Junior Athletes Excel

Posted on 11/05/2023 by Daniel Giles

Charlotte Barr competed in the junior girls 800m race at the Districts on Friday 28th. She placed 5th out of 12 in her heat in a time of 2.48. This placed her 8th overall securing her a place in the District final the following week. The top 12 runners from all heats, based on time, were selected for the final so it made the race very competitive. Charlotte had a great run and was again placed 5th in the final.

Congratulations to Oliver Robinson who was presented with the Down High school Senior Athletics trophy for 2021 /22. This was awarded to him because of his successes last year in the 400m. He is currently the Ulster School 400m champion, the Ulster club 400m champion and bronze medallist at the All-Ireland club event.

The Weekly News – 03/12/18

Posted on 03/12/2018 by Alison Carroll

A PERFECT WAY TO SPEND THE DAY??

Saturday began dull, damp and foggy, a typical early December day and the feeling of depression it engendered was not eased any by difficulties encountered with my word processing system. You know the sort of thing, when the machine which you are in total control and charge of, suddenly closes down and all your inspirational and potentially Booker prize winning prose is lost, without so much as a “Would you like to save this?”

Allowing for the fact that 2 hours slipped past during this session, when I should have been shopping or at least sampling the delights of some local coffee shop, you’ll perhaps appreciate my mood as I left the house at 11.30am. Even allowing for the fact that it was Seeley Cup day, one of the highlights of the road running fixtures and one of my favourite events, to which I was looking forward to immensely, I was not a happy bunny.

So after stocking up with some replacement lighting accessories, to lighten my mood, I paid a visit to Tel’s recently opened coffee shop and enjoyed a splendid latte and a toffee scone. The day was already brighter as I headed off to Belfast to my usual marshalling spot in Ormeau Park, with plenty of time on my side, or so I thought.

Anyway the traffic gremlins were at their work, beginning on the outskirts of Saintfield, where a street market which, on reflection, I realised I knew about, was causing long tailbacks into the village. However when you’re in the middle of a traffic jam there is no point in remembering the traffic bulletin you heard earlier, it only adds to your frustration. Does your memory do that on you too? I mean mine is perfect at remembering things it just has a serious timing defect!

JUST IN TIME

By the time I reached the entrance to the Ormeau Embankment on the Ravenhill road, it was closed off. Not only that but it was totally deserted so I had no option but to drive on, cross the Albert Bridge and turn up the Ormeau Road to enter the Park by a different gate. I made it at 2.10pm, just twenty minutes before the race was due to start. Not so lucky were a group of EDAC runners who were delayed in Saintfield and who only just made it to the start in time. So annoyed by this disruption to their pre-race rituals that several of them dropped out after one lap, which kind of put my day in perspective.

SEELEY CUP ACTION WORTH WATCHING

However despite all these negatives what a lift to spirits was the sight of the leading group as prominent was the unmistakable shape of Neil McCartan alongside a formidable quintet comprising Mark McKinstry, Ben Branagh, Paddy Hamilton, (the last 3 winners of Jimmy’s Ten) Conall Kirk and Chris Madden. By the end of lap 2 Branagh and McKinstry were clear of McCartan, Kirk and Madden and it was a superb run by Madden to eventually finish third. However one week after he had been beaten comprehensively in the Malcolm Cup in Ballyclare, Kirk produced a blistering burst of speed which took him clear of Neil who had to yield not only to Kirk but to the fast finishing Conan McCaughey. Although a little disappointed that he slipped to 6th position in the last 500 metres he nevertheless was pleased to have set a new PB of 31.25, knocking over 80 seconds off his previous best and is up for another exciting race next year, but with the intention of providing a very different outcome. He certainly gave all the spectators, especially this one, a huge lift in morale.

Neil McCartan 763 in full flight chasing Chris Madden City of Lisburn in the Seeley Cup in the Ormeau Park

OTHER and FORMER EDAC RUNNERS

A little further back Paul Lloyd as predicted in these pages some weeks ago broke the magic 40 minute barrier with a fine 39.27 timing.

Donal Smith suffered a bit of hip niggle but enjoyed the course and posted a time of 50 minutes dead. Gavin McConvey’s time of 54.20 was a course PB by over 3 minutes.

Eimear Degan, was one of those who only made the start line by the skin of her teeth, then proceeded to set a PB of 53.13 for the distance and was our only female competitor on the day.

Eimear Degan heading for a PB also Seeley Cup

Davy Foster and Dee Murray were within sight of each other through the race but Dee came out on top in the last lap, using his years of experience to cross the line in 38.01 to Davy’s 39.19.

