Sunday morning saw EDACs marathon man Philip Vint make the trip to Armagh for the Run Armagh Marathon. Philip, who is targeting a century of marathons, got his 90th done and dusted. It was not a great day for a marathon with cold very windy conditions, which made parts of the course very hard work and
Philip had to dig deep to cross the finish line in 2nd position with a time of 3 hrs 44 min, which is great going in difficult conditions. Next on the calendar for Philip and only just a week away is the Woodburn Forest Rabbit Run Marathon, good luck to him and hope he gets the recovery he needs, some going.
Saturday morning saw the next race in the Born 2 Run series. Antrim Castle gardens was the venue for the popular Run Forest Run series of races. Runners will make their way around the 400 year old gardens, with both races starting in the grounds of the gardens, the 10k route takes in the ruins of Shanes Castle where runners will enjoy some fantastic views of Lough Neagh and then returning through the immaculately kept gardens and woods at Castle gardens. The 5k is mainly in the gardens with a small section on the main road, so with a flat fast course and fresh conditions some good times were in the offing.
Anna Gardiner was the only EDAC athlete to make the trip to Antrim, and was taking on the 5k. Anna has had an amazing season on the road, track and cross country trails so was in good form. With 169 runners toeing the start line, they were off and Anna headed to the front where she stayed, putting in another strong performance Anna came in third position in the race and first Lady over the line in a time of 18 min 20 sec, we all need to remember that Anna is still a junior and is mixing it with senior athletes, an amazing effort.
Storm Isla on the 21st of January followed by Storm Jocelyn on the 23rd of January did little to stop the School District A Schools Cross Country at Delamont Country Park. Thankfully the winds had eased off but the ground was soddened and the underfoot conditions were described as very sticky by all the runners. At this event EDAC post primary juniors represent their schools so it can be very difficult to spot runners in different vests. The distances for each age groups were made up of various combinations of small 430m laps and large 1160m laps. Years 8,9, and 10 run in single age categories. The age groups then combine with Years 11 and 12 running together in the intermediate category and Years 13 and 14 running together in the senior category. This can add an extra challenge for those runners who are in the lower of the two age categories. From each race the top 15 get an individual qualifying place for the Ulster Schools Championships in 10 days’ time. Other runners can get to run in the Ulster’s if they are part of one of the top three teams.
The Mini (First year) started the proceedings with one small lap and one larger lap of the fields, a distance of just over 1.5 kilometres. Annie Canavan ran in the Mini girls race with her Assumption Grammar School teammates. She placed 42nd out of 137 runners. Dillon Hynds followed in the Mini boys’ race for St Patrick’s over the same distance and placed 36 out of 155 runners.
Jarlath Price ran the two laps (2320m) Minor boys’ race (Year 9). After a tumble at the start he recovered well to place 19th out of 135 runners and help his team qualify for the Ulster’s in 10 days’ time.
The Senior races were then shoehorned into the schedule possibly so the runners can be guaranteed support during their longer races. Anna Gardiner easily won the Senior girl’s title over 3.5 kilometres cementing her position at the top. Jacob Crawford, who placed 28th out of 42 runners in the 6-kilometre senior race, helped his Down High team win third team place and so progresses with his team mates to the Ulster final.
Cara Napier representing Assumption Grammar school and Abigail Elliott, Kate Jackson and Charlotte Barr all representing Down High School ran in the 3 lap, 3.5 kilometre race. By this stage the ground was boggy and the corners very slippery so keeping upright was a challenge. Cara placed 15th gaining a well-deserved individual place at the Ulster’s. Abigail was unfortunate to just miss out on a place coming 17th. She reckoned it was a day for strong calf muscles rather than her long strides. Charlotte placed 34th and Kate placed 70th.
Alex Robinson, with a June birthday and in 4th year, was one of the youngest runners in the 4.5-kilometre, Intermediate race. He didn’t let that put him off and had an individual qualifying place in his sights. He started out with the lead pack at pace and sat in the top ten until the last lap when the increasing distance and energy sapping hills took their toll. He was glad to cross the finish line in 13th out of 91 knowing he had done enough to get an individual qualifying place in the next round Ulster competition representing Down High School.
Mullusk Harriers held the first cross country event of 2024 year on a dry but bitterly cold January day at Belfast Playing fields. Although the sun was shining there was little evidence of heat and all spectators were glad they could keep their down jackets, hats and gloves on.
The primary school races started first at 10.30 with the girls and boys running a 800m loop separately. The course was mainly flat but had some steep inclines and declines going from one playing field to another. The Primary school kids only had one steep incline and decline but with the race effectively a sprint the hills were brutal. Orlaith Keary was the only primary school entrant and she had a steady race placing 7th in a fast field.
After the primary school races all other races followed a larger loop of approximately 2K with this loop having more steep inclines and declines to master. The outward side of the loop involved flat sections interspaced with two steep inclines. The first step descent was after about 600m with a sharp right hand bend at the bottom followed by a sharp ascent approximately 10m further long to regain the level the runners had just come from. This meant there was little time to capitalise on the speed gained by the short downhill section. There was then a long sweeping section as the course turned back towards the start area to start the same loop again.
Two U15 juniors took part in the u15 race; Cara Napier and Alex Robinson. They ran 4k made up of two loops. Alex made his intentions known from the start and headed out in the lead pack conscious of his competition from previous races. Soon he was in the lead group of three being led by Rory Armstrong (Lagan Valley, AC) and Luc le Blanc (St Colman’s, Newry). On the second lap Rory pulled away showing why he placed third at the All-Ireland Uneven Age Groups in December last year. Alex was sitting clear in second but as the distance increased, the inclines sapped his legs, and in the final stretch the pack slowly caught up. In the last 200m he was overtaken by Conan O’Doherty but dug deep to hold onto a very close third. Cara had an equally good run. She paced the race well to finish strongly.
The next race for EDAC juniors is the third McGrady race on Sunday 21st January which will be held at Delamont Park. This is an EDAC hosted event so all hands will be on deck for a successful event. Let’s hope the snow stays away.
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.
Ladies Captain Sharon Madine staged a triumphant comeback at the Ballygalget GAC 5k after a challenging six-month layoff due to injury. The significance of her return extended beyond personal victory; it was a heartening moment for EDAC. Sharon, a vital leader for the ladies’ team, faced the demanding course with unwavering determination, completing the 5k in an impressive third place among female participants with a time of 22 minutes and 34 seconds.
Her return marked a crucial boost for the team, as the Ladies Captain reclaimed her role at the forefront of their competitive spirit. Sharon’s successful comeback wasn’t just about overcoming personal adversity; it was a testament to the resilience and strength of the EDAC community, demonstrating the profound impact of having their inspirational ladies team captain back on the road and competing again.
Saturday 30th Dec saw the annual running of one of the most popular team races in N Ireland. Over 600 pairs of runners took on the multi terrain course, which changes each year to keep everyone guessing. With poor weather conditions early on the race could have been in jeopardy, but with a quick route change and improving conditions Newcastle AC got the runners to the start line. This race is a big favourite with EDAC and the club had 10 members in club colours or fancy dress. The rain held off and 1 344 runners set off though Castlewellan and into the Forest park and onto many muddy farmers fields, steep hills and tracks, finishing in front of the Castle on the campsite. This event has a great atmosphere and support round the course which is much needed at times. Well done Newcastle AC and the winners Jared
Martin and Thomas Renshaw. And well done to all East Down athletes.
