By Margaret Canning
Sunday Jun 28 2009

From eight to 70, from absolute beginners to an Olympic medalist, they ran in their hundreds in Belfast's second Runher celebration of fitness.

The woman-only event took place at CIYMS rugby club in east Belfast in perfect dry conditions - and the streets were lined with the partners, children, family and friends of 1,020 women taking part in 5km and 10km runs to raise money for children's cancer charity Clic Sargent.

Olympic gold medallist Dame Mary Peters completed the 5k course.

"I was very happy just taking part and Clic Sargent is a very good charity. It's wonderful watching 1,000 people out enjoying exercise and the support is wonderful." And as perhaps the most senior participant, she added: "Age is no barrier to taking part in something like this as you can do it at your own level."

Ex-Eastender Jesse Wallace ran the 10k, following the close of her theatrical run in The Vagina Monlogues at the Grand Opera House.

She said: "It was a bit of a killer at first but I got through it. It was just great running with all these women who were so determined. I loved it."

In Video: Telegraph Runher event

She will soon play Sylvia in a stage production of Stepping Out, which was adpated into a film starring Liza Minnelli in 1991. "I play Sylvia, who's a bit overweight and can't dance. I have lost two stone recently, though.

"But I was a bit crap on Strictly Come Dancing, so I should be ok."

Dixie and Valerie MacKenzie were in the crowd cheering on 29-year-old daughter Alison Quinn, who started running around a year ago. "Her husband has encouraged her to run," Mr MacKensie said. "I ran the shortest leg in the Belfast marathon last year.

Ripples of applause spread across the course and cheers emanated from children and husbands as they recognised their mums and wives in the crowd. Some organised youngsters even had "run mummy" signs.

Laura Taggart and Jane Friel, both members of Dub runners who were helping out yesterday summed up the unique appeal of Runher.

"I think it's just the fact that it's all women," Laura said. "Most races you get are all men, and you don't usually get all women taking part in something.I suppose men are so competitive when it comes to running - not that the women can't be competitive as well, though.

"But this is a great way for people to start off who haven't run before.”

Eddie Wilson was keeping a manual check on times. "It's absolutely huge," he said of the races. And the weather's absolutely great," said the soon-to-be MBE, who is a former Commonwealth track judge.

Organiser Michael Jenkins, who owns Up and Running running supplies stores, said: "I think the fact that it's all girls makes it special." He said the organisers were inspired by Dublin's mini-marathon, which regularly attracts 40,000 women. "And it's different because with most races, you just turn up, run and go home. But there's so much else going on apart from the runs - there's a bouncy castle and free ice-cream."

There were 82 people making sure things went smoothly for the runners and their supporters. "It's for mums who wouldn't otherwise run...it's non-competitive.We've even got a gran, mum and daughter running today."

In third place in the 5km event was Fionnuala McCourt from Lagan Valley Athletics Club. "The crowd was great at cheering us one. It's just a great buzz."

Second place was Rachel Gibson. She was delighted at her placing. "The last hill was hard, though - they don't call it Heartbreak Hill for nothing, though."

And it was Rachel Dornan's second year in a row to win the 5k. "I have two kids to run around with," she said, explaining her success.But she also revealed: "I try to have a healthy diet but I would be a terrible one for chocolate, too. I took up running after a I broke my back horse riding. I would have been a horse rider otherwise."

Twelve-year-old Strathearn pupil Chloe Johnston was pleased with her performance in the 5k. Dad Rupert said he stuck to jogging. "I'm too slow for Chloe. She says she gets cold waiting for me."

PR executive Cathy Martin ran the 5K with some of her clients. "To be honest, I didn't really train," newly-wed Cathy revealed. "It was really good fun, though."

Brenda Shankey and 'running buddy' Cathy Edwards enjoyed the 5k. Although running for just 18 months, Brenda has also done the New York Marathon. On Runher, Brenda said: "It's a fabulous event and there's a great atmosphere. It's a great goal to work towards."

Brenda ran with her eight-year-old Lauren, who was joined in the juniors by Caitilin Armstrong, daughter of footballing legend Gerry.

He watched with youngest daughter Marianna as wife Debby took part, sporting the number 9 which brought her hubby so much luck in his career. Debbie said: "I had the flu and a chest infection but I just had to get on with it after all that training. I'm so glad I did it."

Julie Balmer won the 10k, with Anna Quinn in second place and Fionnuala Ross in third. Julie said: "I'm feeling good. I think my time was around 38 minutes and I'm really pleased. And I'm climbing Mount Kilimanjaro next weekend," the intrepid Julie added.