I noted too Connaire McVeigh, a former youth member of EDAC, striding to a magnificent 36.21 PB for present club Newcastle AC. And it would have been hard to have missed Andrew Telford as he cruised round 43.20 wearing a bright red duncher followed closely by his friend and co-organiser of the recent successful Co Down 5K championships in Downpatrick, Mick McCreesh in 44.39.

HOWTH MARATHON

Another of those events which attract more and more runners these days this time brought 2 of our regular competitors and “one” who I thought should know better, to the genteel surroundings of Howth on Saturday. Phillip Vint, 3.38.54 was the first of the trio to finish what was described as 3 laps of an out and back course over Howth hill each time, the 6 climbs representing 2400 feet of climbing in all. He was followed home by the already referred to “one” above, Mark McDowell, in 3.46.1 with Declan Teague just behind 3.46.56. I think that concludes Declan’s marathon programme for the year with his total on 12 marathons completed. Stephen McCartan ran the half marathon as an alternative to the full 26.2 miles he had entered, citing some sort of flu bug as the reason for his decision. Unfortunately his name did not appear in the half marathon results as he is presumed to be alive.

Declan Teague, Mark McDowell, Stephen McCartan and Phillip Vint in Howth at the Marathon Event.

OTHER BITS AND PIECES

Lara Proctor- Amos took part in a Santa run in Loughborough while younger sisters Keira and Mia upheld the family honour with good displays in the 5K Santa Run in Crossgar, a race in which Callum Kent finished in 3^rd place overall out of a field of nearly 100 runners.

Lara Proctor-Amos in Loughborough Santa Run

Keira and Mia Proctor- Amos ready for the Santa Run in Crossgar

Pos	Bib	Athlete	Gender	Club	Finish
1	47	Kyle Ross	Male	Ballydrain Harriers	00:16:31
2	95	Thomas Compton	Male	Crossgar Harriers	00:17:52
3	121	Callum Kent	Male	East Down Athletics	00:18:46

Callum Kent – 3rd in the Santa Run 5K

CROSSGAR 5 MILES SANTA RUN

Roisin Gaffney chose to celebrate her birthday running the longer 5 miles race on offer and she finished in 50.49. A really consistent competitor is Roisin to whom I offer belated Happy Birthday wishes from all at Éast Down. Eamon Kelly was the first of the East Down contingent to finish in 10^th place in 41.34 followed closely by the first EDAC Female Clare Carson in 43.21 in 14^th place overall. Kevin Kelly was next in 47.52 followed by the ubiquitous Gavin McConvey 49.50, who had also turned out the day before in Ormeau.

Kevin Kelly, Eamon Kelly, Gavin McConvey, Clare Carson and Roisin Gaffney in Crossgar

Joe Quinn & Alison Carroll

3 December 8

The Weekly News – 19/11/2018

Posted on 19/11/2018 by Neil McCartan

JOG MOIRA CROSS COUNTRY

On what was described as a lovely Sunday afternoon and with perfect running conditions it was good to see the return to the fixture list of the Moira Cross Country though the course was described as twisty & lumpy with an uphill finish. Competitors found it to be a well organised event as we have come to expect from any event under the Atlas Running banner.
And what a day out it proved to be for the Foster family.

All the junior races were combined Boys and Girls contests over a 1K lap, and after a tough battle the winner was Jodi Foster with sisters Kari 4th and Lily not far behind. Little brother Jay ran with his Dad alongside him and he wasn’t last!!!!
In the U13 race, Lucy won the Girls title with just two boys ahead over the 2K distance. In the Under 15 race over a 3K distance Kirsti won overall.
In senior race Mum Joanne ran well finishing 4th and Dad Davy had a super race and managed to finish 8th.

Co. DOWN 5K CHAMPIONSHIPS

Sunday morning once again provided ideal running conditions the 2^nd running of the Co. Down 5K Championships on a flat, fast circuit of the roads around the car park and the inner lane of Lr Market St, in the count town,which had been officially measured by ANI officials since last year, resulting in the Start being moved to opposite the library entrance with the Finish now located alongside the Grove, in all 7 and a half laps later. Prior to the first 5K race for those who had earmarked over 30 minutes for their likely finish time there were 2 races for school children and unfortunately I have been unable to find any published results for these so am unable to make any comments on these races.

30+ CONTESTANTS

The event comprises 3 separate races, race 1 is for those who estimate their finishing time to be over 30 minutes, Race 2 is for those who reckon they can run it between 20 and 30 minutes and Race 3, is for the elite athletes who think they can run it in under 20 minutes.

