KNOCKEVIN 5 and 10K
Now under the control of Atlas Running and reverting to the more traditional straight 5 and 10K races, the second staging of the Knockevin Special School races took place in hot, humid and dry conditions. A record crowd of runners of all ages, shapes and sizes joyfully took to the streets and roads around Downpatrick at noon on Saturday just as the sun appeared to send temperatures soaring.
I was impressed with the numbers running, given the other attractions on offer over the weekend, though it’s a tough enough wee run. However the atmosphere lightened for everyone by the sight of what initially appeared to be an orange cloud but turned out to be a Hen Party from Orangegrove AC, not only wearing their normal orange running vests but on this occasion, also sporting capes and masks all in orange. At one stage I thought it was a mini Twelfth or an off course feeder parade, though I was persuaded against reporting to the Parades Commission because one of their number (I don’t know what you call an individual Hen Party attendee, and please, don’t tempt me) uttered the most threatening 4 letter word in a runner’s vocabulary – “Cake” And so the stability of the whole country was maintained on such a promise!
5K WINNERS
The 5K Run was won Newcastle’s Ronan McVeigh in 21.30 from Murlough’s clearly delighted Hugh Oram 22.20 with East Down’s Aaron O’Neill 22.27, a successful debut in the Club colours, in 3rd place, making it an all local podium. Adam Morgan, last year’s 3rd would have been much closer this year too had he not had to stop and re-tie his laces, but nevertheless he finished in 7th just behind clubmates Lauren Madine and Callum Kent and ahead of Cormac O’Hare. Gill and Gareth Kimpton completed the East Down contingent in the 5K. Lauren Madine was first female to cross the line, in 22.45, with Fiona Milligan 2nd and Bridgene Shields 3rd.
10K WINNERS
The 10K was won in superb fashion by East Down’s James Savage, who is rapidly making up for lost time, following on from last weekend’s 3rd place in the 3 Lakes 15K. James was out injured for over a year but his perseverance was rewarded on Saturday not only with the win but a new PB of 35.19. Well Done James!
Gerry Irvine Bike House Bangor was 2nd and the evergreen Norman Mawhinney Ballydrain Harriers was 3rd.
East Down’s Catherine O’Connor 37.05 made a return to winning ways in overall 4th place and First Female and led an East Down 1,2,3 when new recruit Deirdre Wetherall 40.33 and Lisa Laird 41.20 were the next two females home. Lisa’s time was almost 4 minutes better than last year .Well Done Lisa! Coincidentally like Aaron in the 5K it was also Deirdre’s first outing in Club colours and she picked up the Silver medal. Well Done Deirdre!
EDAC were out in great number across both distances as the various photos testify and it was agreed that the course was tough but a challenge worth meeting. Plenty of points in the bag for the EDAC Series which has got underway!
MATTHEW ON THE MONEY AT ULSTER SCHOOLS T & F CHAMPIONSHIPS
Also on Saturday the finals of the Ulster Schools Track and Field Championships took place at Mary Peters Track and East Down had high hopes of medals from 3 of its brightest talents due to take part. Unfortunately however Edie Carroll had to opt out due to a torn hamstring, thereby reducing the trio to a duo, Matthew McGrattan and Laura Gardiner.
In the event Matthew ran a brilliant race to take 3rd in the Inter Boys 400in in 53.81 just one second behind the Silver medallist, Regent House’s Adam Hghes with the winner Eoghan Byrne from St Colman’s Newry recording 50.60. Interestingly this result was an exact replica of the District finals so augurs well for the All Ireland finals in a few weeks time.
LAURA OUT OF SORTS
In her 1500 metres Senior Girls race Laura set off with the leaders but then seemed to fade in the final 800m, eventually finishing 5th overall, behind 3 of the girls she would normally expect to beat. She later confessed to not feeling well during the race and afterwards and she fears she may have picked up one of the many bugs doing the rounds at the moment. An unfortunate outcome to her day.
SLIEVE DONARD CHALLENGE
Saturday at 2.00pm and the runners who have risen to the challenge of reaching the summit if Donard in minutes equal to or better than their age, set off on their arduous tasks. With access restricted to the path via the Saddle this year it would be very interesting to find out how the times would compare. Of course the race is an up and down one and some of the top runners will be back at the finish line before many of the participants have reached the top.
EAST DOWN MOUNTAINEERS
East Down were well represented in the race and I am happy to announce that all returned safely, without (major) mishap. It was one of those days when it was difficult to know what to wear and indeed with the sunshine literally splitting the stones the rule that full body cover must be carried was difficult to accept. However, the heavens literally opened when the majority were on their way down way and many must have been on the look out for the Mountain Rescue Services. But they didn’t last, well only for 10 – 15 minutes anyway – and everyone touched ground again
As we have come to expect Neil Andrews was the first East Down member to emerge from the gathering clouds, in 29th place overall in a time of 69.59 having reached the summit in 46.13. Just to put this in perspective, race winner Zak Hanna reached the top on 37.29 and completed in 59.24, the only one of the near 260 runners to break the hour. A tremendous performance. Next East Down finisher was Gavin Hynds who is developing into a mean mountain runner, taking 75th place in 80.31, followed by Jonny Kelly, Joanne Foster, our first lady home, Paddy McDonald and Janine Muray. Given the horrific weather which engulfed the mountains everyone of them is due the utmost respect. Well Done Everyone.
COAST TO COAST
I was in Newcastle around teatime on Sunday afternoon and noticed a Finish Line arch erected outside the Newcastle Centre with a small knot of people gathered around it. My first thought was that they must still be waiting on the tail enders from Saturday’s race but in effect it was the finish line for the running leg, 21 miles, of the 26 Extreme coast to coast triathlon type (full participants had already kayaked and cycled 270 K across Ireland to get to the start line for the run in Kilbroney Park Rostrevor)mountain race which included the ascent and descent of Slieve Donard. I didn’t see them arrive but know that Raymond Milligan and Stephen Heasley both finished, in two pieces. No information is presently to hand on their times or placings but nevertheless I salute both of them. Well Done Raymond and Stephen!!
NEXT WEEKEND
Next week in pursuit of more points in the In-Club competition I’m off to Ballyclare for the County Antrim Harriers May Fair 10K and 5K Fun Run for the 10.00am start on Saturday. Irrespective of the points, the post race refreshments are superb and there might even be a whispered threat of “Cake” again!
Joe Quinn
23 May 2017
PS Please scroll down to the post below to see the amended Rules for the Club Competition. Hopefully this will inspire you to get out and get racing!