Ardglass 5 and 10k
Last Wednesday saw the Ardglass 5k & 10k road races part of the local festival, this is a great local event which attracts many local runners. The course is undulating to say the least so PBs would be few and far between, and with warm conditions it would be a tough outing.
In the 5k East Down had six athletes on the start line. Adam Morgan was the first across the line in 19 min 58 sec, next in was Dillion Hynds, this young man has had some great results of late and will be happy with his time of 21 min 24 sec. Club stalwart Tom Mclean was next home in 24 min 48 sec. Another junior that took on the challenge was Alice Taylor coming in 25 min 38 sec with mum Nuala in the same time, Alice picking up the junior prize. Aine Grant was the final red and yellow vest across the line in the 5k, Aine is an old hand at this event and came in 28 min dead.
In the 10k another six EDAC runners took on the longer distance, Barrie Atkinson was the first of this group home in a time of 41 min 36 sec and grabbed his age group category. Deirdre Weatherhall was first EDAC lady across the line and 3rd lady overall in a time of 42 min 49 sec. Eamon Kelly was next to break the tape in 43 min 31 secs, another great run from Eamon. The only Taylor in the 10k was John and had a steady run coming in 46 min 28 secs. Journeyman Paddy Smith was closer to home this week and will be happy with his time of 54 min 19 sec. Wayne Giles brought the club home in 59 min 25 secs, a great outing for the club and a great local event.
Carlingford 5k Road Race
On Friday evening runners from all over Ireland made their way to Carlingford, for the annual 5k road race hosted by Glenmore AC. This event starts just outside the town and makes its way along the back roads and country lanes, finishing in the main street of this picturesque part of the Cooley Peninsula, with a flat fast course and good conditions some fast times were on the cards. Two East Down athletes took on the challenge, Gordy Graham had a great run coming in 27th place in a time of 16 min 20 sec up against some top runners. Coming in 89th spot was Paul Burns and he will be happy with his time of 18 min 01 sec. The race was won by Kieran Kelly of Raheny Shamrock AC in an amazing time of 14 min 49 sec.
Mourne Seven Sevens
The Mourne seven sevens is an 18 mile, 8500ft test of endurance and mountain skills. The objective is to climb all seven peaks in the Mourne mountains that are over 700 metres high above sea level, so the race takes in Slieve Donard, Commedagh, Bernagh, Meelmore, Meelbeg, Binian and Lamagan. EDAC mountain man Niall Gibney has taken on this challenge before and was looking for a good time covering the route in an anti – clockwise direction Niall came in 13th of 61 athletes in a time of 5 hrs 11 min. Niall was hoping for a bit quicker time on the day but overall was happy with his efforts.
Feile an Phobail 10k
Sunday morning in Belfast saw the Feile an Phobail 5 and 10k road race, these races are part of the local community arts festival and always draw a big crowd for both races. With the race starting at Malone College and heading out across West Belfast turning back at Hugo Street to the finish at Malone College. With cool damp conditions the dynamic duo of Caroline McNabb and Deirdre Weatherall made the trip into Belfast for this 10k challenge. With 926 runners on the start line from the off Caroline Macnabb headed to the front and stayed there putting in another great run finishing in 7th position overall and first lady across the line in a time of 37 min 31 secs, great result for Caroline. Deirdre after her third place in the ladies race at Ardglass in mid week was looking for another strong run and will be happy to just beat her time from Ardglass coming home in 40th position in a time 42 min 35 sec, a great mornings work from both of these ladies.
