A Week of many Races
Last week saw East Downers here, there and everywhere and while they were not out in force at any one event, the club was well represented across the provinces.
At the Crawfordsburn Trail 5k on Wednesday evening, Barrie Atkinson was 12th in 18.50 while Joanne Foster completed the off road course in 21.31 placing her 56th overall in a sizeable field of 350 competitors.
On Friday the popular Carlingford 5k took place with an exciting battle for first place. Ben Branagh tussled all the way with Kenyan Freddy Sittuk but finished just one second behind with 14:43 to Freddy’s time of 14.42. The women’s event was won by Ciara Hickey in 16.39 with Amy Bulman (Willowfield) coming in at 17.51 and Catherine O’Connor close behind took the last podium spot for EDAC with 17.56. Liam Keenan nipped into the sub 20 minute bracket with a well paced 19.58. There were 450 runners on the night -testimony to the flat, fast course.
Ards 5 Mile on the same night saw Dee Murray run 30.38 (7th overall and first Vet), Michael Cultra 35.58 and Janine Murray 41.35. The course by all accounts was neither flat nor fast but our runners are well used with the hilly courses around Downpatrick so felt right at home.
The Atlas Delamont 10k on Saturday 5th was even more hilly and being off road presented a real challenge. So much of a challenge that only one EDAC runner was prepared to give it a go. It took Roisin Gaffney just over the hour and she should be pleased with her performance.
Phillip Vint went to the next level of endurance by not only completing a marathon (his 41st) but getting a trophy when he came in third with a time of 3.15. Helen Vint took on the Half Marathon and completed in 2.15. The event took place in Staplestown, Kildare so Phillip and Helen also get the prize for the furthest travelled EDAC competitors this week!
Keith Reilly specialises in the more unique events (usually involving him running for several hours in darkness) but this time he stuck to conventional daylight hours but an unconventional distance – 26.9 miles and an event aptly named More than a Marathon. It took in a scenic tour from the Corrymeela centre in Ballycastle to the Watersports Centre, on East Strand, Portrush. Judging by the photo of him with his young family on finish line he enjoyed the experience!
Subway 5k in the Ormeau Park on Sunday also proved an enjoyable experience for adults and children alike. This fun event was not timed and the focus was on mass participation. A number of EDAC families were spotted having fun including the Fosters, the Proctor-Amos crew and the Murray Clan. Callum Kent one of the most enthusiastic juniors also took part
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The week ahead brings a mixture of possibilities. Check out www.athleticsni.org/Fixtures and our list of local races on our webpage if you are feeling inspired by viewing the World Championships in London over the last few days. Also our weekly training schedule (including times and venues) is published on the East Down Athletic Club Facebook each Monday and we are always keen to encourage new adults to join us. Come along and bring a friend. All welcome.
Alison Carroll
Ps a first (rough) draft of the points for the Club Competition has been attached on the tab on the home page above so have a look and email joe if you have been omitted for any race which you have completed (or given credit for anything you haven’t done!) This is by no means complete and there are other sheets for Juniors and other races such as marathons