SLIDESHOW: KK McArthur Festival of Running

This expression could’ve been written for those runners and audience alike who participated in the KK McArthur Festival of Running on Saturday 19th July. What an exhilarating day for the community of Dervock. To witness, to participate in a programme that was inspired by the legacy of the ‘Olympic Torch event re KK McArthurs Centenary celebrations.

The noise that reverberated around the village was electric and assisted the carnival atmosphere that prevailed in the village from early morning. The warmth of reception for the hundreds of athletes and spectators was matched by the blistering heat of the sun which made conditions for the runners difficult.

Frankie Cunningham (Chairperson) commented: “I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank everyone who contributed throughout the programme to deliver each event on schedule.

“The programme this year was devised to place more emphasis on children’s participation and raising the profile and standard of the different sports with the establishment of the new facilities and the sporting events featured in the ‘KK McArthur ’Festival of Running’ and the opportunities for personal development through sporting activities, health & Wellbeing programmes.

 “Each year we make a cry for volunteers to help put up marquees, manage water-stops, judge, marshal both the KK McArthur Half Marathon, 10K etc - and it’s really heartening to see as always, the people of Dervock and surrounding environs, come out and support the community festival which certainly is the foundation of its continued success.

“Can I thank all the volunteers once again for their kind support and assistance in manning the drinks station, litter pick-ups, erecting tables, chairs, marquees and making their facilities available for use on Saturday as part of the K.K. McArthur festival of running – Stranocum LOL 749, Raynet, St John Ambulance, Roseyards Presbyterian Church, Stranocum Community Association and the PSNI (traffic management).

“I hope that every one enjoyed the experience and no-one got too dehydrated! It was a very warm day, and as always the runners were very appreciative of the support and the drinks provided. Thank you also for your efforts in tidying up afterwards, it made our job that little bit easier as well. We would also like to acknowledge the contribution by those who sponsored a mile marker that provided a personal message along the route of both the half marathon & 10K run (included in the Pure Running Half Marathon series)

“Within any successful event, there is always a backroom team whose input is invaluable. I wish to take this opportunity to thank all the main sponsors, Community Relation Council, Ballymoney Borough Council (Community Festival Fund), CENTRA – Dervock Foodstore, DDADCA Ltd Co, Blackwater Bar & Off-Sales, Smak/Maine Minerals, Robinson Concrete Products (Claudy & Ballymoney), Country Medical Centre, J.L.S. Landrover Specialist, Classique Cleaning (Ballymoney), Knockanboy Veterinary Clinic, R Logan & Sons, Ballymoney, Knockanboy Veterinary Clinic, Chestnutt Animal Feeds (Stranocum).

“We, Dervock & District Community Association would like to register our appreciation to Kenny Bacon & Bryan Edgar (Springwell RC) for their continued support in both the administration and promotion of the event. A special thanks to Diane McMullan, Beverley Walsh who sold ducks for the annual duck race, Sandra Stewart (Principal) William Pinkerton Memorial PS, James McMaster (Caretaker) - William Pinkerton Memorial PS and Anne Small who embroidered the sash for Junior Miss Dervock.

“Also thanks must be recorded and sent to the proprietor of the Hot-Cha (Chinese Take-away, Dervock) and Maurice McAllister (BCC) for their continuous sponsorship of the Oliver Kane challenge bike race which under the administration of the Ballymoney Cycling Club attracted a large field of competitors this year.

“We are a proud village, let’s work together to make our village, our community the envy of every other town and village in the province. The village has an unchallenged legacy of sport and cultural history. I want this information to inspire more people to become involved – to help secure and extend the content of the festival.”

If you want to become involved in the management or simply volunteer at community events/projects - please do not hesitate to contact me on 028 207 42568, Mob: 07734888600 or email: [email protected]