PORTAFERRY 10 MILE AND 2 X 5 MILE RELAY
Another beautiful night in Portaferry saw well over 300 athletes take part in the hugely popular Gala 10 Mile Road Race. There was a buzz around the village all day, as if the village sensed that the Gala was celebrating its 50th Anniversary and everyone was trying to make it a “special” occasion. The Road Race enabled residents and visitors alike to make it unique by supporting the runners and the comments made afterwards, both in person and later in comments posted on social media, indicated that they had been mighty successful in their efforts. Not only were the streets packed with cheering supporters as the race made its way through the village and out along the Lough shore
but in isolated pockets of habitation along the route, where residents manfully set up water stations and cheered the runners through from first to last. In fact one enterprising resident even had the foresight to set up his garden hose to spray the toiling runners as they streamed past. Very much appreciated by all who benefited from it. Back at the Finish in the Square every runner received a great reception, some to the point where they declared it so good that they will return again next year.
SENIOR WINNERS
The race was won in relatively comfortable fashion by Newcastle’s David Simpson in 55.51 from Neil Weir Willowfield in 56.36 and Stephen Wylie Connswater & Victoria in 3rd place in 57.24.
First lady home was Amanda Perry Ballydrain in 69.04 with Newcastle’s Patricia McKibbin 2nd and City of Lisburn’s Eimear McCracken in 3rd.
EAST DOWN RUNNERS
First of the East Down men to appear was Martin Willcox 61.47, in 11th place overall, closely followed by James Savage 62.01 in 12th, and first Over 40, with Dee Murray 20th in 65.17. Gavin Hynds posted a cracking good 73.56, a good prep run for the Mourne Skyline race in a few weeks time which he’ll find more to his liking as “it’s not so flat”. Robert Miskelly also made a welcome return, turning out to walk the scenic route, following a recent eye operation, which has led to a temporary ban on running. He clocked just over 2 hours for the 10 miles and will be champing at the bit for the all clear from his doctor. Well done Robert, you’re an inspiration to us all.
RAYMOND TO THE RESCUE
Raymond Milligan also made a significant contribution to the event as, having brought his bike over to accompany some of the aforementioned friends around the route, he was “appropriated” by Race Director Mags Mathieson to provide lead direction for the wheelchair competitor. Describing him as “a vision in Lycra” Mags asked that I specifically mention his contribution to the success of the race and genuinely feels he was “a gift from God” I can only echo her sentiments as Raymond, normally a strong participant in the race itself, is always willing to help anyone in any way and proved the veritable Good Samaritan on Tuesday night.
HOW DID THE LADIES DO?
Only 4 of East Down’s ladies made the trip across the Narrows on Tuesday night. Janine Murray, who enjoyed a great H & D Series and who is developing into a considerable performer in all genres of the sport, was best placed of the quartet, clocking 92.55, a great effort in the extremely hot conditions, followed by Linda Cunningham 95.11, in what for her was a comparative “sprint” and merely a warm up for her next marathon.
AQUARIANS HELP ANTIQUARIAN
Oonagh Breteche also targeted the race as a warm up for something bigger and was kind enough to accompany me through the first 5 Miles until I reached the Relay changeover where my daughter Karen awaited, to provide the support I needed to get me to the finish line. Oonagh then breezed off but returned shortly again bearing a bottle of water, a role she performed several times over the course of the next 5 miles – in fact she became my very own Aquarius, although I think she is a Sagittarian – as she ensured that I was perfectly hydrated throughout. I didn’t ask any questions as to how she acquired the said water, nor did I ask any of the bloodied and perspiring bodies we later passed, piled up on the roadside near to the various empty water stops. My thanks to her and to Karen who literally carried me through the last mile and who did me the honour of allowing me to graduate as TEC.
