DARRAGH CROSS CHARITY 6 MILE RACE AND FUN RUN
How the time flies round – here we are in mid-August again and back in Darragh Cross for the annual charity 6 Mile Race and 4 mile Fun Run and it seems only like last month we were there before. Nevertheless a year has passed and there were several new faces prepared to take on the unique challenge that Darragh Cross offers, not least of which is staying safe on the Carrickmannon Road. But thanks to the attendance of the PSNI Community Police everything passed off without incident. Except of course for the hard fought battles for supremacy at the head of the field and in various categories throughout the race. Newcastle’s David McNeilly arrived in determined mood and ran strongly from the off on his comeback from injury to grab first place 31 seconds ahead of Ballydrain’s Richard Coey, another returning after some injury problems with East Down’s James Savage completing the podium places. Once again the category prizes were shared by East Down and Ballydrain Harriers, Colin Garrett and Norman Mawhinney from the Comber based outfit taking the Over 35 and Over 55 crowns and Dee Murray picking up the Over 45 money.
LADIES RACE
Remarkably Ballydrain Harriers provided half of the total runners in the 6 Mile race so thanks and appreciation to them. Deservedly they picked up 4 of the 5 prizes on offer to the Ladies, Aoibhinn Clinton and Fiona Johnston claiming up 2nd and 3rd places respectively, Gillian Jordan taking home the Over 35 prize and Heather Kelly the Over 45 award. East Down’s Catherine O’Connor however had already taken top spot with a fast yet apparently comfortable 37.46 time.
As last year 64 runners contested the 6 mile race but an increase to 15 turned out for the Fun Run, which was won by East Down’s ever improving Owen Edwards in 25.16 an incredible 3 and a half minutes faster than last year, with Ella Carroll first of the Girls to return.
NEIL WINS AT MARY PETERS
On Saturday Neil McCartan recorded 4.09.35 when winning the 1500 metres from a good quality field at the Open graded meeting at Mary Peters Track and as usual was not happy with his time – that usually comes about 20 years down the line – but don’t wish for that too soon, Neil, stay unhappy and young!
BRIGHT 10K AND 5K FUN RUN
Bright and breezy perfectly described both the location and the weather on Sunday afternoon as runners gathered for a brand new addition to the road running calendar. A 10K and 5K Fun Run organised by East Down AC in conjunction with three local football clubs, Bright GAC, Killough FC and Rossglass County FC was scheduled to begin from Bright Community Centre at 1.00pm and despite some strong gusts and squally showers the race began on time with a total of 59 runners taking on the fairly stiff challenge. The anticipated significant turnout from the respective clubs playing members did not materialise but nevertheless those who took part set a high standard and several recorded best times for the distance. East Down took the first 3 places in the Men’s race with James Savage 37.00 maintaining his halfway advantage over clubmate Francis Tumelty, setting a course record and a personal best time as well. Third place went to Caolan Atkinson who continues to improve with every race. Local man Johnny Burns was first over 35 to finish while Dee Murray Eat Down taking the Over 45 prize.
The Ladies section was won in fine style by North Belfast’s Louise Smith, rapidly returning to top form after taking time out from running to have a baby. Second lady home was Mourne Runners Virginia Ervine with Ballydrain’s Nicky McKeag in third. East Down’s Lisa Milligan took the Over 35 category with Suzanne Trainor claiming top spot among the Over 45s.
All in all a successful start, even if the attendance from the benefitting clubs left a lot to be desired. Perhaps next year?
COMING EVENTS
There are a number of very interesting events coming up in the next few weeks which all local runners will not want to miss.
STRANGFORD FESTIVAL10K
Next Friday 22nd August a new 10K will be on offer in Strangford as part of the Festival weekend programme. It is no exaggeration to say that it will compete for the title of the country’s most scenic route, taking in the beauty of both shore and woodland as it wends its way past many of the features of the Castleward Estate. Not to be missed.
KILLYLEAGH 5 MILES
On Friday 29th August the ever popular Killyleagh Five Mile race , now in its 12th year takes place at 7.30pm, with entries in the Bridge Centre from 6.00pm and it will be preceded by Primary School and Under 16 races at 6.30pm. Both of these races will have team trophies for best school teams. All entries taken on the night. All proceeds from the race will go to the local branch of the Alzheimers Society so a big turnout is requested for this very worthy cause. Entry fee is only £9/£10 so it’s not a breaking matter. Further information from John Huddleston 07519460046 or Joe Quinn 07933214894
STEEPLECHASE IN DELAMONT
And a real novelty to look forward to on Saturday 20 September is the Action Mental Health Steeplechase to be held in the rural splendour of Delamont Country Park – there are 2 distances, a 3 Mile Fun Run for juniors and novices and a 6 Mile Chase. Everyone welcome and you’ll be supporting a great cause.
Joe Quinn
18 August 2014