What better way to warm up for Jimmy’s Ten next Sunday than with a new PB, and a win into the bargain to boot! The person in question? None other than Barrie Atkinson as he winds up for a spot of sub 40 pacing in the big event. Barrie fairly romped home in 33.50 in the Addiction 10K in Ormeau Park on Sunday, over a minute clear of second place Stephen Wylie form North Down with Neill Weir 20 seconds further back in 3rd. Other East Down times were Francis and Matthew Tumelty, together on 43.09 a pb for Matthew and ever improving Carmel Tumelty on 55.34.
2014 JIMMY’S TEN
The countdown has begun in earnest for Jimmy’s Ten race on Sunday 16 March beginning at 11.00am, is the main sporting event in the St Patrick’s Festival week. Thanks to continued generous support from M B McGrady & Co, and a loyal group of sponsors a very attractive list of prizes is on offer.
Top prize money of £250 for first Male and Female and with a total prize fund in excess of £2,000 a top quality field is expected. A £50 Bonus will be paid if anyone betters the current records of 30.20 Male and 34.17 Female. With top international runners like Gladys Ganiel expected to take part in the Women’s race and our own Brendan Teer in top form ready to take on all comers it is likely that the record will go. Former 4 time winner Paul Rowan, still a force to be reckoned with even at age 45, is also expected to run again and is likely to be a contender together with Annadale’s James O’Hare and Paul Carroll
ONLINE REGISTRATION and PACERS
Online registration is open at www.athleticsni.org until midnight tonight Wednesday 12th March only and with entries already approaching the limit of 600 the advice is to get in now as there may not be any places left for entry on the day. With the unique undertaking to carry over entries to next year for anyone unable to run there should be no reason to fear losing your money. Any entries taken on the day will attract an increased fee.
Pacers will again be provided for sub 40, sub 45, sub 50, and sub 60 targets.
COLLECTION OF NUMBERS AND TIMING CHIPS
Timing chips can be collected at Down Leisure Centre on Friday 14th March from 3.00pm to 10.00pm on Saturday 15th March from 12.00noon to 5.00pm onwards and on the morning of the race from 8.30am. Runners, especially those living locally, are encouraged to collect in advance if possible.
TRAFFIC DELAYS on SUNDAY MORNING
The race begins a 11.00am and due to traffic controls when the runners are returning to the finish, delays will be inevitable for anyone travelling between the roundabout in Church St/New Bridge St and Lo wer Market St. Motorists are asked to take an alternative route or to delay their journey as the streets will be clear again by 12.00noon. East Down AC apologise for any inconvenience caused but are requesting as much co-operation as possible from motorists for what will be at most a 25 minute spell.
Further information is available on the club website www.eastdownac.co.uk or from Joe Quinn on 07933214894 or email joemarathon50@btinternet.com .
RIP
The Club extends its deepest sympathy to former club members Mary-Louise and her brother Mark, current members sister in law Joanne and nephews Tony and Jack and mother Rosemary and the entire family circle on the death during the week of Oonagh Carson. Tragically another all too early passing and the thoughts and the prayers of all the members are with them at this time.
Joe Quinn
10 March 2014