FORD 10K
Saturday was a chance of redemption in the sense of trying to prove that 123.05 minutes for 10 miles on Tuesday was not the best I could do. The Ford 5K organised by Newcastle AC for Bryansford GAC seemed a reasonable target, long enough to get me going and short enough to get me to stop. In the event it turned out extremely warm and in spite of my prayers for the re-appearance of my Aquarius, she clearly didn’t work on Saturdays, so had to keep going until the finish line, reached after 3 laps or so it seemed, of the football pitch in St Patrick’s Park. However, given that I was not TEC on this occasion and completed in 29.15 it served as a massive boost to morale. Ciaran Denvir finished in 17.42, in overall 13th place, just behind the Ladies winner Laura Graham, in the race which was won by Andrew Annett in 15.24. Catherine O’Connor was 29th overall in 18.48 with Davy Foster 5 places further back in 19.01. Gavin Hynds also made his second appearance of the week and showed that Tuesday night’s efforts had not blunted his speed, clocking 20.16. And then it was on to the Girls, where Kirsti Foster held off her sister Lucy to win the Juniors race, recording 21.33 and 21.40 respectively in the process. Great running by all concerned. Thanks to all involved in the organisation of the race and the post race refreshments
DONABATE RACES
On Saturday morning Phillip and Helen Vint and Linda Cunningham took to the roads, trail and beach around Donabate which were the underfoot surfaces of the latest East of Ireland Series, which gave options for 10K, Half and Full Marathon distances. As the perfect preparation for a snooze during that night’s U2 concert Phillip of course opted for the marathon distance and proceeded to finish overall 2nd in 3.22, which also gave him his first win at the distance as he was first Male Over 45. Linda was a bit more circumspect in her run though having opted for the early start and her efforts in Portaferry on Tuesday, she was entitled to take things a bit easier anyway, and duly completed the distance in 5.42. Helen, meanwhile had the good sense to opt for the Half Marathon and she cruised round in 2.12. Well done to all concerned.
JOHN McKEAG 95 YEARS OLD AND STILL INSPIRING US ALL
On Saturday John McKeag day woke up to begin his 96th year and typically he was thinking of others. To get his circulation he ran 3 laps of the Comber parkrun, headed home for a quick warm up spin on his bike turbo before moving the equipment to his local Spar store where he pedalled non-stop for 3 hours to raise money for his favourite charity the Children’s Cancer Hospice. Later on his day ended at a fabulous party in the evening organised by his daughter Anne. The event was attended by Ronan McCloskey and Graham Lyttle, the men behind the film “Run, Grandad, Run” which two years ago told of John’s life as a runner. I’m told that a sequel is under consideration. I have asked to be considered to play the part of John if they ever decide to make a prequel – John, the Early Years?
Everyone at East Down joins with me in wishing this remarkable man many happy returns. We’re looking forward to him hitting the ton!
WHERE ARE ALL OUR N0. 2’s??
Once again the mystery 2 Timer has struck. I am sad and mad to report yet again that for the 5th time in the past 6 years, the 2 Miles sign, Black number 2 on a fluorescent yellow background. has gone missing. Can anyone help solve the mystery or identify the culprit? There are no obvious lines of inquiry to follow, even putting 2 and 2 together, which is impossible as I haven’t got even one! Those of us who have children will have experienced the terrible 2s, which we all wished would have disappeared as quickly as those in Portaferry, but unfortunately didn’t. Anyway this has become a fairly serious issue, even though the value of each sign is in the region of £5 – £6, there would appear to be someone out there who has a grouse or a vendetta against the 10 Mile race? If so why not come and tell us about it and we’ll sort things out. W have reported the theft to the PSNI so please come and speak to us – before your number is up.
THIS WEEK
On Wednesday 26th the popular RGU 10K and two person relay race takes place beginning at 7.30pm. Entries on the night (a bargain at £6/7 and a cup of tea at the end!) from 5.30 in the RGU Clubrooms. On Saturday Atlas Running are organising the Crossgar 10k which starts at 1pm.
Joe Quinn
24 July 2017