When they come to write the history of the Belfast Marathon the 2012 version may well rank as one of the most remarkable. The 31st running of this annual battle of man against the miles was unique in many ways.  Firstly, it set a new record for participants  with over 22,000 runners and walkers of all shapes sizes and abilities taking part.  Secondly new records were established in both Men's and Women's races, in spite of cold wet conditions. It was also the first marathon during which I changed shoes and socks twice and still ended up with wet feet. And with several from the East Down club making their debuts at the distance and most of their more experienced colleagues recording PBs it turned into a very memorable day – a unique one in fact. Come to think of it all the debutants had PBs as well!

First of the bunch was Ryan Hagen looking comfortable on his way to an excellent 3.15, with Emil Danis close behind in 3.18. Ryan surely has it in him to break 3 hours. Michael McKeown, while short of his best, was happy with 3.23 but the first “Smile of the Day” entry belonged to Gavin Oakes who cracked the 3 and a half hour barrier with 3.29.39, a result which will work wonders for his confidence in going on to ever better times.

Michael Cultra was the first of the first timers to finish, hitting the mat in a highly respectable 3.39, having hit the wall at around 20 miles and struggling over the last few miles, possibly hampered by a  vest borrowed from James Magennis and more accustomed to more sedate progress. Great first effort.

The next serious contender for the Smile of the Week award  however was Gerard McAuley, who almost slipped past unnoticed in CLIC Sergant colours, oblivious of the chorus from the East Down ensemble at Ormeau Park, so wrapped up was he in whatever sound was being pumped through his earphones.  Not only that but he risked disqualification by bursting into song as he crossed the finish line in a new pb of 3.42 – not a pretty sound, but a great result.

Declan Teague, fresh from his London exertions, paced the 4 hour group to an enviable 3.58 and must have made a lot of people very happy.

In spite of the ongoing recession and its affect on the building trade the infamous wall appeared in the path of Stephen Heasley, another of the debutants, but he scrambled over it in spite of a spot of sciatic nerve trouble and held his other nerves together to post 4.18. Grimaces don't count in the Smile competition Stephen but well done on a brave performance.

The first of the Smile contenders among the Ladies was Linda Cunningham, in fact she hasn't stopped since, as she sidestepped the wall and romped home in 4.07, a massive 9 minutes inside her previous  best.  She was ably assisted in this effort by coaching guru Simon McGrattan who led from the back until 18 miles had passed by and then produced his usual metronomic finish to see Linda home and record a net 4.04 himself. He was of course seeing Linda home in the metaphorical sense.

And perhaps Aurla McLoughlin had the best idea of all.  She didn't even see the wall, never mind hit it, and crossed the line in 4.44, a great first effort and no doubt it set her mind thinking what she could do with some more structured training.  So another contender for Smile of the Week award but I think they all deserve a prize – entry to next year's?  By now all will have forgotten their aches and pains and the joys of descending stairs and will be thinking about how they can do better next time. My advice? Sit back and enjoy the moment.

Joe Quinn 14 May 2012

The Olympic Torch is coming.  Great excitement was generated by the announcement a few weeks ago that the Olympic Torch Relay will pass through local towns and villages on 7 June. Well actually that's not quite right, it caused barely a ripple of interest and I certainly have not detected  the anticipated air of expectancy in the district. I would have thought that the imminent arrival of the torch as it entered the final stages of its odyssey to the London Olympics in July/August would have generated considerable interest.  Perhaps I was being naive but I always thought that the torch began a carefully planned journey immediately after the closing of one Olympic Games to ensure it could get to all the countries within the Olympic family,in the intervening 4 years, before finally reaching the next host nation in time for the opening ceremony. 

I also thought the Olympic torch was THE Olympic Torch, i.e. there was only one, which was transported around the world virtually by hand, carefully passing from one bearer to the next.
It now appears that not only is there more than one, there are thousands, practically one per bearer and that one of these torches is only physically carried through pre-determined towns and villages, before being loaded into a vehicle for travel to the next location. As a result many fewer torchbearers are required.

Unfortunately this knowledge removes a lot of the mystique and glamour and I am disappointed that this once in a  lifetime occasion has been somewhat diluted, given that not much else is happening in NI that is directly attributable to the Olympics being next door, in London. 

However given the call for the public to turn out and support the torchbearers on their historic passage through the towns I will be there, having arranged my holidays so as not to miss it.  But if you do want to be part of the numbers to actually see the the torch you'll have to be wide awake and hawk eyed.  The timetable for the event in Downpatrick (Ballydugan Rd) is 8.01am with Crossgar scheduled for 8.21am.  So the torch will have to get from Downpatrick to Crossgar in twenty minutes including the carrying through the town.  If any of you travel that road at that time of day  you'll know just what a challenge that will be and in the absence of Usain Bolt or a helicopter it's a pretty tall order.