EDAC did not have any runners in Race 1, which was won by Sara Murray from Emma Gordon and Mark McNally in 26.49, 26.50 and 26.56 respectively and 12 runners had crossed the line before the first over 30 minute runner emerged in the shape of Dympna Morrison, Tels Fitness, so the leading dozen should really have been running in Race 2, as they undoubtedly will have to next year!

RACE 2 ESTIMATED TIME BETWEEN 20 – 30 MINUTES

East Down had 8 runners in this category and clearly the estimated times of all the entrants were much more accurate than the Race 1 competitors had been, with only 5 of the 76 runners finishing inside 20 minutes, and everyone else coming home inside 30 minutes, the last being 29.58, an excellent piece of predicted timing by Phillip Keown. The race winner was Barry Kelly 18.55 Flying Horse flyers, repeating last year’s victory in only a slightly slower time, proving that there is plenty of life there yet, from Nigel Grier 19.11 Dromore AC and Alan Jordan 19.38, Saintfield Striders. The most accurate estimate at the sharp end of the field was Newcastle’s Gerard McAuley 6^th place whose time of 20.00 minutes was a new PB for him and left him safe for next year! Adam Morgan continues to impress and he certainly did not look out of his depth as he clocked 22.05.

Adam Morgan sprinting to the line

Cormac O’Hare battled manfully too and probably took considerable pride in posting 24 minutes against the 26.18 recorded by his Dad Shane. Well done to them – Isn’t it great to be part of a sport where parents and their children can compete against each other on equal terms?

LAUREN ENDS AWARDS WEEK IN STYLE

The first female to finish in overall 7^th place was East Down’s Lauren Madine 20.28, from Edwina Ternan 20.56, Saintfield Striders, in second and Lauren’s clubmate Anna Gardiner in third on 21.04. Lauren had cause for double celebration as on Friday night she was presented with the Ulster Athletic Council Juvenile Star Award 2018 for County Down in the Under 12 – 15 Age Category at a function in the Four Seasons Hotel, Monaghan.

Lauren Madine at the Ulster Athletics Award Night – U13-U15 Ulster Star 2018

The places and times of all the East Down runners are as listed in the table below.

Position	Number	1^st Name	Surname	M/F		Time
7	868	Lauren	Madine	F	1st female	00:20:28
10	900	Callum	Kent	M	1st Jun	00:20:46
14	954	Anna	Gardiner	F	3rd Female	00:21:04
25	979	Morgan	Adam	M		00:22:05
38	950	Cormac	O’Hare	M		00:24:00
39	879	Catherine	Gilchrist	F		00:24:02
54	338	Seamus	Savage	M		00:25:27
62	949	Shane	O’Hare	M		00:26:48

Catherine Gilchrist and Seamus Savage

MACKENZIE ON TOP OF HIS GAME

Only Mackenzie Murray took on the challenge of the Elite 5K and how well he performed. This was a very competitive race, run at a very fast pace, the sort of situation where an inexperienced runner could easily get carried away early on, get sucked into a suicidal pace and end up struggling for survival in the last few laps.

But not Mackenzie. He ran a very well judged race, displaying a maturity beyond his years and certainly belying his inexperience, to come home in a superb 19.00 minutes, 45 seconds inside his previous best for the distance. I’ll bet there won’t be a prouder wearer anywhere of the unique medal (in the shape of the number 5) presented to every finisher on the day.

Mackenzie Murray shows off his medal

ELITE MEN

The race as won in fine style by John Black, North Belfast Harriers, in 15.21 from Eoin Hughes Acorns AC in 15.24 with Steven McAlary City of Derry Spartans in 15.34 in third place. The winner was always in the leading group but only asserted himself on the penultimate lap to win fairly comfortably in the end. In fact the top 6 runners all finished under 16 minutes though last year the top 2 broke 15 minutes, but only 4 were under 16 minutes, over what has come to be recognised as a “short” course.

Position	Number	1^st Name	Surname	M/F	Time
1	874	John	Black	M	00:15:21
2	973	Hughes	Eoin	M	00:15:24
3	860	Steven	McAlary	M	00:15:34

ELITE WOMEN

The winning Female was Kelly Neely 17.28, City of Lisburn from North Down’s Rachel Gibson, 17.34, with Sarah Grant North Down 17.42 just edging out QUB’s Sinead Sweeney who was given the same time.

