To Run or not to Run?

After the wealth of performances last week, it is not surprising that the numbers of EDAC athletes racing this week was down as many resumed training and racking up miles for half marathons and marathons ahead and it also has to be pointed out that to race every week is a costly business. A recent informal survey of runners (by NiRunning) asks what makes a race attractive? Is the cost of entry, the goodie bag ie t-shirt, medal etc or the post race spread? It must be assumed that a variety of terrains and distances is always sought after as some runners like trail, others prefer road and ditto for the option of short or long distances as each of those will have their own following but what makes an athlete choose one 10K over another? That is the burning question that Race Organisers would love to hear answered. So far the jury is still out and it is obvious that it is impossible to please all but there was a definite swathe of respondents who were endorsing a return to a “no frills” type event with no t-shirt or medal in return for a lower entry fee. At the last count those desiring a return to basics was almost double the amount who would like a t-shirt as part of the entry. A good number valued a medal (more than wanted a t-shirt) and not surprisingly almost all wanted post race food as this offers both a recovery after the effort but a chance to mingle. Obviously the length of time spent in the sport affects this opinion as for some the limit to the amount of memorabilia that they can store/use has been exceeded and for others each item is a sign of achievement as they tick off new goals and events. It must also be said that out of the huge running community in NI only 80 or so have commented so far so if you have an opinion, this is your chance to steer race directors in the right direction. (The post can be found on the NiRunning Facebook page.)

Still on Track

At the Bangor Track on Tuesday past, NDAC hosted an Open Meet. Mackenzie Murray went both long and short. He ran the 200m in 28.09  placing him second in his race. In the opposite end of the spectrum he did the 3000m and clocked 10.43. He was the only U15 to take on the distance and was 3rd in his heat. Neil Curran also turned out and ran 10.01 in the same distance but in a heat with the quicker athletes so was 10th in his race. He would also sit 10th when the 2 race times are compared though this is a rough science at best. It would make Mackenzie 16th quickest overall out of 32 so a creditable performance from both. The trio of Lauren Madine, Anna Gardiner and Emily Burns swept the board in the 800m with a tight finish for Lauren and Anna showing that club mate or not, every inch is hard fought.  Emily was 3rd in the same race but was first U13 overall so well worth the trip for all concerned. Well done!

Lauren Madine and Anna Gardiner at the Extern Dambuster 5K

Taster Session

A group of Seniors went on a mid week road trip to Mary Peters Track to get a change of scene for their speed session. Track training may well be the norm for many athletes living in the city but for those who are in an area without a track available locally, it is unfortunately not feasible to make this a regular part of training. It was a perfect evening with balmy temperatures and low wind and an ideal introduction to track training. All were put through their paces and got to learn a bit about pacing and effort. Hopefully this will be repeated and all senior members will be welcome to join in.

EDAC members at Mary Peters Track for a training session

Lecale 10K

Our roving reporter Donal Smith had his eye on this one as he likes to tackle anything that might have a bit of scenery. He got plenty of that for sure as this is one of the races that takes in a beautiful part of the world.  On this occasion (Saturday 17th)  it was a very select group of 34 who braved it. His comments were, “A bit of everything terrain wise in the Lecale Way 10K today, a race not for the faint hearted. Road, Beach, Trail, Beach, Trail and back onto the road again, tough but very enjoyable.”  He recommends it to anyone who hasn’t given it a go. He ran in the company of John Manley and they were satisfied to come in  together well under the hour in 56.54. Deirdre Weatherall also took part and with a long mile of 18 on the cards the next day, she was out for the views and a few miles in the legs. Despite this approach she took 3rd Female on the podium.

John Manley, Deirdre Weatherall and Donal Smith – all smiles now that the Lecale 10k has been completed.

Extern Dambusters – Born 2 Run

Another race which is both local and scenic also took place on Saturday and there were 3 distances on offer -5K, 10K and Half Marathon. In the 5K in which there were 60 entrants, Anna Gardiner was First Female and in fact 2nd overall in a time of 20.28 which was good going on this hilly course. Paddy Hannon (Newry City) as the winner did well to break 20 minutes. Caitlyn Harvey (unattached) and Lauren Madine were placed 2nd and 3rd Females but awarded the same finish time of 20.30 as a result of their sprint to the line. This was the second time the two EDAC Juniors were on a podium in one week! Well done.

In the Half Marathon Gordy Graham completed the challenging course in 1.21.39  and even though he didn’t feel that this was one of his better performances he was 2nd out of 142. Phillip Vint was 15th overall in a time of 1.36.21 and commented on the strong headwind saying it was almost easier running uphill to Ben Crom than covering the downhill return.

Gordy Graham on the podium at the Extern Dambusters 10K

Hillsborough Running Festival -5K/10K and Half Marathon

The same 3 distances were also on offer in the inaugural Running Festival at Hillsborough Castle on Sunday. Many remarks on social media noted that the clue was in the name as although the route enabled runners to see the attractive surroundings of the estate, it was rather hilly! Some relished the hills though and gave up on the thoughts of PBs and simply took in the stunning surroundings. Martin Willcox opted for the 10K and felt that the event was well organised with great parking and plenty of toilets (can be a deal breaker if there are no loos!). He commended the friendly welcome and the supportive marshalling. There were food stalls and a cafe for post race recovery and a free massage on offer as well as an athlete bag drop. This level of organisation was necessary as it had a very good entry in all distances – over 1600 runners in all! Interestingly there was an offer of £30 or a free 2020 entry for anyone who marshalled and this may have helped to recruit. Bear this in mind for next year?

Podium for Martin on the Hills of Hillsborough.

 In the race Martin came a very impressive 3rd out of 700 in the 10K in a time of 38.34. It is hard in a big crowd on narrow paths to get away cleanly but he managed to get a slick race. Paul Lloyd took on the half and also described that route as undulating. The first and last 2.5 miles of the Half were in the newly redesigned and sculpted Castle Grounds on paths leading to trails in the Forest Park and then the mid section incorporated the road out to Anahilt and back. He did well to finish 29th of 500 and was happy enough with his time of 1.35.54 given the route taken.

Paul Lloyd after the Hillsborough Half Marathon

EAMS Challenge

At the same time as the guys were running in Hillsborough, Clare Carson was taking on the challenge of loops of the Knockagh Monument in Greenland. This event is hosted by the East Antrim Marathon Series team and incorporates 1800 feet of climbing in the 20.6 mile option.  Clare was delighted to come home as the first female and 4th overall. She ran it in 3 hours and 10 minutes although time is less relevant than covering the testing distance. All miles under the belt as they say.

The Week Ahead

The Strangford Festival is hosting a 10K/5K event on Friday evening at 7pm which is sure to be popular. Online entry and further details are available on ANI website https://athleticsni.org/Fixtures/Strangford-Festival-10k-2019. A lot of effort is put into this event so try and make it along.

And finally best wishes to Joe Quinn as he is currently recovering from a knee replacement operation. He is not normally one for sitting back but he is prepared to follow doctor’s orders in the hope that his rehabilitation will be the quicker for it. A post of PA may well be in the offing as replying to the queries regarding his health has practically been a full-time job! We all look forward to seeing you back on your feet in due course.

Alison Carroll