SLIEVE DONARD RACE

The sole torch bearer for East Down AC  in Saturday's annual Slieve Donard race was Brian Wilson  and he had the satisfaction of reaching the summit in 59.58, though to put this worthy effort in perspective, the first 6 runners were already back at the finish line in Newcastle by this time -phenomenal running with Andrew Annett, Stephen Cunningham and deon McNeilly filling the podium positions.  Brian  finished in a commendable 1.28. A remarkable run too by Dominic McGreevy, improving with age, claiming first Over 55 prize in just 64 minutes.

While those brave folk were enjoying themselves on the mountain I made my competitive comeback in the Family Fun Challenge in aid of Mary Murray House. Not a very auspicious occasion to be honest as I was outrun by everyone else including my 3 year old granddaughter Mya McFall. On the eve of the anniversary of the first sub 4 minute mile she clocked 15.20 for the distance along the Promenade and the only excuse I can offer is that she's not as young as you think – she hits the big 4 in two weeks time!

Joe Quinn
6 May 2012

Perhaps it's the glut of fixtures or the tiredness of a long hard season or the availability of free weekly Park runs but whatever the reason entries for races both locally and further afield are noticeably down. But wait a minute the road racing season has only just begun, the Hill and Dale series has just begun with an increased entries, Spring has just begun and there's something in the air – That's it, the something is the cold wind which penetrates even the most strategically placed muffler or beanie.  In fact Sunday just past has to be the coldest day on record for the time of year and may well have affected the turnout for the inaugural Mainstay DRP 5 Mile Road Race and Walk  in Downpatrick.  Only 14 brave souls braved the sunny but bitterly cold conditions over a route which was the most scenic flat one in the area. The race was won by North Down's Dennis Scott in an impressive 28.37 from East Down's newest recruit Tony Brennan in 32.43, impressive running indeed. They even broke sweat in doing so!  First lady home was East Down's Cheryl Denvir, making a welcome comeback, from clubmate Emer Moore with the ever improving Sharon Carew making it a 1,2 ,3 for the host club.  Of course there were lots of reasons why so few took part, not the least of which was Saturday's 10K in Ballynahinch and 2 other charity events on Sunday afternoon, while many other runners are completing their training for Belfast marathon next week or are recovering from their efforts in London, both running and celebrating, last weekend.

And of course there was the rugby.  Next year however a more suitable date will be found for what has the potential to be a popular addition to the local racing calendar. But full credit to all those who withstood the ice cold wind to marshal the route.  It may well be that we are descended from the apes but they proved by their fortitude that there are certainly no brass monkeys in their lineage.

The day before and setting the tone perhaps, a very small contingent from the club's junior section made their way to the Antrim Forum for the first round of the Young Athlete's League. Few though they may have been, all certainly performed with enthusiasm and no little success, with Marc Breteche leading the way with impressive third places in both the Long Jump 4m 51 and 100 metres sprint, in spite of a heavy cold. 

Equally impressive was Paddy Erskine's run in the Under 17 Boys 800 metres where he recorded a PB 2.14 with a scintillating second lap to claim a deserved 3rd place. Sister Ellen also performed admirably in the Under 15 Girls 800 metres, moving from 7th to 4th in the space of 15 metres at the start of the 2nd lap and hung on well to finish just outside the podium positions.

Daniel Atkinson showed his versatility by competing over both the 100 and 800 metres distances while Elisha Surginor performed similar heroics in the Under 13 Girls 75 metres and the 800 distance.  Aoife Cochrane, still recovering from a chest infection, ran steadily and finished strongly in the same 800 metres race. Eimear Connor also doubled up in the Under 15 Girls category, competing in the 100 metres and Long Jump. Emily Forte confined herself to the 75 metres sprint taking a creditable 5th place in a closely contested race.

So well done to all who travelled and took part but with only two preliminary rounds in this year's competition East Down are effectively already out of contention for a place in the Final on 7 July.

Earlier in the week there were some eye catching performances by the seniors in the Queens 5K, another event with significantly reduced numbers.  Brendan Teer  took a splendid 3rd place in 15.32 just behind Joe McAlister and Michael McKillop with Neil McCartan 20th in 16.51.   Barrie Atkinson clocked 18.16 with Mark McDowell on 18.28.  Peter Morgan was happy with his 20.31 and Colm McNeill equally so with 25.01.

