers colours and was backed up by Martin Cox 11th and Connor Doherty 19th. Rankin was 7th in 15m 05s with Chris McGuinness 16th and Adrian McGowan 28th completing the Foyle scoring trio.

Finally a mention of Sunday’s London Marathon and the local interest. The usual big Foyle Hospice contingent led by organiser Noel McMonagle will be in the massive field and in the supporting Mini Marathon races locals Fintan and Aela Stewart and Lily Toorish will line up in the NI regional squads.

Brother and sister Fintan and Aela will also be looking out for dad, Rob, who is taking on the full 26.2 mile Marathon. Good Luck to all locals in the London action!