The Belfast Team ...
Michael, managed two marathons in 2007 - namely Belfast in 3.52 and New York in 4.01- Larne and Lisburn halves and amongst others, the ever-popular Portaferry 10 in July. Running the business (no pun intended) eats into valuable running time but this 'social runner' is much more at home running the hills, sand-dunes and beaches of Donegal and the North Down coastline than racing competitively.
Sharon, Michael's wife and absolute backbone of the business. Combines looking after two young boys with working in the shop (and most significantly behind the scenes). Any free minutes are spent hidden in the garage running on the treadmill in a bid to complete a 10k under that magical one hour target.
Des, proud Belfast marathon competitor of 1983 and 1985. His running days are now behind him, preferring the golf course to train around, but still a great source of running tips and advice.
Jill, Irish Half Marathon and full Marathon Champion. Currently recovering from injury, Jill works with the events arm of Up & Running NI - our first event, the inaugural Up & Running Women's 5k was on 26th August - a great success.
Brian, Marathon - mad, averaging at least 2-3 marathons every year! Loves to run, but likes the post run activities even more. The hardest worker on the team!
John, Speed demon of the team. John races over 800m having won schools titles galore. Keen to try his hand at triathalon in the future but will have to knuckle down to some serious training for this! Party boy at heart.
Eoin, St. Malachy's protege, now moved to UCD in Dublin for his studies, Eoin will be about for holidays and 'Up & Running On Tour' events starting with the Dublin Marathon Expo
Wendy, Just recently became a full-time teacher PE teacher, Lagan Valley runner, 'Wendy Woo' remains with the team on a part-time basis to help us at events and social occasions. Wendy is one of the key players in Lagan Valley AC with a huge passion for running and helping others.
Matt, the in-store Duathlete/Triathlete. Recently he placed 41st in the World Powerman Duathlon Championships. His aims this season are the European Short Course and World Long Course Duathlon Championships as well as World cup races. He hopes to go full time in his sport in the near future. His experience in sports nutrition and hydration makes him the guy to talk to for all those secret tips on how to get more energy to make you go faster.
Andrew, Queens PHd student is a member of QUB Tri club and also organises the superb 'Titanic Duathlon series'. Andrew is a keen triathlete and trains with NBH/QUB Tri.
Kevin, joined the gang recently having gained a 1st class Honours degree in Sports Science at UU. There is nothing this man does not know about excercise and running! Kevin, another St. Malachy's protege, is one of the best club runners in NI with sub 30 min 10k PB. Beat that!
Lynsey, UUJ Sports Science student currently in her 2nd year. Lagan Valley AC hammer thrower whose recent achievements include selections for the NI U23 team and medalling at Irish Universities. Lynsey is also into her (Ulster) rugby (men!!), and even finds time to play for Jordanstown Ladies alongside her athletics commitments.
Carla, youngest member of the gang, studing for A-Levels at Methody, Carla is a keen Lagan Valley AC who concentrates on 400m and 800m. Recently competed in the Irish Indoor Championships in the Odyssey Arena. Also takes a good picture .... watch this (modelling) space!!