Next week it's Belfast Marathon time again and best wishes are extended to all the East Down runners and all the other locals who will be pounding the streets – I'll see you all at the Ormeau Park gates.  After that it's the Olympic Torch relay, more about that next week.

Joe Quinn
30 April 2012.

 

Despite the threatening rain forecasted the EDAC squad presented an impressive show with 10 juniors and 20 seniors. The East Down juniors set the bar for the seniors with all those performing personal bests over the mile. The 10k was won by Joe McAllister who undoubtedly is on a winning streak. First lady was Julie Turley who led the race from the start and glided over the finishing lines.

However what is more impressive is the comeback demonstrated by Neil McCartan, who clocked an amazing time of 36.21, welcome back Neil. 2^nd East Down Member home was the improving Barrie Atkinson with an impressive 39.10. Francis Tumelty and Michael McKeown showed true to form, achieving 41.02 and 41.11 respectively.  The East Down squad then achieved five more runners under the 45 target with Simon McGrattan slightly over. Though the quote of the day was Simon’s daughter Amy, who, as we waited patiently for Simon to appear said “Oh no, Daddy found someone to pace again!” Charlie Ataliotis and Lisa Milligan  beat that infamous 50 and Linda Cunningham who was only going for a gentle jog managed to race a 50:08, two minutes off her PB, the future looks bright for her Belfast marathon race.

Yet despite all these achievements, the ladies of East Down won the most praise with their outstanding performances. Oonagh Bretche  ran a comfortable 50:57, Emer Moore never stopped smiling after the race having smashed her PB by achieving 51:32, Paula Savage who has only just embarked on her running career achieved a very commendable 54:20 and Sharon Crew knocked four minutes off her Jimmy's Ten time by running a 54:47. A fantastic day for all East Down runners!

 

Sunday dawned bright and cool and initially seemed like ideal marathon running weather.  Certainly it started well for me and although I didn’t leave the house until 8.45 with the start scheduled for 9.45 I reached 14 miles in under an hour and a quarter, the fastest I’ve ever managed on marathon day, courtesy of the London Underground and Docklands Light Railway.  Perhaps this is the way to set a new  PB?

My chosen location in the spectator area between 14 and 21 miles where the course doubles back on itself would enable me to keep tabs on both the front runners and the rest of the field but it didn’t quite work out that way. It’s bad enough trying to identify runners in a crowd of 35,000 coming towards you from one direction without trying to do the same as they go past in the other direction, some 7 mile further on, both at the same time.  Needless to say I had to abandon this multi tasking from the outset  to concentrate solely on the oncoming masses.  And surprisingly enough I managed to see all of my intended targets.  First through was Declan Teague with my good friend Greg McClure from North Belfast close behind and everybody’s friend, Michael Jenkins, from Up & Running about 10 minutes later.  All remainder oblivious to my shouted encouragement courtesy of an over amplified reggae band which damaged eardrums for miles around – but at least the runners were getting away from it , we had to endure it for over 2 hours before we moved out of earshot to see the runners on their way back to central London and the finish in the Mall.

By this stage Declan was struggling, or so he said, but still managed to hit the finish line in 3.16 – perhaps disappointing given his aim of around 3 hours – but picking up an unfortunate injury a few weeks ago made a significant difference and he can wear his medal with pride. Paul Rogan was the only one whom we managed to attract the attention of on the first pass, after I had disconnected the power to the band’s speakers, but we got them all on the way back, where they had “only” 5 more miles to go.  The weather stayed dry and much warmer than forecast, resulting in a more arduous journey than might have been expected, but it suited me fine.

So full credit to everyone of those who finished.  Colm Surginor cruised past en route to a splendid  4.12 while Paul Rogan clocked a leisurely 4.29 but was delayed by a Coronation St barman – that’s his story anyway. Is Jack Walker still pulling pints there, he was the last time I watched?

And what a performance by Bernice McCann, running in memory of her Dad, who looked like she could go round again with a smile as broad as the Thames as she tracked the Run/Walk pacer through 21 miles. Great tactics and Well Done to her. 

Congratulations also to Murlough’s Jane Rowe, who slipped past unnoticed by me, in Alzheimer’s Society colours, in place of her usual club vest, and clocked around 5 hours on her first attempt at the classic distance. A fitting testimonial to her late Mum.

I have to say that watching is no substitute for taking part but while my adrenaline was willing my flesh was weak. Roll on next year and the arrival of my new leg, recently ordered with a cast iron guarantee from a supplier called L J Silver.

Next Sunday offers much more sedate running in the idyllic surroundings of Downpatrick when runners of all abilities are urged to support the Mainstay DRP Charity 5 Mile Family Run, beginning at 12.00 noon with walkers leaving around 10.30am.  All entries taken in Down Leisure Centre on the day.

