JIMMY’S TEN 2016

A super day on the weather front was matched for its sparkle on the route as Jimmy’s Ten hit the road again on Sunday with a record breaking 821 runners enjoying the novelty of warmth while taking in the unique sights of Downpatrick and the surrounding area at its beautiful best.IMG_2866 In many ways the attraction of Jimmy’s Ten is the post race refreshments and the craic when old friends meet again and new ones are formed. The sense of camaraderie is palpable and thanks to the sunshine on Sunday, participants and their families were able to relax and dine al fresco.

THE RACE
In the absence of all previous male winners there was always going to be a new name on the Jimmy Murray Memorial Shield and that it should prove to be the top NI based runner Paddy Hamilton from Slieve Gullion Runners was indeed fitting. Paddy turns 35 on St Patrick’s Day and will continue to dominate open races as well as becoming a force in the Masters category. Runner up for the second year in a row was Paddy’s former colleague with Annadale Striders James O’ Hare from Downpatrick.
In third place was Derry Track Club and Project Africa’s Martin Cox. There were several notable performances from the host club but more about that next week.

LADIES EXCITING BATTLE
Former Ladies winner and national steeplechase champion Kerry O’ Flaherty Continue reading

FINAL ROUND OF McGRADY FINANCIAL SERVICES CROSS COUNTRY SERIES

While many of the senior members were enjoying their day out by the sea at Ballyhornan last Sunday, 45 of East Down’s juniors were competing with considerable success in the 5th and final round of the McGrady Financial Services Cross Country Series in a sun drenched Tollymore Forest Park.

Notable performances were delivered by P4 boys Leo Madine 2nd Kieran Trainor 3rd Alexander Robinson 4th while the P4 Girls, in which 10 East Down girls took part, were far from outdone when Jodi Foster 2nd and Eva Shields 4th continued the good work.

In the P5 Boys race Oliver Robinson, Continue reading