British Masters International Cross Country Glasgow

Saturday morning saw N Irelands Masters Cross country Teams descended on Tollcross Park Glasgow for the annual international Masters compertition. With age groups from 35 up to 70 compete in a number of races with teams from across the UK and Ireland. Conditions were good, a little bit cool, with a fast grass course around an undulating route. EDACs Catherine O’Connor was part of the ladies 35 to 39 age group team. Catherine has had a great year with winning the European Ladies Masters title in Italy earlier this year she was in good form and with very stiff competition she headed to the front of the race where she stayed. Catherine placed 3rd overall in her race with team mates Sarah McNutt and Judith Storm packing well behind her in 4th and 5th place respectively, great team cross country running from the ladies winning team Gold and Bronze individual for Catherine.

For the EDAC men Neil Curran was racing for N Ireland in the 45 to 49 age group. All the different age groups are at a very high standard and it is a very big step up from the league races. Neil had a great race and with a great time and helped the N Ireland team to fourth position. Well done to both Catherine and Neil for flying the flag.

IMRA Powerscourt Ridge Race

Also on Saturday morning down in Wicklow EDACs mountain man Niall Gibney was taking on the IMRA Powerscourt Ridge Race. This is a very popular race attracting runners from all over Ireland. Starting at Crone Wood it takes in the summits of Maulin and Djouce mountains returning via the Wicklow Way with a quick glimpse of the famous Powerscourt waterfall on the way home. The course was 9 ½ miles with 2 800 feet of climbing, and Niall completed the distance in 1 hr 40 mins, with perfect conditions Niall enjoyed the scenery for a change.

Tollymore Trail Marathon

Meanwhile in Co Down on Saturday morning saw 26 Extreme Organize the Tollymore Trail Marathon, this includes a 40 mile Ultra marathon, marathon, half marathon and 10k race in Tollymore Forest park. This is a challenging event with many steep climbs and descents, the course follows many of the gravel fire roads and smaller single muddy Tracks. East Downs Philip Vint who has ran many marathons and Ultra took on the full marathon and coming off the back of the Dublin Marathon knew he was taking on a slightly different challenge. With clear and dry conditions 73 athletes took on the trail marathon, Philip found the going tough but enjoyed the whole event and the autumn scenery made it worthwhile. Philip crossed the finish line in 8th position in a time of 3 hr 37 min 04 sec, a great run and that is Philips 89th marathon ticked off with the century in sight.