Joe Quinn

22 April 2012

 

It was one of those weekends when an overabundance of top class sporting events left spectators and supporters in a on the ropes as the Grand National, FA Cup semi-finals, Formula 1 racing and the occasional programme on the Titanic centenary competed for their attention. Nearer to home it was the Born2Run Half Marathon and 10K Races set in the magnificent surroundings of the Castleward Estate on a sunny but bitterly cold  Saturday morning which took centre stage.  With a total of over 250 runners between the 2 races it was clear that not everyone had opted for a passive observational role and the opportunity to run in such an idyllic setting had touched a chord with the running fraternity.

The Half Marathon was won in convincing style by our own Brendan Teer, finishing what was a tough test in 1 hour 17 minutes, almost 8 minutes ahead of 2^nd placed Don Travers from Newry City Runners with Paul Blaney in 3^rd.  Teer was 4 minutes clear at 7 miles and though Travers then held 3^rd position and subsequently caught Blaney, the winner's position was never in doubt.

The Ladies contest was much closer as both Gillian Cordner,  Seapark AC and Donna McCusker, Murlough were together at 7 miles but the Seapark athlete proved the stronger over the 2^nd half to win in 1.41, just under 3 minutes ahead, but Donna was well pleased with her run.

Michael Cultra continued his recent good form with a time of 1.38 to take 12^th place and certainly keeps the club's colours prominent – or at least he would do if he ever decides to wear a club vest!  Fresh from his midwifery duties the previous night, or perhaps fresh is not the right word, came James Magennis, proving how tough the route really was by finishing in 1.54, almost 15 minutes slower than his Larne time of 2 weeks previous.

Charlie Ataliotis,  despite giving everyone else a head start, still completed in 2.05 finishing in 90^th position.

In the 10K the club had  3 representatives, with Gareth Kimpton ducking under the hour, as did Carmel Tumelty, a splendid result, and Sheena Quinn recording 1.15 as she guided her friend Lisa Curran round her first ever 10K.

Anne Sandford claimed the Ladies first prize just less than 2 days after picking up the prize for her category in the first of the Hill and Dale series - great running.

 

HILL and DALE

Which brings me neatly back to Thursday night when in Castlewellan Park the first of this year's Hill and Dale races took place.  Best placed East Down man was Martin Willcox in 22^nd and I believe he will become a force to be reckoned with when he gets the hang of things.  Francis Tumelty and Jim Erskine  were separated by a mere 12 seconds, while Barrie Atkinson was another who made a promising debut. John Findlay, still on cloud nine after his exertions in Connemara, was next, with Denis McKay and the elusive Brian Wilson not far behind.

Darryl Madine had every reason to be there though what Paul Rogan was doing taking part in the rough and tumble that is H & D after several weeks absence through injury had almost scuppered his participation in next weekend's London Marathon,  only God knows. Will he be there again this week? My tapering prior to marathons was always more horizontal than that!

Several of our youngsters took part in the Junior trail races held just before the seniors got under way with Natasha savage and Johnny Erskine best of the Primary School entrants and Laura Green and Paddy Erskine best of the older members.

Pride of place however this week has to go to Wendy Findlay and Brian Hamilton who in spite of the dreaded DNF notation after their names have emerged as the Heroes of Slievenaslat. On coming upon fellow East Down runner Megan Wilson injured and in distress they both stopped to assist and await the arrival of help – the resultant delay meant they were timed out and not permitted to finish. “The rules is the rules” is the rule I suppose but could not this piece of chivalry be rewarded?  An honorary finish time or a knighthood perhaps?

You'll have noticed that all this activity did not include any account of my participation in any of these events.  The reason is of course that there hasn't been any.  In horse racing parlance I have gone from being an also ran to a non-runner but will be literally on course in London next weekend to see if my spectating training has paid off.  Best wishes are sent to Declan Teague, Paul Rogan, Colm Surginor and Bernice McCann who will be carrying the club colours in the Olympic city and indeed to everyone from Down District who is taking part.

 

5 MILE FAMILY RUN

And all local runners, especially novices, are invited to take part in the Mainstay DRP Family 5 Mile Run on Sunday 29 April from Down Leisure Centre.  All entries taken on the day so come along and support this worthy charity who have to raise millions for their major construction project.

