JUNIORS FLY THE EAST DOWN AC FLAG
It was all about the Juniors this weekend as the seniors opted for a weekend off. It has been fairly intense with cross country racing most weekends plus the Seeley Cup 10K last weekend so most were glad of the rest. Not so with EDAC Juniors Jacob Crawford, James Wright and Oliver Robinson. Keen for a road trip they were easily persuaded to travel to Cookstown where Acorns AC were hosting the Irwin Speirs Memorial Races. The intrepid trio were transported by Coach Paul Burns giving their parents welcome respite from support crew duties.
They were all entered in the U16 race, 2 miles in 2 laps. This was the first cross country in a while for James Wright and it provided a good test for all the hard training he has put in recently. Proper cross-country weather appeared with a vengeance for this run. The wet weather during the week made the course the ‘worst one’ so far this season as far as the runners were concerned with the ground very muddy and the cold temperature added to the challenge. Thankfully there was little wind to contend with. There were only 12 runners in the U16 race. Maybe other runners decided to take a break after their exertions in the All Ireland races last weekend. Oliver Robinson went hard from the gun on the first lap followed gamely by his teammates. The twisting course had a steep hill not far from the start and then the runners passed through trees at the mid-way point where fallen leaves were extra slippy underfoot. They all negotiated the tricky areas successfully and by the start of the second lap Oliver had a clear lead. He completed the 2 mile distance in 12.28 to take the win. He was almost a full minute ahead of next finisher, Jacob Crawford who came second in 13.15. James was third in 13.28 giving a clean sweep of the medals for the club. It was well worth the trip for all involved with medals won and another race under the belt as good experience. Well done boys!
PREDICTED TT – XMAS FUN
The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching and as a festive warm up – literally – members are looking ahead to Thursday 16th and the EDAC Predicted Time Trial (7pm sharp to sign in and warm up). This event is a 3 lap 5K at the Downshire Estate and the prizes are allocated not on speed but on the accuracy of the predicted time set in advance. Each runner sets their own time and some give a fast target and go flat out and hope to hit it and others set a more comfortable target and try to jog to meet it. The winners in the past have been as close a 1 second off their guess. There are also lots of spot prizes and the obligatory mince pies. All members are encouraged to run, spectate or help with timing and all are welcome for the refreshments which will be served at Prize Giving at the Downshire after the event.