EDAC juniors at Mallusk XC

Posted on 15/01/2024 by Daniel Giles

Mullusk Harriers held the first cross country event of 2024 year on a dry but bitterly cold January day at Belfast Playing fields. Although the sun was shining there was little evidence of heat and all spectators were glad they could keep their down jackets, hats and gloves on.

The primary school races started first at 10.30 with the girls and boys running a 800m loop separately. The course was mainly flat but had some steep inclines and declines going from one playing field to another. The Primary school kids only had one steep incline and decline but with the race effectively a sprint the hills were brutal. Orlaith Keary was the only primary school entrant and she had a steady race placing 7^th in a fast field.

After the primary school races all other races followed a larger loop of approximately 2K with this loop having more steep inclines and declines to master. The outward side of the loop involved flat sections interspaced with two steep inclines. The first step descent was after about 600m with a sharp right hand bend at the bottom followed by a sharp ascent approximately 10m further long to regain the level the runners had just come from. This meant there was little time to capitalise on the speed gained by the short downhill section. There was then a long sweeping section as the course turned back towards the start area to start the same loop again.

Two U15 juniors took part in the u15 race; Cara Napier and Alex Robinson. They ran 4k made up of two loops. Alex made his intentions known from the start and headed out in the lead pack conscious of his competition from previous races. Soon he was in the lead group of three being led by Rory Armstrong (Lagan Valley, AC) and Luc le Blanc (St Colman’s, Newry). On the second lap Rory pulled away showing why he placed third at the All-Ireland Uneven Age Groups in December last year. Alex was sitting clear in second but as the distance increased, the inclines sapped his legs, and in the final stretch the pack slowly caught up. In the last 200m he was overtaken by Conan O’Doherty but dug deep to hold onto a very close third. Cara had an equally good run. She paced the race well to finish strongly.

The next race for EDAC juniors is the third McGrady race on Sunday 21st January which will be held at Delamont Park. This is an EDAC hosted event so all hands will be on deck for a successful event. Let’s hope the snow stays away.

Mathieson Cup and Shield XC

Posted on 15/01/2024 by Daniel Giles

On Sunday morning saw a hardy band of EDAC athlete’s make the trip to the Mallusk playing fields for the Mathieson Cup and Shield X Country organized by Mallusk Harriers. The competition is named after Megs Mathieson who is a good friend to East Down Athletics club. With bright but very cold conditions and the course in good condition, firm with the odd muddy bit with a number of short sharp inclines to break up the route.

The ladies and 60+ men were first up, with three 2k laps to complete, almost 4 miles in old money the runners were off. From the gun Catherine O’Connor hit the front of the pack and stayed there for the whole race, looking comfortable and controlling the pace. Catherine has had a great year on and off the road coming in first place in 22 min 23 sec to take the trophy. The second EDAC lady home was Sharon Madine, just back from injury she was pleased with her efforts on her first X country for some time, finishing in 59th position in a time 27 min 33 sec. In the male vets category Wayne Giles was the only runner for East Down and put in a great effort with a time of 31 min 58 sec.

The senior men were up next and with four 2k laps to complete and a top quality field it was going to be a fast race. There were four EDAC men on the start line and Adam Withers put in a strong performance finishing in 27th spot in a time of 28 min 27 sec. Joe Napier was next in with another great run in 30 min 09 sec followed closely by Daniel Giles in 30 min 38 sec in 66th position. bringing the team home was club coach Paul Burns in 122rd spot in a time of 33 min 16 sec. Great running from all EDAC runners.

EDAC @ Ballygalget 5k

Posted on 08/01/2024 by Daniel Giles

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.

Castlewellan Christmas Cracker

Posted on 02/01/2024 by Daniel Giles

Saturday 30th Dec saw the annual running of one of the most popular team races in N Ireland. Over 600 pairs of runners took on the multi terrain course, which changes each year to keep everyone guessing. With poor weather conditions early on the race could have been in jeopardy, but with a quick route change and improving conditions Newcastle AC got the runners to the start line. This race is a big favourite with EDAC and the club had 10 members in club colours or fancy dress. The rain held off and 1 344 runners set off though Castlewellan and into the Forest park and onto many muddy farmers fields, steep hills and tracks, finishing in front of the Castle on the campsite. This event has a great atmosphere and support round the course which is much needed at times. Well done Newcastle AC and the winners Jared

Martin and Thomas Renshaw. And well done to all East Down athletes.

