Coleraine Campus 5K

Coleraine Campus 5K appeared on the fixture list for the first time and quickly attracted a speed orientated field keen to test their time and pace over the shorter distance. The race, well organised by Ryan Galway, is one that will build into a popular event. It was held on Friday evening and there was a good buzz in the night air.  The flat fast course was made up of almost 4 laps in the grounds of the Ulster University Campus and for many it was a welcome change from the hills and mud of cross country. 

3 East Down Juniors travelled up and all were rewarded by personal bests (PBs) The event was divided into 2 races to avoid congestion with a main race of 156 runners. Ollie Robinson was 7th overall in 17:38 (previous pb was 17:41), Jacob Crawford was 9th in 17:40 beating his of 18:34 with ease.  James Wright was 32nd in 19:23 (previous best 19:54).

This was followed by an Elite race of 85 and Neil McCartan with only 5 days recovery from the Senior Cross Country Championships was on the start line. He made a valiant effort holding his place in the lead pack of eight or so athletes for most of the race but in the final lap when the group split, he wasn’t able to match the speed of Johnny Whan of Clonliffe Harriers who went on to win in 14.46. The top 4 ran sub 15 minutes and Neil was a creditable 6th in 15.02 just 2 seconds over that barrier. A good show of speed after his show of strength last week. Catherine O’Connor ran 18.54 and was 6th female to cross the line. All said that it was an enjoyable event and that they would recommend to others for next year.

Carlingford Half marathon

On Saturday Gordy Graham continued his campaign to Manchester Marathon just 4 weeks away. He was wanting a test of pacing over a half marathon distance (13.1 miles) so Carlingford Half provided the opportunity to do that. He was 2nd in overall in 1.13 a minute behind winner Michael Fox and whilst a win would have been nice, overall he was quite pleased with the race as his time equates to 5:30 pace on tough enough course. The last 3 miles were into a stiff headwind so average pace was hard to maintain.  He will also take confidence knowing that he did not taper in preparation as this is an interim race rather than the main aim. Declan Teague ran a very solid 1.33 which satisfied him. He also commented on the 3 miles to the finish as did Seamus Savage so it was clearly a trial for all. Seamus was doing his first ever Half Marathon and was cautious at the start as he did not want to risk “blowing up”. This wise tactic got him a 1.43.20 finish – a great debut time! Phillip Vint acting as pacer and running buddy all in one to his pal Stephen McCartan clocked 1.45. As often as the wind was mentioned so was the scenery as there were great views for the runners along the course. Another one to consider for the future.

Jimmy’s 10K

So race week is finally on us and all hands are on deck to ensure that the event goes smoothly on the day. On Sunday 13th at 10.30am months of hard work will come together to see well over 750 runners hit the streets of Downpatrick.

Gordons Chemists back on board!

Mark Curran MC Dental Laboratories – one of our new sponsors

Kieran of McMahon People Solutions came down to hand over a cheque!

It creates quite a spectacle so come and watch. With £200 for the first male and female the front end of the field will not be hanging around but you are sure to see many familiar faces with a huge number of locals supporting the race.

Phelim Curran – PCG Fitness – happy to support Jimmy’s 10

Tigan handing over a cheque on behalf of Duffy’s Killough – local suppliers of Flogas