Joe Quinn

16 April 2012

On Saturday the nearest action was in lovely Leitrim for the 2nd running of the Fontenoy's 5 mile road race and with almost 80 starters it was a considerably bigger field than last year.  The weather was much cooler than last year too but the action at the front was decidedly hotter with Newcastle's Eoghan Totten throwing down the gauntlet to East Down's Brendan Teer as soon as special guest Ciara Mageean set the runners off. He kept up the blistering pace until well over half way and was 10 metres clear at mile 3.  But Teer has few peers on the roads over this distance and terrain and as the short, steep hills appeared with frightening regularity he closed the gap and was gone, taking over 30 seconds out of the brave Eoghan to post a time of 25.51 and set a mark which will take some beating in future years. Both were well clear of David O'Flaherty and Luke McMullan who had their own battle for 3rd and 4th places, while Julie Turley from the Dromore club knocked almost 9 minutes of last year's winning time, posting a formidable 28.58.  East Down's other runners were Barrie Atkinson, a splendid 32.58 and Peter Morgan 34.54, testimony of their improving levels of fitness.

I didn't think it possible but the ladies who did the catering actually surpassed their efforts of last year with a veritable feast of food which catered for all tastes. Yes, I know I wasn't running but I was asked to sample the fare to ensure it was OK for the participants and I felt obliged to help out.  So take a bow the ladies and accept a big Thank You from everyone.

PRETTY LITTLE GIRL IN OMAGH

Further afield the more adventurous were in Omagh for the annual Half Marathon, this year awarded Northern Ireland Championships status. A quartet of  our runners made their way to the Tyrone venue for what is a testing examination of fitness ahead of the Belfast marathon.  Some said that it started for Tracey McDowell when she clocked a personal best in Jimmy's Ten a few weeks ago, knocking almost 3 minutes off her previous mark, so she went to Omagh as the in-form runner.  In actual fact it started long ago in the depths of Winter when she undertook a programme of more intensive training with plenty of intervals aimed at improving her speed endurance. So she became an “overnight success” with a 1.41 time for the 13.1 miles, an incredible 7 minute improvement. Well done to her, surely an inspirational example to follow. Betty McCartan also ran creditably, her 1.54 timing, well inside the 2 hour target which is a serious challenge in Omagh, with the ubiquitous (it's perfectly legal) Michael McKeown 1.28, improving last week's Larne time by over 1 minute and Francis Tumelty 1.30 improving his by over 4 minutes – what a difference a week can make.

WENT FAR TO GO FAR

However furthest travelled of all was John and Wendy Findlay who went to Connemara and completed the tough ultra marathon (39 miles) in a splendid time of 6 hour 40 minutes. Actually 6 hours 40 each but as they ran together it was the same 6.40.  The lengths some people will go to to save money on petrol! A splendid effort

WHAT'S ON

And with Easter approaching there are loads of races on offer with Ballygalget GAC staging it's first ever 10K and Fun Run on Easter Sunday and the Born2Run Half marathon and 10K in Castleward on 14th April.  Add to that the Hill and Dale Series beginning on 12 April and runners literally won't have a leg to stand on if they do all of these. As if that's not enough, the Mainstay Down Residential Project are staging a 5 Mile Family Fun Run and Walk on Sunday 29 April at 12 noon from Down Leisure Centre to raise much need funds towards their massive building project.  The route chosen is flat and scenic and it is hoped that a big turnout of local runners will support this worthy cause.

Joe Quinn

1 April 2012 

JIMMY'S TEN
The dust has finally settled on another Jimmy's Ten and before we start to prepare for the next one it is appropriate to take  a moment or two to reflect on some of the performances  in this year's event. The race itself provided perhaps the most compelling and fiercely contested battle of all the 13 previous runnings of the event with Greg Roberts from City of Derry Spartans hitting the throttle from the off to open up a 30 second lead over St Malachy's Joe McAlister by the halfway point. But McAlister  who has racked up 4 victories and a second place in the past 6 years is made of stern stuff and battled back to catch his rival with a kilometre to run. He then used his greater finishing speed to sprint away from Roberts in the last 200 metres. But he knew he had been in a mighty battle.
However there is another group of  heroes whose efforts deserve to be recognised  namely all those people who have no connection whatsoever with the Club other than being friends or relatives of members, who provide food and assist with the post race refreshments year after year.  Your efforts do not go unnoticed so take a well deserved bow. You have helped make the after race socialising second to none.

Special mention too of the superb support provided by our two neighbouring clubs, Murlough and Newcastle AC, who fielded significant  numbers of runners – very much appreciated, with fledgling club Seaforde Rookies also well represented.

