Although the weather throughout the day was changeable to say the least, by the time the runners in the RGU 10K had assembled on the Ardglass Road on Wednesday night , conditions were well nigh perfect. In the absence of last year’s winner Brendan Teer there was always going to be a new name on the victor’s list. Certainly speculation was rife as to who that might be with Dave Lonnen City of Lisburn, a regular podium visitor in recent races and the competitive Marty Rea North Belfast among the favourites. However it was East Down’s Martin Willcox who stepped from the shadows to stamp his authority on the race coming home in 36.02, twelve seconds clear of Rea with Lonnen 16 seconds further back. James Savage and Dee Murray picked up the Over 35 and Over 45 prizes respectively, with Norman Mawhinney from the ever supportive Ballydrain Harriers taking the Over 55 award. A strong Newcastle contingent, all eight of them finishing in the top 45, were led home by Brendan Quail in overall 4th place,
LADIES CHANGES
The Ladies race also saw a new name on the podium, in-form Catherine O’Connor leading an East Down AC clean sweep as she powered home in 39.36 ahead of Caroline O’Hare 40.41 with Laura Gardiner 42.18 in 3rd place. Caroline is actually East Down, she’s just out on loan to Gateshead Harriers . All splendid times over a demanding enough route. Cheryl Denvir took the Over 45 prize with Murlough’s Patricia Shields first in the Over 45 age group.
RELAY
The relay was won by the pairing of Odhran Copeland and Mark McCallion with East Down’s Aoife Cochrane and Elisha Surginor taking the Female pairing prize and Laura Green and Martin Burke the mixed category.
CARLINGFORD
On Friday night Liam Keenan was the sole East Down representative in the annual Carlingford 5K road race, and the fact that his time of 18.39 brought him only 3rd place in the over 50s category and 45th overall is indicative of the quality of the runners which the event attracts.
A week earlier Cheryl Denvir tried her hand and feet too, no doubt, at the Gael Force West Triathlon in Westport. Not only was this her first outing in this type of event which involves Run – Kayak – Bike – Run but she actually came in as first lady!! Cathy Degans trumped her 2013 performance by doubling her puncture count – but still finished. Don’t know if the puncture was on the bike or the boat but well done to both for taking up the challenge.
SEVEN SEVENS
I didn’t believe the Seven Sevens mountain race would go ahead on Saturday but it did. Yes Saturday when you wouldn’t put a dog out in the weather saw almost 80 runners, without dogs, take on the 7 highest peaks in the Mournes. Michael Cultra as a spot of relaxation from 24 hour races shot round or should that be shot up and down in a leisurely 6 hours 13 minutes. A great result by any standard.
DARRAGH CROSS
The Darragh Cross 6 Mile Race and 4 Mile Fun Run on Thursday 14 August is the next East Down promotion. The route again proved popular last year and a good turnout is anticipated. Race will start at 7.30pm
BRIGHTEN YOUR SUNDAY
A new race has been added to the local calendar, the Bright 10K and 5K Fun Run on Sunday 17 August at 1.00pm from Bright Community Hall, on the Ballynoe Road just outside Downpatrick.
KILLYLEAGH FIVE
The Killyleagh 5 Mile Race will definitely go ahead on Friday 29 August at 7.30pm with Junior Races at 6.30pm
Joe Quinn
3 August 2014