Dundalk 10k and Half Marathon
Saturday morning saw the launch of the first Dundalk 10k & Half Marathon
organized by Bear races in Partnership with Dundalk Business
Improvements District Scheme (BIDS). The event is offering both local and
visiting athletes the opportunity to experience Dundalk’s vibrant town centre
and picturesque suburbs through a uniquely designed route. The Race
starts and finishes in the heart of Dundalk Town. There were 250 entrants
allowed for each event, but all the athletes not only had the distance to
tackle they had to contend with Storm Kathleen, so with a strong wind
blowing in their faces for the second half of the route it was going to be
tough going. EDAC had father and son team Wayne and Daniel Giles
taking on the stormy conditions. Daniel was on the start line for the Half
Marathon and took on the two and a half laps of Dundalk town center, even
with the very windy weather Daniel came in 30th position in a time of 1 hr
29 min 48 sec, a great run from him. Dad Wayne took on the shorter
distance and was happy with his run in tough conditions finishing in 128th
spot in a time of 56 min 50 sec. Both said it was a well run event and is
definitely one for next year.

Omagh Half Marathon
Sunday morning saw EDACs Seamus Savage take a trip to mid Ulster for
the 25th Omagh Half Marathon. The race takes in most of the town and
starts and finishes at the leisure center. The course is known for its hills
and being undulating, and with a strong wind it was going to be tough going
for Seamus who decided to run at the last minute, he was happy with his
time of 1 hr 39 mins but admitted it was hard work.

EAMS Bunny Hop Marathon

At the same time in Carrickfergus EDACs marathon man Phillip Vint was
taking on his next challenge. The Bunny Hop is organized by the East
Antrim Marathon Series and Run Armagh. The route starts at Carrick
Castle down the Loughshore all the way to Gideons Green then back to the
Castle, again the wind was always going to play a big role on this coastal
route. Phillip is hoping to complete 100 marathons by the end of the year,
the Bunny Hop was his 93rd and he was looking to finish in one piece with
minimum wear and tear on his body. Phillip finished in 3 hr 44 min 05 sec,
and admitted that the wind was horrible and flooding along the coastal path
did not help. A great effort from Phillip who is aiming to do his 100th
marathon in November at the Tollymore Trail Marathon, keep an eye out
for him running along a road near you.

Adam Withers third male at the Ballygalget GAC 10k

Deirdre Weatherall first lady in the Ballygalget GAC 10k