Apart from those mentioned last week many of the East Down participants recorded personal bests and most posted improved times over last year. Junior members David Devenney, Adam Prenter and Eoin Quail deserve a special mention as do George and Noreen Kerr, Denis McKay, Kim Surginor back in action again, Aurla McLoughlin, Paula Savage and Maeve McDonald and Anita Redmond who knocked 2 minutes off last year's time

All this came just the day after the Raymond Milligan inspired Festival Parade float caught the eye of all as it made its way through the town and was indeed a splendid effort by all concerned.

LARNE HALF MARATHON

Saturday past was Larne Half marathon day and a sizeable contingent from East Down travelled to the sunlit shores of the ferry town for what has developed into an extremely popular event.  Some were intent on testing their progress on the road to Belfast marathon in May, others using it as a warm up for London on 22 April and a few as a stepping stone on the even longer away Dublin City Marathon in October. I just went along to hone my spectating skills for London as that's as close as I'll get to the action there in 2012.

A slightly modified route which took runners through more of the town at the expense of some of the climb outside Ballygally, though perhaps making it a faster course.  Certainly for Gerard McAuley, still on a high from a pb in Jimmy's Ten, it was tailor made as he improved his previous time by 11 minutes, recording 1.36.28 but raising suspicions about what he listens to on those rarely discarded headphones. Declan Teague, while setting a new best time was disappointed to pick up an injury as he looks forward to London.  However all the hard work is done it's just a matter of resting up for the next few weeks, more than enough time for all aches and pains to clear up. Colum Surginor was happier with his pre London run and set a new pb into the bargain, keeping in the footsteps of master pacer Simon McGrattan.

Linda Cunningham, not content with a new pb in Jimmy's Ten, went on to set a new best mark in the half marathon distance too but in the course of the race actually improved her 10K best yet again.  Brilliant.

Helen Vint also improved her time from last year but was happy just to have done it after a chest infection had taken her off the roads in recent weeks. But pride of place must go to first timer Oonagh Cochrane who set out her stall early on to do her own thing and  fairly cruised home in 2.19, just ahead of another London bound member, Bernice McCann who is now fully fit again. Great efforts all round by the 15 or so who made the trip from Downpatrick.
By the way Brendan Teer held on to take a deserved 3rd place behind last week's Jimmy's Ten winner Joe McAlister and Conor Magill from North Belfast.

SPORTS RELIEF

On Sunday over 80 children and adults took part in the Sports Relief Mile and 3 Miles Fun Run from the Ballymote Health and Well Being Centre and were rewarded with fine weather, bottles of water and medals for all.  The run was started by Down Council Chairman, Dermot Curran who praised participants for their efforts to raise money to help the children depicted in the heart rending reports from around the world shown on TV on Friday night. Again a huge thanks to Linda, Jordan and Shona and PSNI personnel and everyone who helped marshal  around the course and made the event a considerable success.

Later on Sunday Martin Willcox took 4th place in the Castlewellan Spring Lake 10K to round off a very successful week in the life of East Down AC.

NEXT WEEK

And there's more to come next weekend with Leitrm 5 Mile Road Race and 2 Mile Fun Run on our doorstep and the Omagh Half Marathon further afield.

Joe Quinn
26 March 2012

It's 13 hours since I got up and it's still only 7 o'clock – proof if it was needed that it must be Jimmy's Ten day again. Who said the longest day falls in June? Another beautiful day with heat in the sun after the early morning frost had retreated to a cooler corner. The race began from a new location this year, courtesy of Asda Supermarket on the Ballydugan Road, as the East Down Club sought to give runners a  more benign introduction to the County town , while  retaining the delights of the climb up English St and the  encircling of the Cathedral. The runners were enthusiastically welcomed by the manager and staff of the long established business and a sincere thanks is due to them.  Hopefully this venue will become the permanent start line for the race, now in its 14th year.

The race soon developed into a titanic contest between Greg Roberts, City of Derry Spartans, Joe McAlister, 4 times former winner and local star Brendan Teer.  To his credit, Roberts was unfazed by his distinguished company and had established a significant  lead through halfway.  But McAlister knows this course like the back of his hand and worked his way back until he struck inside the final kilometre to win by probably the shortest margin in the history of the race, Roberts just 2 seconds back in second place, thus emulating the feat of clubmate  Diarmuid Grant last year. Teer recorded his best ever placing in the race though his third place was 80 seconds behind Roberts.  For the third year in a row  North Belfast's Eamon White finished in 4th place and took the Over 40 prize again

Gladys Ganiel O'Neill proved worthy of her favourite billing in the ladies race completing a three timer 11 years after her first win and improving her winning time by 16 seconds of 2 years ago to 35.31, the margin that Dromore's Julie Turley ,also second a year ago, was behind her. And in another deja vu moment North Down's Julie Balmer repeated last year's 3rd    place.  

