An Aqua Pura Women’s Steeplechase Workshop was attended by seven athletes and three coaches at the Mary Peters Track in Belfast on 22 April – and steeplechase races were added to the Londonderry Trophy meeting on 26 April.

The workshop was organised by Heather Martin, the Northern Ireland women’s 3000m steeplechase record holder who is also the Northern Ireland Athletics Federation’s development officer based in Belfast.

She said: "I got great feedback from the athletes and coaches who attended and I personally learnt a lot about steeplechase. So it’s all looking good for more athletes taking part in the ‘chase this year."

National event coach Spencer Duval, who led the introductory session, said: "The day went well. All the athletes enjoyed it and all managed to get over the barriers and complete their first chase training session!"

At the Londonderry Trophy meeting, Ane-Marie Kane won the women’s 2000m steeplechase in 8:17.8 while the men’s race went to teenager Noel Collins (Omagh) in 6:03.6.