LONDON MARATHON 2019 IS NOT EASY FOR ANYONE

There is no such thing as an easy marathon but as London Marathon is so difficult to get into, in the first place, almost all that do make it to the start are already feeling like they have achieved a goal. Runners are assured of the race of their lifetime in terms of a memorable experience and many go for the spectacle rather than to chase times as the sheer numbers on the roads can make it difficult to stick to a plan.  East Down’s Gordy Graham had trained under coach Ryan Maxwell (who also coaches top NI Marathon runner Laura Graham, Gordy’s cousin) with precision and dedication but was realistic

enough to know that on the day anything could happen. What did happen though was the stuff of dreams. He took a whopping 6 minutes off his PB and his pacing was textbook averaging 6.04 seconds per mile. Even better he soaked up the atmosphere and came away saying that it had surpassed his expectations. His club mates who had tracked him throughout were as pleased as he was and he was quick to note that the support of fellow members had been a real boost. Having reached halfway in 1.18.35, Gordy was in no mood to let a possible PB slip through his fingers and though he failed to nail a negative split, it was only by a matter of a few seconds, and perfectly forgivable. His time of 2.38.56 is something special and deserves the utmost respect. Congratulations, Gordy! And I for one would not begrudge you that “beer before you go home” you suggested after the race!

MARGUERITE DOES THE CLUB PROUD

Marguerite Robinson was the lucky recipient of the EDAC Club Ballot back in December and as soon as she heard she embarked on a schedule to ensure that she made the most of the place. She certainly could not be faulted in her preparation nor in her execution. She had the misfortune to contract a chest infection in the week leading up but the option of deferral and having to re-do all those training miles spurred her on and she did very well to finish in 4.30.55.

 

H & P ALSO DO WELL

Helen and Phillip Vint are old hands at London and yet both confirm that the emotion of the event is still as fresh each time. Phillip was slightly off hand about his very worthy 3.24.14  as this is not a PB by any means but he should know that to keep banging out sub 3.30 marathons is a huge achievement. He had contemplated a somewhat faster run though, but after coasting along for 17 miles he was attacked by cramps, so basically jogged the last 9 miles and lives to fight another day. Helen, on the other hand was over the moon with her 4.32.40 and rightly so, in what she has described as positively her last ever marathon run.  

 

Carmel Tumelty 5.07.57 we spotted at Canary Wharf, though in a different time zone to husband Francis, who was also seen flying along on his way to a remarkable 3.00.24. Nevertheless she was as happy as he afterwards. Well done to both of you.

WHO’D BE A SPECTATOR?

It’s not by any means as simple for the enthusiastic spectator. It’s equally, if not more difficult, to watch this marathon as the only way to get around the route is by judicious use of the underground and DLR railway systems. Not to mention walking miles up and down stairs, steps, escalators and lifts, interspersed with bouts of standing still for upwards of 2 hours. The things we do for our fellow runners. Of course it helps to be spotted by the runner you’re looking out for if you can let him/her know in advance where you’re going to be, provided you stick to that arrangement. We did in relation to our positioning at the Woolwich flyover at approx. 5/6 miles. The only problem was that there was a band of bongo drummers hell bent on drowning out all our cheers. So not one of our targeted runners saw or heard us! Helen Vint therefore deserves every credit for spotting her “Rent a Mob” group who had decamped to Canary Wharf but were being similarly frustrated by another set of drummer. She made their day by waving back. 

HILL & DALE ROUND 3

Thursday night is Hill and Dale night for many and despite it being holiday week plus the British Championships to come a few days later, there was a decent turnout of 234. Weatherwise it was not as pleasant as the previous weeks and it was gusty and chilly at the higher points. 8 EDAC runners made the journey to Slieve Martin with Niall Gibney leading them home in the absence of Gavin Hynds ( apparently he was at the circus? No clown comments please).  Niall was 45th in 43.29. Niamh Kellett retained the F35 top spot for the 3rd week in a row in 64th place. Jonny Kelly was 111th in a shade over 50 minutes as he races himself back into fitness. Another repeat winner was the ever modest Brian Hamilton as he secured the O70 prize once again but at least he made the photo this week! Lisa Milligan and John Manley ran together but John was the perfect gentleman and let Lisa cross the line first in 156th to his 157th place. Patricia Galloway is now an “old hand” at this was 169th and Janine Murray was a trooper coming in 206th. It is the ones who are finding it hard that deserve the congratulations in my opinion and Hill and Dales provides plenty of scope for suffering!

