I went to a sun drenched but cold Kilbroney Park on Sunday morning to help at the AAI National Inter-Club Cross Country Championships. Never heard of them? Me neither until very recently and then only almost by accident. More experienced commentators than I were bemoaning the fact that participation figures were the worst they could remember and put the blame mostly on the surfeit of road races throughout the country. My view? Well if I only heard about the Championships because I was being asked to lend a hand – it was after all the responsibility of AAI to organise and manage – then there was little chance that the man in the street and the runner in the road or the field, would have either.
NEVER AGAIN?
Conditions underfoot and overhead in Kilbroney Park were well nigh perfect – in fact Kilbroney Park has probably the best surface for cross country running anywhere in Ireland, north or south. Be that as it may, the fact that this Championship event was virtually unheard of in running circles here and was practically ignored by clubs in the AAI jurisdiction surely raises a question about marketing, publicity etc. Even if that element had been better the event clashed with probably the most significant match in the Six Nations Rugby series this year (probably every year as far as followers here are concerned). Ireland vs England in Dublin is tough opposition for any other sporting event and I must confess I was tempted to give Kilbroney a miss or at least to make an early departure. This problem could have been solved by beginning the programme an hour earlier, or shortening it significantly. There were 4 Boys and Girls Inter Counties Relays at Under 12 and Under 14 level, two of which had only 3 and 4 teams respectively. Lack of publicity again? Anyway this was an event which if properly publicised and promoted could have been a very enjoyable and competitive outing for both junior and senior athletes – and he perfect prelude to Irish success in Dublin. The pity is that the poor turnout may lead to a decision to scrap the event for future years.
On the positive side, Elisha Surginor, flew the flag gallantly for East Down with a spirited performance in the Junior Women’s race over a 4K distance, even though she was giving up to 3 years to most of her opponents.
And No! I didn’t leave early to watch the rugby, in fact in the interests of avoiding the headline “Man dies of starvation while watching Ireland trounce England” I went and had a belated dinner instead!
OPENING OF NEW CLUBROOMS
This coming Saturday marks an historic occasion in the history of East Down AC with the opening of its new Clubrooms on the Ballydugan Industrial Estate, its first ever home. The premises comprise a large traing area, a Committee Room and a fitness suite as well as toilet and kitchen facilities. and the President of Athletics NI, Gary Keenan will perform the official unveiling. Representatives from all athletics clubs are invited together with Club members and refreshments will be provided from 11.30am.
2015 JIMMY’S TEN
Jimmy’s Ten race in Downpatrick on Sunday 15 March beginning at 11.00am, is again the top sporting event in the St Patrick’s Festival week and 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 of £250 for first Male and Female and with a total prize fund in excess of £2,000 will ensure 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. News was received this week that 3 or 4 top Ugandan and Kenyan runners, in Northern Ireland as part of the Project Africa Athletics Partnership, one with a marathon best time of 2.08, will be coming to run. So once again the race will have top quality throughout he field. Pacers will again be provided for sub 40, sub 45, sub 50, and sub 60 targets
ENTER NOW – YOU CANNOT LOSE!
Entries are close to the race limit of 700 and there may not be any places left for entry on the day. Any entries taken on the day will attract an increased fee.. Please enter online now at www.athleticsni.org
Anyone who enters but is unable to run on 15 March will have their entry carried over to next year.
COLLECTION OF NUMBERS AND TIMING CHIPS
Timing chips can be collected at East Down AC’s new Clubrooms on Friday 13th March from 3.30pm to 8.00pm, on Saturday 14th March from 12.00noon to 4.30pm and on the morning of the race from 8.30am. Runners, especially those living locally, are encouraged to collect in advance if possible.
Joe Quinn
2 March 2015