Local Athletes Shine in September and October

Sport Lisburn & Castlereagh has celebrated another two months of sporting talent, recognising two athletes who excelled in their sport in September and October. Earlier this month, we also honoured local athletes at the annual Sports Awards supported by Drayne’s Farm.

Mountain runner, Karen Wilton was named September's winner. Karen kicked off the month at the Ben Nevis 10-mile race, which included a 1500m ascent, and finished 9th female overall. Karen was then selected for the third time this year by the NI Mountain Running Association to represent NI & Ulster to compete in the 30k Seven Sister Sky Challenge. The following day, Karen competed in the Armagh Cross Country, finishing 12th and winning her age category. At the end of September, she was the first veteran over-50 woman to complete the 35k Adventure Race in County Fermanagh, finishing 3rd in the women’s race. To round off a remarkable month, Karen was announced as the 1st lady in the NIMRA 2025 Championship.

October’s winner was awarded to climber, Hannah McNeice who has won the Under 11 Youth Climbing Series for the second year in a row. This prestigious competition included two challenging disciplines, top rope and bouldering and takes place across four events in Ireland: Belfast, Cork and two rounds in Dublin. The series began on 6th September and concluded on 18th October. Hannah finished in exceptional style, becoming the only competitor in her category to top all four routes. Hannah gives nothing less than 100% in both training and competition and her dedication shows in her results.

Entries for November & December’s Sports Personality of the Month are currently open. Nominations close on Wednesday 31st December at 5pm. For more details or to make a nomination, click here.

Pictured – September's Sports Personality of the Month winner, mountain runner, Karen Wilton.

Pictured – October’s Sports Personality of the Month winner, climber, Hannah McNeice.