27	947	Kelly	Neely	F	City of Lisburn AC	00:17:28
28	971	Gibson	Rachel	F	North Down AC	00:17:34
29	866	David	Leavy	M	City of Lisburn AC	00:17:40
30	882	Tommy	Hughes	M	Termoneeny R C	00:17:42
31	336	Sarah	Grant	F	North Down AC	00:17:42
32	991	Sweeney	Sinead	F	QUB AC	00:17:42

“EXPRESS” STILL IN WORKING ORDER

Sandwiched between these two pairs of female finishers was the Marrakesh Express, former Belfast and Dublin Marathon winner (and of course the Marrakesh Marathon too) and Olympian, Tommy Hughes, now running with Termoneeny Running Club and looking as sprightly as ever at age 54. He too was credited with a time of 17.42.

This was a very well organised event which, with the official certification of the distance, looks destined to become a “must do” fixture for the top runners to aspire to in the future.

NEXT WEEK END

The action switches back to the turf next week end when the Malcolm Cup meeting is the top fixture. The action takes place in Sixmilewater Park in Ballyclare, where if present weather holds, the going will be firm and fast underfoot. East Down expect to field strong teams in both the Men’s and Women’s races. Action begins at 1.00pm with the Under 11 Boys and Girls half mile race and with races for Under 13s, Under 15s and Under 17 age groups there is something for everyone.

See you all there.

Joe Quinn, Alison Carroll

19 November 2018

The Weekly News – 17/09/2018

Posted on 17/09/2018 by Neil McCartan

2019 DEEP RIVER ROCK BELFAST CITY MARATHON on a SUNDAY!!

Great news this week with the announcement at the launch of the 2019 Deep River Rock Belfast City Marathon, that not only would there be a new, faster, flatter route but that for the first time the Marathon would take place on SUNDAY 5^th May 2019 in a long awaited break with tradition.

David Seaton Chairman of Belfast City Marathon Organising Committee made the announcement at Wednesday’s launch at the Glasshouse, Stormont Cottages, that the Belfast City Council, the churches and the traders in Belfast City centre had come together with the PSNI, Translink and the emergency services to agree with the Committee that the BCM like all the other big city marathons would move to Sunday. This, he added, would make life easier for shoppers and traders on the Bank Holiday Monday and also benefit the runners who would have the Monday free to relax and recover.

Officials and Sponsors representatives at Stormont launch of Brlfast City Marathon

Officials and Sponsors representatives at Stormont launch of Belfast City Marathon

WHAT WAS I DOING THERE?

Well as a low key member of the aforementioned Marathon Committee I’d been invited to several similar events in the past and not been able to attend but when I received the invitation to the 2019 launch the significance of the occasion was too much to resist. So I went along just to see who was going to be there and as well as Radio and TV personalities , Jackie Fullerton and Noel Thompson I had the privilege of meeting Commonwealth Gold Medallist and World Gymnastics Champion Rhys McClenaghan, who is coincidentally the Ambassador for AMH (See below). And a very pleasant and committed young man he is too, and also Shirley McCay a Silver Medallist in the Ireland Women’s Hockey Team which finished as runners- up in the recent World Championship in London.

Joe Quinn and Noel Thompson at BCM 2019 launch

CHARITIES

This year’s official charities are Belfast Arthroplasty Research Trust (BART); Cancer Focus NI; Stroke Association; Air Ambulance NI and Action Mental Health (AMH) so if you feel like helping raise money for one or more of these excellent charities, then take your pick. Though if you know about East Down AC you’ll probably know that the last mentioned is our much valued landlord and we’d appreciate if you chose AMH as your charity to support.

.BE PART OF HISTORY

So now it’s up to you – the RUNNERS. Especially those of you who complained over the years that it should always have been on Sunday and who wouldn’t run it until it was moved etc. etc. It has taken a long time and a lot of hard work on the part of Committee members and City Council officials to reach this milestone so now it’s up to you. Get out there and tell your friends, neighbours and indeed anyone you come across to train and get ready for this historic event, made even more attractive by having a completely new route, starting on Prince of Wales Avenue in the grounds of Stormont Estate with Parliament Buildings as a magnificent backdrop, and finishing in Ormeau Park.

FLAT and FAST??

The new route takes in all quarters of the city and is flatter and faster than ever before – so it’s right up there with the best of the other ones and suitable for PBs galore!. Though on a personal note I have to say that I always enjoyed the long haul up the Antrim Rd, it was a good place to make up some ground on the flat earth specialists. It always made me feel that all those hours running up hills around Downpatrick had not been in vain! Though I won’t miss the boring and featureless, not to mention, spectatorless run along the lough shore from Gideon’s Green and the soul-destroying Duncrue St/Link area which thankfully have been axed. However I reckon it’s only as fast as your legs can get you round it and as your “home” marathon it’s the one to go for. I did my PB there, many moons ago.

