This Week’s News – 05/06/17

HILL AND DALE

Only 5 East Down runners took to the hills again on Thursday night for the Millstone race, Round 8 of the 2017 Series. Surprising as it attracted additional bonus points in the In – Club Competition which has been running since the Belfast marathon on 1 May. Details of the current scores next week. As is becoming habitual, Gavin Hynds was first EDAC man

home, in 51st position, followed by Niamh Kellett 69th, Johnny Kelly 77th Joanne Foster 110th and Janine Murray 172nd our most consistent performer who turns out week after week, overcoming lots of her fears about this particular branch of the sport and starting to really enjoy it.

ALBERTVILLE HARRIERS 4 MILE RACE

Last Friday a team of 4, led by Barrie Atkinson, strode into town and  captured the Team prize with 4 amazing  performances.  Barrie in 5th overall place and 1st Over 40  Male, took just 21.54 to complete, backed up by Ciaran Denvir 8th in 22.28,  what an athlete he is turning into, Barrie’s younger son Daniel, pipped by one second for first Male Junior, in 19th 23.52 and the evergreen and ever willing Dee Murray 20th in 23.53 – Yes folks every one of them ran under 6 minute mile pace!! A tremendous effort all round and one to set the thoughts ahead to the coming cross country season where team work is the name of the game!!

CASH for KIDS FUN RUN

Organised superbly by Pamela Young and her colleagues from Ulster Bank in Castlewellan, this was for me a happy distraction from the incessant points gathering of recent weeks, with the emphasis on having fun, with a wee run and then Tea, Coffee, scones and buns afterwards in the atmospheric Castle which overlooks the lake.  Perhaps it was the pre – run refreshments which contributed to my sense of discomfort on the way round though it was quickly dispelled by application of second  helpings. I also got to meet little Caoimhe, aged 4,  who suffers from an ongoing illness which will eventually claim her sight. To see and hear her and her Mum, thanking people who had helped raise money a charity which helped them cope with the trauma of living with illness, was indeed truly inspirational

WALLED CITY MARATHON

Photos – RYAN MAXWELL (www.nirunning.co.uk)

To my knowledge only 3 East Down runners took part in Sunday’s Walled City marathon, one which I have reluctantly had to delete from my bucket list, as it lived up to its reputation as the best supported and having  the friendliest people anywhere. Phillip Vint was also fulsome in his praise of the crowds, the marshals, the course and the weather. In return he delivered a classy 3.h 12 result, while Stephen Heasley was well under the 4 hours in 3.45 and Linda Cunningham was happy to finish in 5.02.


BEST WISHES TO AOIFE BURKE

Sorry to hear that one of our top rated and most enthusiastic juniors has been in the wars recently. After winning the Long Jump, Shot Putt and  taking 2nd place in the high Jump at her School Sports Day, Aoife was leading the 200 metres, when disaster struck. She has a suspected fractured pelvis and will clearly be out for a long time.  Best wishes from all at East Down for a speedy recovery

LARA ON TRACK IN SCOTLAND

Lara Proctor- Amos headed off to Scotland to represent the NI Cadets in a Track and Field Competition. She raced the 800m achieving a creditable 3rd place. Well done Lara!

NI&ULSTER CHILDREN”S GAMES IN CLONES

7 of our Junior girls made the journey to Clones for this qualifier for the All Ireland T&F. Kari, Jodi, Lucy and Kirsti Foster were accompanied by Ella Telford, Anna Gardiner and Lauren Madine. There was a full program of events and these girls gained a lot of experience at this high class meet. Lauren came third in the 600m which will give her entry to the next level event in July – a great achievement!  Well done to all for doing the club proud!

NEIL ON THE WAY BACK?

After losing over a year recovering from the effects of pneumonia it was with some considerable satisfaction the Neil McCartan clocked 3.59  for 15000 metres in Santry stadium last Sunday to claim an understated 4th place  Hopefully, this confidence booster will  enable him to pick up on his training regime again and soon be back to the top.

Joe Quinn

5 June 2017