GERRY DUFFY

Special guest Gerry Duffy, though a minute slower than last year, improved his position by 2 places coming home in 34th  One place and one second ahead of Gerry came  East Down's Mark McGrady in a splendid 39.09, to clinch the Under 20 category. After Brendan Teer the next best East Down man was Declan Teague who gave a sign of his readiness for the London marathon in a month's time with a comfortable looking personal best 38.42, one second ahead of Stephen Shannon. Ryan Hagen finished strongly to break 40 minutes and Martin Willcox led the 40 minute group home in perfect time.

Personal bests too for Gavin Oakes and Gerard McAuley and a special Well Done to Aoife Cochrane and her mum Oonagh and Sharon Connor all completing their first races over this distance.  Full details on all East Down performances next week.

At the closing of the prizegiving the £700 holiday voucher was won by Mags Mathieson, Up & Runners.

Thanks are extended to Down District Council Vice Chairman Liam Johnston  for his attendance, to all the marshals and everyone who helped at registration and with the post race refreshments, the Athletics NI officials,  to principal sponsor MB McGrady & Co, Chartered Accountants, the other event sponsors, Down District Council,  Dupes DVD and Video Duplication, Translink, Plus2Print, Wrap and Roll and Flowers by Tracey.  A special word is due to the staff in Down Leisure Centre who worked so hard to assist the smooth running of events in the Centre and to the PSNI personnel who contributed significantly to the success of the race by their presence around the course.                                     news

Joe Quinn

19 March 2012

ALTITUDE TRAINING                                                      news.asp

Many of you will have been bored to tears over recent months listening to my never ending saga about my left foot.  Well I've still got it so decided to take a leaf out of the experts book and try a little altitude training. Everyone who has tried it has come back singing its  praises, invariably followed up by improved performances and PBs all round.  So I booked a long weekend to Barcelona, figuring that cruising at 30,000 feet above the Pyrenees was as high as I could get without taking some illegal substance, and would enable me to make a comeback. Unfortunately though I read for a while and slept for even longer there has been no noticeable benefit from my time in the heavens.

Barcelona is however a great place to visit but I have to warn you that it is a “dry” city.  This is no reflection on its ability to cater for those in need of liquid refreshment, quite the opposite actually.  For having decided to walk the promenade in the warm, sunny Sunday afternoon it wasn't long before the effects of an earlier quenching of thirst began to manifest themselves, most noticeably in the audibly whispered international cry of desperation “Are there toilets about” But help was at hand – visibly displayed to all who would pass by, was a clear indicator that such facilities did indeed lie ahead.

By the time we got there matters were approaching the urgent category but luckily there was no queue – because the doors were securely padlocked!  Yes 3.00pm on Sunday with half the population of Spain on the Barcelona boardwalk and the toilets are closed.  Luckily another sign pointed the way  forward towards another convenience – which also turned out to be padlocked.  Desperate questions to 3 council workers collecting the rubbish revealed that they are closed all day and they suggested we try the bars! Apart from the fact that the bars and restaurants were full, they display signs with the message that toilets are for the use of patrons only.

I have to say that the oft used acronym BYO came to mind, only in the opposite sense to it's normal usage in that it would be an empty bottle brought with the intention of filling  rater than emptying it.  Don't  the inhabitants of this large city require public conveniences on Sunday afternoons? The place was hiving with adults and children. Same thing on Monday in a different part of town, plenty of toilets but, with one welcome exception, invariably closed. Now I know what they mean when they talk about the continent of Europe!

SARAH FLIES THE FLAG

On Saturday Sarah Curran made the long journey to Galway to take part in the All Ireland Schools Cross Country championships and gave a good account of herself, coming 25th in a field of over 100 runners.  On the sane day DeclanTeague freshened up for his long weekend run by clocking 18.48 in the Victoria Park 5K while Michael McKeown took part in the Water Works park Run across the city.

ADDICTION 10K

On Sunday Michael Cultra placed a splendid 11th in the Addiction 10K in Ormeau Park in 39.45 while Colm McNeill must be delighted with a PB clocking  of 53.28  in the same event over the Seeley Cup course.                 http://www.athleticsni.org/Results

JIMMY'S TEN ENTRIES CLOSING
By the time you read this Postal entries for Jimmy's Ten will have closed and online entries will only be available until midnight tonight (Wednesday 14th).  Any body wishing to enter after that will have to pay an increased fee of £20, if there are any places left, so this is the last chance to save yourself some money.

PACERS

As last year and uniquely for an event of this distance Pacers will again be provided for 40, 45, 48 50 and 60 minute runners so this is your chance to get that elusive target time.