EDAC runners and their partners

2nd Aaron McGrady (EDAC) Timmy Johnston (Annadale Striders)

14th Gordy Graham (EDAC) Conn Rooney (Newcastle AC)

44th Paul Burns (EDAC) Martin Willcox (EDAC)

45th Hannah Somani (EDAC) Mark McGrady

55th Dee Murrey (EDAC) Stuart Neale (Ballydrain Harriers)

70th Dermot Cahill (EDAC) Joe Napier (EDAC)

76th James Cuffey (EDAC) Niall Gibney (EDAC)

81st Paul Lloyd (EDAC) Gareth Brown

169th Gavin Hynds (EDAC) NIamh Kellett (EDAC)

216th Kieron McMahon (EDAC) Eugine O’Boyle

331st Daniel Giles (EDAC) Liam Sloan (Newry City Runners)

335th Ashley McGrady (EDAC) Rachel Frew

353th Stephen Heasley (EDAC) Clare Carson (Down Tri Club)

420th James Magennis (EDAC) Cheryl Denvir (EDAC)

439th Ella Carroll (EDAC) Aoife Cochrane (EDAC)

476th Wendy Findlay (EDAC) Tara Findlay (Mourne Runners)

450th Nuala Taylor (EDAC) Dessie McGarry (Down Tri Club)

485th Janine Murray (EDAC) Oonagh Breteche

541th Patrick Smith (EDAC) Sean McLaughlin (Tels Fitness)

575th Roisin Gaffney (EDAC) Suzy Smith (EDAC)

612th Helen McGinley (EDAC) Mary Walsh (Crossfit Infected)

B.A.R.F Turkey Trot

Posted on 02/01/2024 by Daniel Giles

The Turkey Trot is a long running Boxing Day calorie burn out, open to all hill runners over 18 yrs old . The course is basically a clockwise circuit of Slieve Meelmore, 7.5 Km in length with a height gain of 400 metres. The race starts near Meelmore lodge, following the tracks up to below Spellack cliffs then onto Slieve Bearnagh and Meelmore then onto Slieve Meelbeg. Then a fast descent of Happy Valley to the finish at Meelmore Lodge. EDAC had two runners in this tough race, Niall Gibney and John Taylor, both old hands at the mountain races, took this challenge on. With good conditions Niall was the first past the post in 22nd position in a time of 48 min 45 sec, John crossed the line in 72nd spot in 58 min 35 sec. Great running from both the guys.

Weekly Report

Posted on 25/12/2023 by Daniel Giles

Club Predicted Time Trial

On the Thursday before Christmas East Down AC held their annual club Predicted Time Trial at the Downshire estate. This is a 5k run where each runner predicts what time they will complete the distance, this run is completed without the aid of a watch or GPS. The route is three long laps of the Downshire hospital. The conditions were cold and very breezy and with a great turn out and a final inspection that no time pieces were being worn or carried the athletes were set off. On a predicted time trial it’s not who runs the fastest, it’s who can pace their run closet to the time they wrote down before the start. A number of runners put their heads down and went for, but most were playing a more tactical game. Once all runners finished their run coach Paul Burns and his team started working out the results while the runners had a cup of tea and mince pie and tried to work out how they did.

Once the results were in the the top three were announced to the waiting crowd, In joint second place was Nuala Taylor in a time of 25 min 12 sec, predicted time of 25 min dead and Jame Cuffey in 18 min 58 sec predicted time of 19 min 10 sec so both athletes were 12 seconds out. The top spot went to Roisin Gaffey who ran a canny 5k with a predicted time of 28 min 28 sec and crossed the finish line in 28 min 18 sec a difference of ten seconds, a great and enjoyable club event.

EDAC Annual Awards

After the time trial the Annual East Down AC awards were presented. All club members have the opportunity to vote for the five categories. EDAC Male and Female Athlete of the year, most improved Male and Female Athlete of the year and Club Person of the Year. Many nominations were put in for all categories, especially Club Person of the year. The Awards went to.

Male Athlete of the year – Aaron McGrady

Female Athlete of the year – Catherine O Connor

Best improved Male Athlete – Daniel Giles

Best Improved Female Athletes – Aine Grant and Leanne Spick

EDAC Club Person of the Year – Paul Burns

Well done to all Athletes that were nominated.

London Marathon Club Ballot

To finish off the night the club held the Club ballot for its slot in the 2024 London Marathon. Each running club in the UK is allocated a slot or slots depending on the size of the club. EDAC has an criteria before an athlete can put their name into the hat for the ballot. This year three members met that criteria and were in with a shout. The lucky runner’s name was picked out of the hat by Wayne Giles. Barrie Atknison was the lucky winner, with Joanne Carson as reserve, good luck to Barrie for the race.

From all the members at East Down AC have a happy Christmas and a Great New Year.