In what is becoming one of the top road races in the country the 4th Gr8 Dundrum race took place in ideal conditions on Saturday. It was business as usual at the front end of the field as Brendan Teer made it three in a row crossing the line in 44.46, one second quicker than last year, but almost one minute ahead of the prolific Don Travers from Newry City Runners with the fast finishing Paul Carroll from Annadale a superb 3rd in 46.03.
PAUL BURNS UP THE ROAD Martin Willcox filled improved his placing by three taking 6th place in 48.25, and 23 seconds faster than last year and lifting the first Over 40 prize in the process. Paul Burns however was a revelation, cruising home in 50.41, a full 12 minutes, yes minutes, faster than 2012!! Michael Cultra made up significant ground in the last mile to finish just behind Paul. Next East Down man home was Declan Teague, recovering from shingles by running on the sand and posting 54.46, a little slower than last year but a very rewarding experience nonetheless, followed by Raymond Milligan 55.55 over 4 minutes up on last year, Michael McKeown 56.04 and Richard Gill 56.20 probably his best performance to date with Dermot Cahill attracting a similar description just 10 seconds further back. Cheryl Denvir led the ladies home in 57.12 over 3 and a half minutes up on last year to take the Over 35 prize with Catherine O’Connor 58.44 well under the hour. Tom McClean also improved his time massively to an excellent 61.01 with Sinead McMullan 65.32 and Ian McCracken 68.13 impressive first timers. John Manley, Lisa Milligan and Roger Byrne were all around the 66 minute mark, again in John’s case over 6 minutes better than last year. And morale boosting performances too from Paul Fitzsimons 74.55 Carmel Tumelty 75.38 and Oonagh Cochrane 89.35 – maybe next year I’ll get my body out there with you as well as my soul.
McGRADY’S FINANCIAL SERVICES JUNIOR CROSS COUNTRY SERIES Sunday afternoon proved again that Newcastle AC have a hotline to the weather providers as another beautiful day greeted the ever increasing numbers of children who took part in Round 3 of the McGrady’s Financial Services Junior Cross Country series in Tollymore Park. And how uplifting and inspiring it is to see everyone who took part enjoying the occasion, spurred on by enthusiastic parents, friends and coaches.
GRIDDLE RACE – ONLINE ENTRY Next local race is the Griddle 10k and 5K Fun Run on Sunday 24 November beginning at 12 noon. Entries will be taken on the day from 10.00am onwards but Online Entry is NOW available at www.athleticsni.org .
SENIOR CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE But before that the first of the 8 round Cross Country League begins on Saturday at the University campus in Coleraine. Members are urged to take part in this exciting competition, with 4 men required to make up a team while only 3 needed for a ladies team. And with points also being awarded for having up to 12 finishers everyone is encouraged to take part.
Joe Quinn 14 October 2013