FIRMUS ENERGY FAB 5 SERIES

Also on Thursday Night there was a Firmus Energy Fab 5 Track Meet at MPT.  A good turnout from EDAC Juniors meant there was plenty to watch and many competed more than once. Performance of the night goes to Lauren Madine in the U15 1500m. She kept her head in the first few laps and then opened the throttle to sail into the lead in a PB of 4.52.  Anna Gardiner hung on well to take third spot in the same race (5.10)  In a valiant effort in the U13 1500m Jodi Foster also made podium in 3rd place (5.23) .

Other results as follows based on times of all heats.

U11 600m Alex Robinson 8th/28 -2.07 minutes

U11 Cricket ball throw – Alex Robinson 15th/23

U11 60m Kari Foster 9th/24 -(10.43 secs)

U11 Long Jump Kari Foster 7th/22 (2.73m)

U13 200m Ollie Robinson 4th/20  (29.42 secs) Kieran Trainor 14th ( 33.6 secs)

U13 1500m Ollie Robinson 11th/13 (5.39)

U15  200m Kara Trainor  14th/20 (30.16 secs)

Senior 800m Edie Carroll 4th/8 (2.32 mins)

BALLYNAHINCH LIONS 5 and 10K

Saturday 27th April bore the brunt of Storm Hannah and unfortunately Ballynahinch Lions 10K was postponed as a result. The fierce wind and heavy rain was not conducive to a family fun run and although the 10K runners may have been hardier the decision was made to seek an alternative date for safety reasons.

MOURNE HIGHLINE MOUNTAIN RACE

At noon on Saturday, the Mourne Highline which is included in the British Mountain Running Championships, did go ahead albeit with an alteration to the route. The course includes a fast climb up the Granite Trail (which had the added issue of a river running down it courtesy of Storm Hannah) as far as the Quarry and on via the Glen River path to the summit of Commedagh and then a technical and somewhat hazardous descent.  It was a tough one by all accounts and the fact that the first 22 places went to runners from England, Scotland and Wales indicates the kudos that is attributed to this race. Neil Andrews took an impressive 53rd place in 1 hour 15. Gavin Hynds and Niall Gibney slugged it out against the elements and were rewarded with 101st and 117th positions respectively just a couple of minutes between them. There were 234 finishers in all so their placings are noteworthy indeed.

LONDON MINI-MARATHON

London Mini Marathon – There were 3 girls from East Down who were selected as a result of their performances in the Ulster Schools’ Cross Country to run in the prestigious Mini Marathon which is a 3 mile run down the Mall in advance of the main London Marathon. To have the chance to run in front of the huge hordes of spectators is special indeed. Kirsti Foster who was also there last year was looking to improve on her performance from 2019 but now in the U15 event. Anna Gardiner and Lucy Foster had no idea what to expect!  In the end all 3 girls did themselves proud. Kirsti completed in 17.55 which was nearly 90 seconds quicker than last year and put her 27th overall and the first of the NI athletes home in that age group. In the U13 age group, Lucy was 25th (18.36) and Anna was 27th (18.51) and they were 2nd and 3rd NI athletes home. These performances are praiseworthy and endorse their selection. Well done girls!

EAMS SERIES

Closer to home Clare Carson was keeping herself on track for Belfast Marathon and entered the East Antrim Marathon Series in Greenisland which had a 10k option. She was delighted to come home as first female and will take this as a welcome confidence boost ahead of Sunday.

Keira Proctor-Amos took part in inter squadron athletics at Mary Peters’ Track on Sunday and came away with 2 medals (first in Age Group in 1500m and
400m) and qualifies for regionals in Scotland.

NEXT WEEK

It’s an historic day for the River Rock Belfast City Marathon when the event takes place on Sunday next 5 May,  for the first time ever, starting in the grounds of Stormont Castle and organisers are delighted to say that the total running the full marathon distance is almost double that of last year’s entry. East Down sends its best wishes to everyone taking part.

Joe Quinn & Alison Carroll

29 April 2019