Sammy Mc Ananey

Sammy has worked tirelessly over the past 20 years coaching, supporting and encouraging runners of all ages and abilities. He has inspired people to achieve results beyond their greatest ambitions. Sammy has been inspirational in the lives of so many local athletes, on both sides of our divided community. Through running Sammy has brought people together, helped heal heartache and built lasting relationships. Sammy's legacy reaches far beyond the race track. Sammy was instrumental in the establishment of Foyle Valley Athletic Club. He works endlessly developing training programmes to suit individual athletes' requirements, whether aiming for 5k races or marathons. Sammy brings out the best in us all, ubiquitous at every race and training session. The needs of his team come before his own. He is always available to encourage runners to be the best they can be. He inspires confidence in all who have the honour of training with him. Sammy has represented N. Ireland in his career and strives to pass this honour onto others. Sammy has coached athletes to achieve 2hr 22 minute marathons, 71 minute half marathons, 15 minute 5kms and 29minute 10kms. Sammy looks for no recognition, payment or praise, he does all this work purely for the benefit of others. In addition to all this Sammy has fulfilled the roles of loving husband, father and grandfather. This man is truly inspirational as an example of selflessness and determination to anyone with an interest in running.I have coached athletes to achieve 2hr 30min marathons not 2hr 22min marathons and 31min 10k not 29min.