Ladies Captain Sharon Madine staged a triumphant comeback at the Ballygalget GAC 5k after a challenging six-month layoff due to injury. The significance of her return extended beyond personal victory; it was a heartening moment for EDAC. Sharon, a vital leader for the ladies’ team, faced the demanding course with unwavering determination, completing the 5k in an impressive third place among female participants with a time of 22 minutes and 34 seconds.

Her return marked a crucial boost for the team, as the Ladies Captain reclaimed her role at the forefront of their competitive spirit. Sharon’s successful comeback wasn’t just about overcoming personal adversity; it was a testament to the resilience and strength of the EDAC community, demonstrating the profound impact of having their inspirational ladies team captain back on the road and competing again.

On Saturday afternoon 842 runners took part in the Joe Seeley Memorial 10k, this is the 38th running of this annual event hosted by Willowfield Harriers. The Seeley Cup is seen as the culmination of the NI road racing season, the Seeley 10k attracts athletes from across the UK with its fast flat course which starts on the Ormeau embankment with two and a bit laps of Ormeau Park and finishes in the center of the park. For those watching and racing it was a very cold and sharp day but the rain held off, so some fast times were expected.

A top quality field toed the start line with Olympian Paul Pollock heading the field, EDAC had 8 athletes in the mix and from the gun Catherine O Connor went to the front of the field. Catherine has had a great season on and off the road and finished the road season off in style with a PB in 35 min 05 sec 107th position and 5th lady home in a very strong field. Adam Withers was next across the line, Adam has had a great year on the road/track and mud and will be pleased with his time of 35 min 44 sec. Matt Bezzant since joining the club has had some strong performances over the past year and had another strong run in 36 min 24 sec. Man for all seasons and races Dee Murray put in another great run for the club with a time of 38 min 20 sec, not far behind Dee was James Cuffey who has turned his hand to all terrains this year and finished this year with a strong 10k in a time of 38 min 31 sec. Seamus Savage has led the way as men’s team Captain this year and crossed the line in 386 position in a new PB of 40 min 41 sec. Jonathan Gelston was the next red and yellow vest to break the tape and will be happy with his efforts with a time of 41

min 23 sec. Wayne Giles loves the atmosphere of the big races and being part of the team and enjoyed the event and brought the club home in 55 min 02 sec. The race was won by Annadales Striders Paul Pollock in 29 min 59 sec, a great time and a well run event by Willowfield Harriers.

To finish the year the club will be holding its annual predicted time trial 5k at the Downshire on the 21st Dec 23, followed by the ever popular Castlewellan Christmas Cracker.

Early Sunday morning saw the 7th running of the Ballynahinch run to Remember 5k organized by Ballynahinch Wmrc and Atlas running. This event always attracts many local runners and fun runners. This year Atlas running had put in a new route starting at Morrisons garage and finishing outside Ballynahinch high school, the main part of the course still covered the back lanes of the local area with a number of steep inclines to add to the mix. EDAC had one lone runner on the start line and from the gun Martin Willlcox stuck to the back of the front pack. After all the weeks rain the conditions were dry, cool and sunny which made for a fast race. Martin stuck to the task and after a battle with David Smyth from Newcastle AC came across the line in 4th position in a time of 18 min 28 sec. The race was won second year in a row by Tom Crudgington Newcastle AC in 17 min 23 sec.