NI & Ulster Track and Field Championships

For the juniors it was all about the track this week with a squad taking part in the NI & Ulster Age Group Championships. This was held over 2 days at the track at Antrim Forum with competitors able to take part in multiple events. It is great to see the EDAC juniors growing in confidence across the disciplines and there were some gritty performances as well as podium placings. Winning medals is a big achievement but the experience gained and the fun that is had being part of a busy track meet is also important. The weather at the weekend was rather mixed with occasional downpours and some blustery winds but that didn’t seem to impact on the enjoyment of those involved.

Photo – Athletics NI

Jessica Martin (U14) competed in 3 events with a 4th place in her heat of the 80m being her best result on paper. Her long jump was held in horrible conditions but she still placed 9th in it and 8th in the high jump showing great determination.  In the U15 Aaron Lennon was a close 4th in the 800m in a time of 2.23. The 800m was run as a straight final. His sister Hannah also acquitted herself well in her events – long jump, 100m and 200m. She was 3rd in her heat of the 200m and 2nd in her heat of the 100m but missed out on places in the finals due to numbers. Jamie Skeoch also U16 took part in both the 100m and 200m. He came 4th in his heat of the 100m gaining a place in the final where he came 7th. He also came 4th in his 200m heat. 

Gold for James!

Photo – Athletics NI

James Wright (U16) fresh from setting a high jump PB of 1.68m at the Down High Sports Day where he broke the record for that event, was out to make his mark. He did so by winning his event in style. He was unlucky not to clear the 1.70m height but 1.65 was more than enough to surpass the other participants and take the gold medal. On Sunday Jacob Crawford ran in the U17 3K which was combined with the U19 and U20. This might have been unsettling if he was tempted to try to run off at the speed of the older more experienced athletes but he stuck to his own game and slashed a good bit off his previous best time. He clocked 10.02.25 for a new standard and will surely edge below 10 minutes in the near future. 

Perfect pacing from Ollie

Ollie Robinson was in the U17 400m, an event that he is slowly making his own. He went out with the goal of even pacing and looked very much in control as he rounded the last bend. He took the win in 52.44 to secure the gold medal. With 2 Ulster Champions and a wealth of learning, the event was declared a success for the East Down AC Juniors.  Congratulations to Ollie and James on their podium success and well done to all the others who held their own at this high standard event. Thanks are due to Peter Morgan for co ordinating the athletes both before and during the racing and to the parents who helped out with transport and supervision. Hopefully the other juniors will feel encouraged by the positive feedback to have a go before the season ends.

26 Extreme – Mourne Way 10K

If it was track for the juniors, it was mountains and hills for the seniors. The Mourne Way 10K organised by 26Extreme took place on Saturday. Alice and Paul Brear-Clarkson had been the first Male and Female in the same race in 2021 and so they returned keen to attempt a joint title defence. It starts in Rostrevor Forest Park and makes its way to the finish via an arduous mix of trail and off road with a lot of climbing. Alice and Paul set off with intent and soon carved out a lead. Once they had dropped the pack they continued side by side for the duration. When the finish line duly appeared, they both sped up eager to be done and as one surged the other matched until a full scale sprint ensued. At this stage it was every man or in this case woman for themselves and Alice managed to scrape in first in a time of 46.19 with Paul one second behind. This gave them not just First Male and First Female but First and Second overall and hopefully no marital fallout! Well done to the two of them.

Still out on the road at that stage were the long distance runners – there was a half marathon, a marathon, an ultra and an ultra ultra! plenty of challenges for those who like to push their limits. East Down AC had 5 competing in the marathon. All seasoned campaigners and out for the enjoyment of the day. Dermot Cahill was fairly motoring to clock 4.13 on the hills and this placed him 14th overall. Joe Napier ran a solid 4.24 to place 24th. Declan Teague was home in 4.57 and Phillip Vint ran with Stephen McCartan finishing in 5 hours and 17 minutes. The heavy showers and stiff breeze took a toll and it became very muddy underfoot in the second half but despite this they all enjoyed the route.

Hill & Dale No.8

The Loughshannagh Horseshoe, one of the more demanding of the Hill & Dales took place on Thursday past. The 8th race of the series was blessed with good weather which made things slightly easier on the runners. East Down AC representation had dwindled to a hardy duo. Niall Gibney with characteristic zest was seen to be launching himself downwards on the mountain in a determined fashion to make it home in 52.25 in 23rd place. With a full field of 185 in this is a worthy performance. Further back but in the zone was John Taylor who was slightly less keen to hurtle uncontrollably on the descent and who can blame him. He arrived safe and sound at the finish in an 1 hour 15 minutes. Next week is the penultimate race in the series, the Meels, starting at Meelmore Lodge but requiring pre entry online. All details on the Newcastle AC website.