ELLA STARS IN BANGOR
One of East Down’s most promising juniors and one who keeps on keeping on, Ella Telford, set the standard for the rest of the week when she scooped 2 medals in the Primary Schools Minis competition promoted by North Down AC at the Bangor Track on Wednesday night. She took Silver in the 60 metres sprint in an excellent 10.1 seconds and followed that up with a scintillating performance in the 600 metres to claim the Gold medal in 2.19.6, almost 2 seconds clear of her nearest rival. Just for good measure she also competed in the Long Jump and came a creditable 5th with a leap of 2.48 metres.
CALLUM MAKES IT A SUPER WEDNESDAY
There must be something in the air on Wednesdays that inspires East Down’s juniors at this time of year. Like Ella, Callum Kent ran a superb race on Wednesday night to win – YES WIN- the Mourne Stimulus Day Centre 5K in Kilkeel beating many senior runners in the process. His time of 24.47 could have been much better but for having to dodge pedestrians and parked cars a most of the route was on the footpath. Well Done to this enterprising young man who also turned out in the 3 Lakes Fun Run on Saturday.
Hill and DALE – Round 5 – ROCKY
On to Thursday and Race 5 of the Hill and Dale Series, “Rocky”, saw Gavin Hynds first East Down runner home in 49th place with Jonny Kelly next and Michael Cultra, having recovered from his Dublin to Belfast exploits completing in 127th place. Brian Hamilton continues to compete in the Over 65 category while Joanne Foster “just enjoyed” herself and together with Janine Murray was one of only two Females from the club to take part.
LES JONES 10K
Friday night, with drizzle, a much cooler air and an early dusk was ideal for the latest running of the Les Jones 10K although this year only 2 East Down runners took part, Ciaran Denvir ever improving claiming 11th overall in 36.43 and Dee Murray, showing he is fully recovered from his London exertions by placing 21st in 38.57.
3 LAKES 7 and 15K RACES
Saturday morning and the weather was little better than Friday, in fact it turned out quite wet before the end of the races, but for running probably the conditions would be best described as “Good”. However nothing could dampen the spirits of the record numbers who turned out for the 7K and 15K races.
In the absence of 4 times winner Brendan Teer the outcome would be hard to predict. However the presence of Aaron McGrady last year’s third placed in the Killyleagh Half Marathon, immediately installed him as pre-race favourite ahead of East Down’s Martin Willcox and Belfast Marathon winner Laura Graham. And so it proved with Aaron taking the title in 54.52, a mere 14 seconds ahead of Laura with Martin in 3rd and James Savage in 4th overall and 3rd Male place.
LAURA – A GENEROUS AND GRACIOUS STAR
It goes without saying that the star of the day was Laura Graham who, in spite of her recent success and the numerous demands on her time had graciously agreed to come and take part in the 15K, in support of the Lions nominated Charity the Downs Syndrome Association. She was happy to pose for pictures with all who wanted and is proving a great ambassador for the sport. She finished well clear of globetrotting Amanda Perry from Ballydrain and Joanne Foster East Down coming in as 3rd.
East Down was well represented by some regulars and some not so regulars. Great to see! Gareth Kelly and Mark O’Connor had a battle royale for the line just ahead of Joanne. Lisa Laird was not far behind that, closely followed by Mick McCreesh. Kieran McMahon looked comfortable as he came over the brow of the hill towards the end and Kevin Kelly added another distance to his belt. Maybe he deserves a t-shirt of his own now instead of borrowing Clare’s! Liz O’Hagan and Patricia Galloway fairly romped home with smiles for the finish line and a little further back the Sean Sealey inspired duo of Cathy Burke and Helen Vint.
Robert Miskelly continues to inspire, and at 75 years of age he puts many of his younger club colleagues to shame, with his enthusiasm and sheer joy at being out there running.
** Joe forgot to mention he also covered the long course despite having told his family that he would probably do the short run. He is a hard man to keep in check – added by AC as PS to Joe’s own script!
BALLYDRAIN WIN THE NUMBERS GAME AGAIN
Ballydrain once again turned out in huge numbers and had over 30 participants this year the most supportive Club anywhere. Thank you.
FUN RUN
East Down’s juniors totally dominated the 7K Fun Run with 5 of the first 6 finishers and 7 of the first 10. Matthew McGrattan 26.45 took the honours with Lagan Valley’s Callum McCabe again second this year and Chris O’Connor from East Down in 3rd place. Catherine O’Connor gave her recovery programme a real shot in the arm, winning the race from Kirsti 2nd and Lucy Foster 3rd. Mackensie Murray, Callum Kent and Ella Carroll also turned out to represent the Juniors.
THANK YOU ALL and LIONS TAKE A BOW!
These races have now really caught on and go from strength to strength, thanks to the growing support from local Clubs like Ballydrain, East Down, Murlough and Newcastle with additional interest from Crossgar Harriers Saintfield Striders, and Scrabo Striders.
The Downs Syndrome Association and Downpatrick Lions Club wish to thank all those who took part in the races, East Down AC members and officials everyone who helped at registration, all the marshals, the PSNI, and anyone who helped make the race such a success. This year’s event was organised by Atlas Running and the Daye brothers went out of their way to ensure it was a success, even to the provision of special medals for all finishers. It was in my view, the best marshalled race I have ever taken part in, thanks to the Lions who are second to none when it comes to controlling traffic.
A special word of thanks to Margaret and Geoffrey Ferguson, the ever welcoming and helpful hosts at the Lakeside Inn. Pam Brown, President of Athletics NI was again in attendance in spite of the loss of both her car and her chain of office last weekend in a fire which totally destroyed the vehicle and its contents.
NEXT WEEK
The second Knockevin 5 and 10K races are listed for next Saturday at 12.00 noon, for anyone who is not going to Newcastle to take part in the Slieve Donard Challenge! This year’s event is organised by Atlas Running and promises to be another one for the calendar on a regular basis and of course the post race refreshments are the equal of most. Another charity race deserving of your support.
Reminder please that unpaid membership fees should be submitted asap with updated forms to keep our records complete. Last year’s ANI numbers are void as of last month so your number will not work until you have completed the transaction.
Also look out for further details on the EDAC Club Series as there will be an amended set of rules plus a tweaked list of events. It is also intended that the current standings will be released soon showing the points earned already by some club members. Start planning your campaign now!
Joe Quinn
15 May 2017