RUN FORREST RUN??

You would actually think I was going to run the race itself but unfortunately it is with a heavy heart that I have to admit it will not be possible. I would love to be able to take part in the race itself as I have completed all the earlier versions of the route and with it being on the Sunday too I will certainly be on the verge of tears at just having to watch. But then again I will be involved in assisting at some point on the course so I’ll still get my kicks wherever.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

To cater for all fitness levels, the event will include a Marathon/Wheelchair Race, Team Relay, 8 Mile Walk and Fun Run. An early entry rate will apply until 31^st October 2018

ENTRY DETAILS

Entries are NOW OPEN at www.belfastcitymarathon.com via the brand new MyTicket App. Details of the 2019 Marathon route can be found there also.

ENTRY FEES

MARATHON (UNREGISTERED RUNNERS)

Early Rate (ends 31st Oct) ………………………………………………£40

Middle Rate (ends 28th Feb) ……………………………………………£55

Final Rate (ends 12th Apr) ………………………………………………£65

MARATHON (REGISTERED RUNNERS)

Early Rate (ends 31st Oct) ………………………………………………£38

Middle Rate (ends 28th Feb) …………………………………………..£53

Final Rate (ends 12th Apr) ……………………………………………..£63

TEAM RELAY

(Teams of 5 in either All Male, All Female, or Mixed Categories)

Early Rate (ends 31st Oct) ………………………………………….£100

Middle Rate (ends 28th Feb) ……………………………………….£120

Final Rate (ends 12th Apr) ………………………………………….£140

RELAY LEGS

Leg A. Stormont Castle to Ormeau Park- — 6.9 miles

Leg B. Ormeau Park to Boucher Road — — 3.9 miles.

Leg C. Boucher Road to Falls Road ———- 4.5 miles.

Leg D. Falls Road to Duncairn Gardens —- 5.2 miles.

Leg E. Duncairn Gardens to Ormeau Park — 5.7 miles.

So why not get a team together if you’re not up to marathon distance yet and let them pick which leg they want to do? It couldn’t be easier. And get your entries in early to save some money – you can always donate the extra £s to you chosen charity?

TEN MILE RACE IN MAGHERAFELT “worth going back to”

Carmel Tumelty was the only EDAC runner who participated on home soil over the weekend when she travelled to Magherafelt for the Tafelta AC 10 mile race and was happy to record 1.36.38 as it was her first competitive outing following a break from running/training. It was made all the sweeter when she was awarded the prize for finishing 2^nd in the Female Over 45 category. The race was organised by Tafelta AC and it was their 1st race since they formed in 2016 starting and finishing at Meadowbank Sports Arena. The course itself was a tale of 2 halves – the 1st was relatively flattish with a few bumps in the road and the 2nd was full of climbs with sharp down hills but all in all it was a great event. Carmel and husband Francis were fulsome in their praise for the organisation of the race and the post race refreshments and also that the £800 pot of prize money which extended to 1st & 2nd in all Masters age groups was great for those runners who wouldn’t normally get close to winning a prize. Francis finished 9th overall in 1.02.26 which was good enough to take 2^nd place prize in the M45 category. Their final word on the event? It’s definitely a race we would go back to. So there’s one for the future for all those looking for a race somewhere different.

BERLIN MARATHON

Chris Smith travelled a little further than Carmel, to Berlin to be precise, where his presence frightened Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge to run the 26.2 miles faster than anyone else has ever done before, clocking 2.01.39. He still looked full of running at the finish line. Not to be outdone Chris too set a new PB, crossing the line in 3.29.01, which knocked over 4 minutes off his time in Dublin last October. So well done to him.

And while it’s still fresh in your mind, Chris, why not stick in your entry for Belfast 2019 now and go for an even faster PB? Or to everyone else reading this why not buy your husband/wife/partner/son/daughter/mother/father or even your worst enemy an entry now?? And save yourself some money if you do it now? Now there’s novel Christmas present idea!!

Chris Smith after the Berlin Marathon on Sunday 16 September 2019

Joe Quinn

17 September 2019

PS – My fellow scribe Alison Carroll has been sunning herself in Nice since last Thursday but she assures me she has not been idle all the time as she had to support husband Paul who was competing in an Ironman triathlon and who in spite of recent injuries which affected his training completed the event, which culminated with a Half Marathon run, in 5 .02.41. This placed him 120^th overall out of 2278 and 14^th out of 334 in his O/45 Age Group, which by any standards is a superb effort but given the heat which is a significant feature in the South of France at this time of year, it’s much better than that. Well done Paul & Alison as No.1 supporter.

