Portaferry 10 Mile road Race
Last Tuesday evening saw local athletes head to the Ards Peninsula for the Portaferry 10 mile road race, part of the local summer Gala. The conditions were warm and the rain had held off. The route covers the coastal roads and country lanes of the local area, there are some good flat sections of the course, but also a number of hills of different ascents and distances that can take the edge of a runner’s pace. With 223 runners in the 10 mile race and 70 relay teams on the start line the race was set and from the gun EDACs Caroline MacNabb headed to to the front where she stayed, Caroline has been in great form of late and ran a strong race crossing the finish line 1st lady and 13th overall in a time of 1 hr 01 min 37 sec, not to far behind was Neil Curran, Neil has ran this course many a time and enjoyed his run come in 18th spot clocking 1 hr 03 min 33 sec.
Dee Murray was the next red and yellow vest over the line he also knows this event very well and will be happy with his 30th position in 1 hr 05 min 58 sec. Barrie Atkinson was the next finisher with a strong run off 1 hr 08 min 22 sec. Sharon Madine was the final East Down athlete to cross the line, Sharon takes on any challenge and as ever put in a strong run finishing in 123rd position in a time 1 hr 20 min 55 sec. Some great results and a great local event, well done all.
Born to Run Sea to Sky 10k
Friday evening saw the 12th running of Born to Runs Sea2Sky 5 and 10k race. This event boasts an awesome route starting on the promenade in Newcastle and includes a mix of road and track before heading up through the foothills of the Mournes, where the runners will be rewarded by the stunning views over Newcastle and beyond before descending to the finish on the promenade. 841 runners from across N Ireland toed the start line for the 10k event, with dry conditions EDAC had one athlete taking on this challenge, Anna Gardiner has had an amazing couple of years on the track and in the cross country leagues and is in great form and carried this onto the road and trails in this event. From the gun Anna stayed with the front pack and that’s where she stayed for the whole race, crossing the finish line in 4th position, 1st lady in an amazing time of 40 min 06 secs, great running from this young lady, good luck to Anna in her future ventures.
Galbally 5 mile and 5k race
On Sunday morning the Galbally 5 mile and 5 k events based in the heart of Tyrone, is one of the local highlights in the road racing calendar with over 500 participants and growing year on year.
The races begin and end at Galbally Community Centre, where runners are treated to some of the local hospitality and live entertainment that this event has become renowned for.
The course has rolling hills which means some climbs mixed with some extremely fast downhill sections. EDAC had the nomadic running team of Suzy and Patrick Smith with Eamon Kelly to keep them company. Patrick and Eamon were taking on the 5 miler and were pleased with their races with Eamon coming in 76th position out of 275 runners in a time of 37 min 24 sec, Patrick was not far behind in 158th spot clocking 44 min 11 sec. Suzy took on the shorter distance and put in a great run crossing the line in 28 min 18 sec, 54th position out of 134 runners in the 5k. This is a great social event and is one for the diary for next year, but remember to bring you running and dancing shoes with you.