LAURA TAKES GOLD
Barely 2 weeks after missing out on a medal in the All Ireland Schools 1500 metres final in Tullamore Laura Gardiner gained more than ample compensation at the weekend when she took a Gold medal in the NI and Ulster Age Group Championships at Mary Peters Track. The fact that it came in her less favoured 800 metres distance will have made victory all the sweeter. Olivia Mooney also competed well in the 800 metres Under 16 category as did Matthew McGrattan in the Boys equivalent.
JAMES SILVER and CAROLINE BRONZE
It was also exciting to see Caroline O’ Hare, a student exile at Gateshaed University, take a superb Bronze medal in the Ladies 5K. If ever there was an example of the merits of enjoying running but keeping going then Caroline has to be it. She was a very reliable team member who always turned out and gave her all with East Down while others including big brother James hit the headlines. But Caroline kept at it in her own way and her medal is just reward for her dedication. Of course James, now with Annadale, also confirmed his class with a Silver medal in the Mens 1500 metres race, in which Neil McCartan was a noteworthy 9th. At the same venue Brendan Teer took a creditable 9th place in 15.14 in a high quality 5K Senior race. Great results and reflected glory for the Club.
MOURNE MOUNTAIN HALF and FULL MARATHONS
On slightly more challenging terrain and open to some pretty extreme weather conditions too, the Mourne Way races organised by 26 Extreme took place on Saturday. With a choice of Ultra (52.4 miles) Full, Half Marahon and 10K and 2 walking distances on offer there was something for everyone to avoid, or alternatively, if you wanted a really severe challenge, to enter. It didn’t matter the distance, all of them are very demanding physically and mentally and everyone who crosses the start lines gets my nod of respect. Several East Down members chose this form of torture for their first attempt at the half Marathon distance and after which they will find an “ordinary” road equivalent a doddle. My apologies to those I may have missed or cannot identify from the results – must get my eyes seen to – but I had a much more difficult task than you mere runners, spectating and trying to keep one step ahead of you all, all the while being eaten alive by midges, gathering discarded tops, watches, bottles etc, while wishing to be out there complaining along with everyone else!
HALF’N’S
Cheryl Denvir 2.03 was first of the East Down half marathon ladies and indeed first overall from the Club, followed by James Magennis 2.09, a great run from Betty McCartan 2.17, Mickey Cunningham flying by 2.20, Helen Vint 2.28, Liz O’ Hagan and Patricia Galloway 2.40, Eithne McGrattan comfortable on 2.47, and Caoimhe McGrady with Simon McGrattan on 2.53. I’d have taken my hat off to you all had it not been for the persistence of the aforementioned midges.
FULL ONES
Wisely, we didn’t have anyone in the Ultra event but quite a turnout in the marathon where Newcastle’s Jerome McCrickard ran a superbly judged race to take 4th place in 4.01, just 5 weeks after his London warm up. Probably too much of a gap there Jerome, even allowing for the Slieve Donard Fun Run in between – but very Well Done
Gavin Oakes was first of the East Down men home, turning in a strong performance to take 12th place in 4.28. His all the way partner until cramp struck at 21 miles was Phillip Vint who nonetheless walked it out to finish in 4.51. A special mention to the Fab Four, not yer average beatles, but Oonagh Breteche, Linda Cunningham, Michael Cultra and Stephen Heasley all on 6.07 and who thankfully didn’t have the energy to raise a note at the end! And a great effort by Charlie Ataliotis, coming through in 6.35. If you’re all able to stand up take a bow, finishing any of these races is a great achievement
COMING LOCAL EVENTS
The Loughinisland 5.05 miles race on Wednesday 25 June at 7.40pm.
The BK10K in Ballykinlar, on Sunday 29 June at 1.00pm, note change of time
The Shore (Killough) 10k on Friday 11th July at 7.30pm
The Portaferry Ten Miles and 2 x 5 Mile Relay races will be on Tuesday 22nd July,
The Kilmore Rec FC 5 Miles race in Crossgar on Monday 4 August at 7.30pm
The Darragh Cross 10K on Thursday 14 August at 7.30pm
The Strangford Festival 10K on Friday 22nd Augist at 7.30pm
The Killyleagh 5 on Friday 29 August at 7.30pm
The Action Mental Health Steeplechase races on Saturday 21 September at 11.00am in Delamont.
Joe Quinn
9 June 2014
24 English Street,
Downpatrick,
Co Down,
BT30 6AB