The Weekly News – 10/09/2018

Posted on 10/09/2018 by Neil McCartan

MILL HILL MILE ( A PROXY RUN?)

As anticipated, there was a great turn out on Tuesday night for my favourite race of the year, the Mill Hill Mile, in Castlewellan. with entries just below the 100 mark. As you will notice my name doesn’t appear in the results which is down to the fact that I got my daughter to run it for me this year, RHIP or better AHIP (Age Has Its Privileges) as I am still incapacitated by my ongoing left knee problem. But not wanting to miss out on the fun of running up the Mill Hill, my daughter Karen kindly volunteered to step into my shoes, so to speak.

LAST MINUTE

It was very much a last minute thing as we arrived at the last minute before the race started, Karen hopped out halfway down Ballybannnon, where we were stuck fuming in the traffic while another of those damned road races was holding up all us angry drivers. So at the last minute Karen reached the back of the pack of runners just as the whistle / hooter? sounded.(Thanks again to the traffic jam I didn’t get close enough to hear what it was that started the race) and then she was off.

EVEN I WAS TIRED

It took me quite a while to overtake her (in the car) as she surged up the hill, trying to emulate me. I have to say it tired me out just watching all of the runners and I was indeed glad to see Karen cross the finish line in what was, for me, a very respectable 12.40. Well Done and Thank You Karen.

EDAC SUCCESS

But practically every other one of East Down’s 16 runners ended up with a winning place as, ably led by Paul Burns 4^th overall in 6.06 and first M40, the Robinson and Foster families, made it their benefit night. Oliver Robinson was the first Under 12 Boy to cross the line in 7.11 brother Alex was the first Under 10 Boy in 7.54, and Mum Marguerite claimed the prize for first Female Over 50 in 9.25. Callum Kent was close behind Oliver in 7.26. Mackenzie Murray posted a superb 6.42 to take the Boys Under 14 trophy.

Paul Burns – First EDAC home and third male overall

Hot and sunny at Larne 10k (234 runners in total) (Pictured: Seamus Savage)

FAMOUS FIVE FOSTER GIRLS

The Foster family went even better led by Dad Davy who was 8^th overall in 6.25 and 2^nd M40, only deprived of a prize by Paul’s effort. And then came the avalanche. Kirsti was the first of the five Fosters to complete the race, and she set the standard high with a time of 6.57 to take the Under 14 Girls title and was 4^th Female overall. Lucy clocked a splendid 7.01 for first Under 12 Girl, Jodi was next in 7.35 and first Under 10 Girl, with Kari only 24 seconds behind her and 2^nd Under 10. Lily then kept her end up by crossing the line in 8.45 to claim the 1st prize in the Girls Under 8 category.

A big turnout from EDAC at the annual Mill Hill Mile in Castlewellan

JAY’S THE STAR on his DEBUT

However they were not done yet. One young man, a brother of all the Foster girls was still out there doing his first ever Mill Hill Mile, and boy was he enjoying it! With a smile as broad as the Main St. he ran the entire way, happily chatting to mum Joanne and later re-united with his dad as he came into the finish funnel to the roar of the onlookers who crowded around. His time was 13.15, so why is it worthy of notice? Well it was Jay’s very first official race and his first go at the mile AND he’s ONLY 3 YEARS old. So welcome to the world of competitive running Jay, you’re a star already. There should have been a special award for him as he was running in the Under 8 Boys category!!

Jay the star at Mill Hill Mile

GORDY TAKES 5^TH PLACE IN LARNE 10K

EDAC had 3 runners head to the North Coast for the Larne 10k hosted by East Coast AC on Saturday. There were 234 runners taking part and Gordy Graham threw himself into the mix with pleasing results. He came 5th overall which is good going for a course with two fairly brutal hills on a hot day though Gordy thought that the weather conditions were almost perfect. He went out at a steady 5:30 pace and sensibly let the lead group go as they were closer to 5:00’s. He ran the whole way with Mark Smith (Mallusk Harriers) who finished sixth and was happy to outsprint him to the finish line even though both were given the same time 35.35. This was superb running bearing in mind that Stephen Scullion, just back from European action for Ireland had to set a new race record of 32.29 to beat second placed Ben Branagh 32.52 St. Malachy’s AC a winner of Jimmy’s Ten 2 years ago, and they are probably the top 2 road runners in the country right now. It was a new PB for the East Down man and as it came after a hard week’s training with no rest days, he had every reason to be more than happy with the result.

