Carrick couple start married life on the right foot

Mid & East Antrim Council Deputy Mayor, Cllr Cheryl Johnston pictured with newlyweds Gary and Gillian Connolly.

Gary and Gillian Connolly celebrated their big day with a difference on November 10 by going straight from their wedding service in Carrick Castle to a 26-mile foot race.

The route took them and other runners from the East Antrim Marathon Series (EAMS) along the coast road to Loughshore and back three times.

Starting off the race was Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Cheryl Johnston. “I want to wish the happy couple all the best in their new journey together, both as man and wife and no doubt to complete many more marathon races around the globe," she said.

Gary and Gillian Connolly, who took part in a marathon following their wedding in Carrickfergus on Friday.

“We have fantastic scenery here in Mid and East Antrim so what better way to celebrate what you love, with who you love, along the coast road. It’s not just the views that are breath-taking mind you, with all the local runners taking part there really is quite the crowd of fit fanatics here. It’s a pleasure to be a part of their big day and I’m just glad they didn’t ask me to join in!”

Gary and Gillian, who have already completed 300 marathons together, flew out to Tenerife at the weekend to take part in the island's marathon on Sunday.