On Sunday morning saw a hardy band of EDAC athlete’s make the trip to the Mallusk playing fields for the Mathieson Cup and Shield X Country organized by Mallusk Harriers. The competition is named after Megs Mathieson who is a good friend to East Down Athletics club. With bright but very cold conditions and the course in good condition, firm with the odd muddy bit with a number of short sharp inclines to break up the route.

The ladies and 60+ men were first up, with three 2k laps to complete, almost 4 miles in old money the runners were off. From the gun Catherine O’Connor hit the front of the pack and stayed there for the whole race, looking comfortable and controlling the pace. Catherine has had a great year on and off the road coming in first place in 22 min 23 sec to take the trophy. The second EDAC lady home was Sharon Madine, just back from injury she was pleased with her efforts on her first X country for some time, finishing in 59th position in a time 27 min 33 sec. In the male vets category Wayne Giles was the only runner for East Down and put in a great effort with a time of 31 min 58 sec.

The senior men were up next and with four 2k laps to complete and a top quality field it was going to be a fast race. There were four EDAC men on the start line and Adam Withers put in a strong performance finishing in 27th spot in a time of 28 min 27 sec. Joe Napier was next in with another great run in 30 min 09 sec followed closely by Daniel Giles in 30 min 38 sec in 66th position. bringing the team home was club coach Paul Burns in 122rd spot in a time of 33 min 16 sec. Great running from all EDAC runners.