GAVIN and SEAMUS

Gavin McConvey was using the event as a birthday treat to himself and was happy to finish in 54.59. Seamus Savage went with no real aspirations as his training has been less consistent than he would have liked over the Summer but he managed to complete the course and said that he was glad that he had persevered. He found the second time up the hill a tough ask but said that it was a well organised event and he would return.

PAUL COMES UP SHORT?

Paul Lloyd was in Killyleagh on Friday night for the Atlas 10K and was 2nd overall which was an excellent result for this ever improving runner. Though his time 39.04 represented a new PB he doesn’t want to boast about it as he reckons the course was “short”. I say just accept it Paul as it’s easier than trying to explain to the uninitiated the peculiarities of road running. Anyway I spent 25 years trying to find a marathon route that was “short” so that I could break the 3 hour barrier and never found one!! Nowadays even the 10Ks are all “long” However he was thankful that he ran fast enough to beat the fading light as some of those tackling the Half marathon were finishing in the dark. George and Noreen Kerr took to the roads for the first time in a while and got round comfortably in the middle of the pack of 10k runners.

DECLAN STAYS IN THE LIGHT

Declan Teague took on the Half Marathon and was placed 12th overall in 1 hour 27 minutes which nevertheless was only just before the light disappeared. Given that, like Gordy in the Larne race he had a hard week’s training in his system and that the course was challenging enough, this was in impressive result, Declan! He has a fairly strenuous few weeks ahead as he prepares or the Belfast half Marathon on 23 September the Budapest Marathon on 7 October and the Dublin version on 28^th. Good luck in all of those.

LEFT IN THE DARK

It was noted with some concern on Friday night that with the swift onset of Autumn the evenings are drawing in and it was always going to be touch and go about whether the slower runners would complete the half marathon before it was actually dark. I left Kilyleagh round 8.20pm and it was quite dusky even then. That was 80 minutes into the race and with well over half the runners taking over 100 minutes to complete and the last runner taking 3 hours and 20 minutes to cross the line it must have raised serious concerns for the organisers about their safety.

24 HOUR RELAY IN SUPPORT OF AIR AMBULANCE NI

None of the EDAC members took part in the 24 Hour Run in the Park Relay on Saturday and Sunday in aid of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland. It began at 12.00noon on Saturday and was well supported. Our contribution to the proceedings was we supplied our large digital clock for keeping everyone appraised of the total running time throughout the full 24 hours.

Joe Quinn & Alison Carroll

10 September 2018

The Weekly News – 09/07/2018

Posted on 09/07/2018 by Neil McCartan

GREYABBEY 5 AND 10Ks ON FRIDAY 6 July 2018

Faced with the prospect that this could well be the last ever Greyabbey 10K threatened, like many other races on the calendar, with the planned imposition of financially crippling Race Licence and consultants fees from Traffic Management firms, what did the runners do? Only turn up in record numbers in the warm sunshine that has been a feature of recent weeks.

East Down’s only representative was Paul Lloyd who, on his first visit to this particular venue found the 2 lap 10K course incorporated a good few hills. Though he was not expecting a PB due to the terrain and the heat he wasn’t disgraced by any means with 40.29 which placed him 18^th overall. The pursuit of sub 40 continues to be a good motivation for future races.

THE MAGEE 1886 WILD ATLANTIC MARATHON

Given the extreme weather conditions over the past few weeks it was to be expected that our ultra distance queen, Linda Cunningham would find something to occupy any idle moments she happened to have over the weekend. And without fail she did it again. This time it was the Magee 1866 (it’s the name of a local business in Killybegs) Wild Atlantic Marathon which started in Killybegs and took participants along the coast roads, from Killybegs to Kilcar, Carrick, Malinmore, Malinbeg, passing stunning beaches like Silver Strand beach and finish in Glencolmcille. The course is described as challenging but the scenery is worth the effort.

Linda Cunningham (left) and her sister Jacqueline Moore pictured at end of Wild Atlantic Marathon on Sunday

A FAMLY AFFAIR

And not content with the discomfort that running 26.2 miles on a hot sunny afternoon brings to the body but she also spent the night before sleeping in a small tent, (which the pictures suggest that there was actually 5 in it) and she then persuaded her sister Jacqueline Moore from Murlough AC and her husband Gordon and even more impressively, her own husband Mickey to do it along with her and then added in former ultra addicts Michael Cultra, Oonagh Breteche and Liz O’ Hagan to the mix. While accepting that going for a breath of fresh air might be justified as the reason for getting out of the aforementioned overcrowded tent, I still reckon that running for 26.2 miles in Sunday’s heat was basically way over the top! But nevertheless well done to everyone.

