A new 10K was born alive and kicking on Friday night as part of the Strangford Festival weekend programme and proved to be not only a bouncing baby but to have a mischievous spirit also, treating the 125 participants to every kind of underfoot surface known to man with a good sprinkling of twists, turns, hills and hollows thrown in – and all amid the unrivalled scenery of the Castleward Estate, courtesy of the National Trust.
This one was billed as not to be missed and those who did certainly did. But perhaps they’ll hear the reviews and come along next year as it is the Festival committee’s intention to make it an annual affair. Anyway the inaugural event was won by local race ace Brendan Teer, and it was good to see him back at the head of affairs after a chest infection had sidelined him in recent weeks.
Just behind Brendan came the fast finishing Barrie Atkinson with Richard Coey filling the third podium spot. First lady home was Heather Kelly Ballydrain Harriers, just reward for that club’s continuing record breaking attendance at all races, with Amy Laverty Dub Runners in 2nd and Jeanette Bailie Dromore in 3rd.
A second to none spread of sandwiches and doughnuts was served to all the runners and their supporters afterwards in the Inverbrena Hall and a special word of thanks has to go to all who supplied the fare. And worthy of mention too is the tremendous reception given to all competitors, from first to last, by the residents of Strangford who lined the street all the way to the finish line much to the appreciation of the runners. It is sure to encourage their return for next year.
ILLEGAL EMIGRANTS?
There were reports later that several people had been seen in the water near the slipway, allegedly trying to avoid paying the fare by either swimming or walking across to Portaferry. Having inspected the photographic evidence Police were happy to either let them go – I think the technical term used included the word “riddance” or to order them ashore under threat of prosecution under anti-pollution legislation.
On the other hand it was good to see Emer Moore home again legally and thoroughly enjoying the experience. And a welcome back too for Paul Burns who was pleased with his time of 40.40
On Sunday Barrie was back in the thick of the action again in the Derrymacash 10K – would the late Gerry Anderson have called it Strokemacash? – and again filling 2nd place with another ever improving East Down man Francis Tumelty in 3rd. At the same venue Caolán Atkinson, celebrated some excellent GCSE results with new PB of 16.48 and 2nd in the 5K, while little brother Daniel weighed in with a new PB 19.44 of his own. Well done to both – and look behind you Dad! Mary-Jo Tumelty also took part in the race.
KILLYLEAGH 5 MILES FOR THE ALZHEIMERS SOCIETY
On Friday night the ever popular Killyleagh Five Mile race, now in its 12th year, begins at 7.30pm, with entries taken in the Bridge Centre from 6.00pm. The Primary School pupil’s and Under 16 races begin at 6.30pm. Both of these races will have team trophies for best school teams. All entries taken on the night.
Race organisers are appealing to all local runners to support this race which is organised to raise much needed funds for the local branch of the Alzheimers Society. All proceeds from the race will go to the charity so please come along – even if you’re running in the Dambusters races on Saturday, five miles on Friday night will be an excellent warm up Also remember no reasonable offer of a donation will be refused. Further information from John Huddleston 07519460046.
Joe Quinn
24 August 2014