East Down’s Kirsti Foster (right) came first place in the U15 Girls’ 1500m with a time of 5.12.62. Coming in third place with a time of 5.55.02, was Dromore athlete, Kate McCartan (left). Pictured with firmus energy representative, Catherine Shine.

The final stage of firmus energy’s Fab 5 series seen more than 100 young athletes from across Northern Ireland make their way to the Mary Peter’s track in the hopes of bringing home gold. Organised by Lagan Valley Athletics Club, the series is opened to all young people aged eight and up.

The athletes who made their way to the Mary Peter’s track took part in a range of disciplines from shot putt, javelin, hammer and long jump.  Each event in the Fab 5 series was open to athletes of all abilities who would like the opportunity to either try out disciplines or compete in a more competitive manner.

Lauren Madine of East Down Athletics Club celebrated a series of wins, taking the top spot on the podium for the third heat in the U13 Girls’100m and the U13 Girls’ 1500m race. In the U15 1500m race, Kirsti Foster of East Down Athletics Club came in first place, finishing with a time of 5.12.62. Kirsti was followed by Alice Monaghan of Lagan Valley Athletics Club who came in second place and Kate McCartan from Dromore Athletics Club who came took the third spot on the podium.

Catherine Shine, who attended the event on behalf of firmus energy, said:

“The Fab 5 series is a great platform that enables young people an opportunity to show off their athletic abilities. The prominence of the event is evident by the number of new athletes each series attracts and the number of returning athletes. It is a well-organised and fun event that allows people to enjoy themselves whilst also improving their skills.”

John Glover, from Lagan Valley Athletics Club, said:

“The fifth stage of the Fab 5 series brings to an end an amazing year for athletics in Northern Ireland. We’re very grateful for firmus energy as a sponsor and for the participants who joined us throughout the year. We hope to continue to facilitate the development of budding athletes across Northern Ireland next year.”

The firmus energy Fab 5 series is set to return again next April, giving aspiring and returning athletes perfect time to get some practice in!