In weather which had even the weathermen bringing in their seaweed the 5th running of the Ben Dearg Coast 10K took place on Sunday afternoon. No that this was the real surprise but that 55 brave runners turned out to face the challenge, supplemented by another 12 in the 5K and 6 in the 3K. Given that most of this latter group were primary school children it was indeed inspiring to watch them battle the elements – and win. The 10K race winner was East Down’s James Savage 38.31, followed by clubmate Michael Cultra 38.45 second for the second year in a row with Newcastle’s Martin Melville 39.14 in third. These times may not seem particularly fast but considering the battering every runner took from the gale force headwind on the road to Ballyhornan, they are little short of world class. Ciaran Denvir too posted an unbelievable 40.52 in 6th place while Mark O’ Connor’s 40.55 was 75 seconds improvement on last year and won the Over 45 category prize. And the glory keeps on going for the mercurial and inspirational Mick McCreesh who not only took 2 minutes 34seconds off his 2014 mark but also claimed first Over 35 prize. Superb running in the conditions and shows he is about to nail that sub 40 time very soon. North Down’s Terry Eakin was best in the Over 55 class.
THE LADIES
The Ladies race was won by Catherine O’Connor 42.09, in overall 9th place with the ever supportive Larne AC’s Kirsty Sharratt 42.44 in 2nd with Dromore’s evergreen Mary Mackin 45.47 in third. Larne scored again when Ruth Wilson took the Over 35 prize with East Down’s Lisa Milligan taking the Over 45 title.
5K RACE
Joanne Mills made a welcome appearance while on a break from University of Birmngham and comfortably won the 5K race with the first male award going to John McConnell. Little Fionn McFall ran all the way to show a great example to his dad Declan who could be very pleased with his sub 60 minute 10K time a little later.
The post race refreshments served by the hard working ladiescommittee and the good humoured banter which is to be heard in the clubrooms afterwards have become features of this event – it would indeed be a strong contender for the friendliest road race anywhere and is much appreciated and enjoyed by everyone who takes part.
SPONSORS
A massive thank you to the sponsors StrangfordFuels, BPF Roadmarkings and McCartan Sports whose generous support is much appreciated and of course a final Well Done to everyone who took part – they have truly earned the right to call themselves true runners.
JIMMY’S TEN
This year’s Jimmy’s Ten on Sunday 15 March at 11.00 am is fast approaching and runners are encouraged to enter now at www.athleticsni.org. Entries are limited to 700 and will only be taken on the day if this figure is not reached before then, but at increased cost. The organisers are guaranteeing to carry over to next year any entries which are not used so entrants should have no fear of losing out. This offer is unique to Jimmy’s Tenso the advice is get in early. And of course as well as the usual top prizes on offer all finishers will be included in cash draws for 3 prizes of £150 each thanks to the continued sponsorship of MB McGrady & Co, Chartered Accountants
Pacers will again be provided to help runners achieve their target times.
Further details next week an on the club website www.eastdownac.co.uk
Joe Quinn
23 February 2015