COOKSTOWN CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE FIXTURE
Vastly different conditions prevailed in Cookstown on Saturday for the Mighty Oaks Cross Country League fixture than had been present a year ago, but as if to prove they’re not just fair weather runners only three from East Down turned out in the Men’s Open race as last year, and in a further outbreak of deja vu, Newcastle’s Seamus Lynch won the race comfortably for the second year in a row. The three performed well though were probably treating it as a warm up for next Saturday’s Joe Seeley Cup 10K in Belfast’s Ormeau Park . Paul Burns indicated his well being with a fine 12th place and first Over 40 followed by Dee Murray in 34th and Gavin Hinds in 66th place. However unfortunately as it takes 4 to make a team we didn’t score, just like last year.
LADIES TAKE THE HONOURS
In contrast the EDAC Ladies did field a team and gave notice of their intentions with Catherine O’Connor, showing further signs of returning to full fitness with a splendid 6th place and was superbly supported by Niamh Kellett 17th Joanne Foster 25th and Janine Murray in 60th . This resulted in the team finishing in 6th place overall which is very encouraging for the remainder of the season.
NEXT WEEK – HOMESTART RACES
The Homestart 5K Fun Run and 10K Santa Run takes place next Sunday at 11.30am from the East Down AC clubrooms and while online entry is probably closed by the time you read this, entries will be taken on the day. A big response is expected from all the local runners who have failed to get an entry for the Seeley Cup on Saturday and from all the Couch to 5K runners who have recently completed a training course in Dunleath Park. Organisers are asking everyone to show the festive spirit by wearing something Christmassy – e.g. Santa suit, Beard or Santa hat etc. There will also be a 2K option for mothers with prams/buggies /small children to show their support for this very worthwhile charity so there’s no excuse for not “taking part”. There will also be refreshments afterwards in the Clubrooms.
THE GRIDDLE
The following Sunday brings the annual Round the Griddle 10K, with a 5K option for the novices, and billed as the toughest in Co. Down, do you have the courage to take up the challenge? Online entry is open at www.athleticsni.org and it will greatly assist the smooth running of the event if as many as possible would do so before race day.
Joe Quinn
20 November 2016