SPECIAL GUEST

East Down AC are delighted that  Who Dares Runs author and champion DecaIronman Gerry Duffy will be their special guest on Sunday and will have copies of his book with him. This is an opportunity to meet one of the most inspirational figures in Irish sport so if for no other reason come along on the day and run and chat with him.  He says he's coming back to defend his 36th place title from last year!

Joe Quinn
12 March 2012

Midweek activity in the Ulster Schools Cross Country at Mallusk set the scene for a busy week for East Down's athletes across all the age ranges. No medals at the North Belfast venue but good solid performances all round from Laura Gardiner11th , Ellen Erskine 13th Aoife Cochrane  28th Laura Green 26th  is confirmation that more intensive training is paying off.

PARK RUNS
Saturday morning saw the early birds take on the weekly Victoria Park 5K Run with Declan Teague coming in 6th in 18.58 – not bad coming off night shift and as a credible excuse for missing the later starting Stormont Cross Country. Gavin Oakes gave it a miss this week after cutting his PB for the distance to 21.02 over the past 2 weeks and must surely break the 21 minute barrier on his next outing? Further down the road Liam and Carl Keenan flew the club colours admirably in the first Queens Park Run, with Carl out staying his Dad with a time of 27.06, a stirling effort.

STORMONT CROSS COUNTRY

On to the aforementioned cross country races hosted by the Civil Service club where 235 Primary School Boys and Girls got proceedings off to a rousing start in ideal conditions.  Andrew McGrattan and Lawrie Kimpton finished in mid table respectability, with Andrew improving his 2011 position by over 30 places.
Daniel Atkinson was the only East Down runner in the under 13  race and acquitted himself taking 6th place.  In contrast 4 girls turned out in the Girls equivalent with Laura Green, Aoife Cochrane and Amy Godfrey taking 2nd 3rd and 4th places respectively with the ever present Eimear Connor in 6th.

The new Cross Country league certainly brought increased numbers onto the grass this year and almost 160 men and women lined up for the senior event.  Annadale's Paul Carroll had to use all his experience to eventually get the better of Willowfield's newly crowned Senior School's cross country champion Ryan Holt with City of Derry's Emmett McGinty in 3rd. Although several in the race had turned out earlier in one or other of the Park runs, East Down's had only one representative Michael McKeown, in the race.  He finished a creditable 59th in what was a very competitive race.

KILCLIEF  BEN DEARG COAST 10K

On Sunday the second running of the Ben Dearg Coast Run attracted over 75 entrants who enjoyed the Ballyhornan coast line at it's very best. With the gentle tide lapping the sandy beach and the water sparkling in the early afternoon sun it must surely have been heaven to experience the return journey from the village.  Set off by Council Chairman Dermot Curran, the runners faced a fairly stiff head wind on the outward journey and  race winner Brendan Teer certainly did not hang around to admire the scenery as he raced home in 33.01, a full minute clear of 2nd placed Adam Boyd with Newcastle's Aidan Brown doing well to come 3rd with clubmate Jerome McCrickard picking up the Over 40 prize with a splendid 5th place in 39.33.  East Down's other best placed athletes were ryan hagen in 4th and Michael Cultra in 8th.  Matthew Tumelty showed up well clocking 52.03 with Aurla McLoughlin the club's sole female runner coming home strongly in 54th.                    view race photos  http://www.cathedralimages.com

Post race refreshments in the GAA Club premises were lavish and enjoyed by all who sampled the goodies on offer and a massive thank you must go to the hard working ladies who provided and served the food and fruit. Heavy stewarding and the presence of PSNI officers ensured the safe passage of all the rnners and those parents and children who took part in the Fun Run/Walk over a 5K distance. Organisers are already planning next year's event which promises to develop into a permanent fixture.  Thanks are extended to all who helped in any way and especially to the sponsors.
JIMMY'S TEN ENTRIES

The fast approaching Jimmy's Ten which takes place this year on Sunday 18 March at 12.00 noon has seen a deluge of entries in the past week and runners are reminded entries are limited to 600  and entries will only be taken on the day if this figure is not reached before then, but at increased cost.

Online entry is now available on www.spanglefish.com/eastdownac   and the recommendation is get in now to avoid disappointment. And of course as well as the usual top prizes on offer all finishers will be included in a draw for a £700 holiday voucher, thanks to the continued sponsorship of MB McGrady & Co, Chartered Accountants.

Pacers will again be provided to help runners achieve their target times so it's the one to give you the best chance.
For further details contact Joe Quinn 02844614235 or 07933214894.

Joe Quinn
26 February 2012