Liz was the first to finish in 4.22.58 in 67^th place, with Gordon . 4.30 in 81^st and Mickey 87^th in 4.33. Michel and Oonagh were inseparable on time 5.40 and placed 126^th and 127^th and Linda and Jackie took equal times 5.59 in 130^th and 131^st places respectively.

NEIL ON HIS TRAVELS AGAIN

Neil McCartan ran a highly tactical 1500m in Bedford on Saturday as part of the British Athletics League and came third in a dip finish. The spectators were treated to Neil and his training partner (both coached by Mark Kirk) battling it out to hit the line. The times of 4.01.58 and 4.01.59 show the margin of the split which was in Neil Johnston’s favour on this occasion. A great race to be part of but even better to watch!

CLONTARF HALF MARATHON

Phillip and Helen Vint headed south to Clontarf Half Marathon on Sunday. This run is an out and back course taking in the Clontarf promenade – Bull Island – the causeway – continuing along the promenade up to Sutton Lane where participants then retrace their footsteps back to the start/finish line. The beach section was “hard going” and the heat didn’t help but Phillip was happy to finish in 1.33 and while no time results are available Helen was also satisfied with her performance.

Helen and Phillip Vint at Clontarf for the Half Marathon at the weekend

PORTAFERRY GALA 10 MILE RACE

Next Tuesday is the date for the annual Portaferry Gala Festival Ten Miles Road Race incorporating a 2 x 5 Miles Relay race. Online entry is still open at www.athleticsni.org and with the famous souvenir mugs only available for the first 300 entrants you’re advised to enter now. Entries will also be taken on the night. Race starts at 7.30pm so if you’re taking the ferry over you need to get the 6.30pm crossing at the latest.

A group of East Down AC runners all of whom took part in Saturdays parkrun in Caslewellan Parkt. Kirsti and Lucy Foster and Mackenzie Murray and Alison Carroll all got Castlewellan PBs

A group of East Down AC runners all of whom took part in Saturdays parkrun in Caslewellan Park. Kirsti and Lucy Foster and Mackenzie Murray and Alison Carroll all got Castlewellan PBs

Joe Quinn & Alison Carroll

9 July 2018

The Weekly News – 02/07/2018

Posted on 02/07/2018 by Neil McCartan

COMBER 10K

Vying for top billing this week are two of East Down’s top runners though specialising in two very different genres of the sport. First to throw his hat in the ring was Gordy Graham when he placed 4^th overall in the Comber 10K Road Race on Friday night. Gordy has been training hard to set a new PB for the distance but unfortunately he picked up a tummy bug in the days leading up to the race. Nevertheless he did set a PB clocking 35.46 in the hot conditions. So all round a satisfactory outcome even if he had targeted a much faster time. As ever there will be other races to improve his time on.

SPELGA SKYLINE SPECTACULAR

Neil Andrews was the other EDAC man to challenge the headline writers when on Saturday he finished the Spelga Skyline mountain race in 2^nd place in 2.48.46 less than 2 and a half minutes behind the winner, Mourne Runners Timothy Johnston but over ten minutes ahead of the 3^rd placed Mark Stephens Lagan Valley Orienteers. This race was contested by the top mountain runners from across NI and considering the blistering conditions and the fact that the athletes covered a course which measured 12.4 miles in distance and included 1,400m of ascent, these are tremendous times

This particular event is a bit like the “Hill & Dale for busy men”, as it takes in 8 of the “Hills” featured in the aforementioned series, which takes 10 weeks to do otherwise. Of course Neil had already carried out his recce for this one as he ran most of the H & D Series as well! Not to be outdone Niall Gibney also gave it a first timer’s go and right well he did too placing 16^th overall in 3.27.08.

Like all fence sitters I’ll leave it to you to decide which deserves the ultimate accolade of Performance of the Week! Perhaps a Joint Award?

MORE FROM COMBER

Back to Comber again where it was noted that Paul Lloyd also set a new PB with 41.17 in 41^st place and Joanne Foster’s 42.53 resulted in her winning the F35 category and placing the 7th Female overall. Janine Murray returned to the roads after the most recent H&D Series and despite the heat and the much firmer underfoot conditions, she posted a highly creditable 56.58 and finished just outside the top half of the near 800 finishers.

LINDA CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY AT EAMS

After running yet another marathon, the aptly name EAMS Skool’s Out Marathon, on a circuit near Greenisland, on Saturday, Linda Cunningham was happy to spend a few hours on Sunday celebrating her birthday with a relaxing walk to the top of Slieve Donard. As you do!! And long may you continue to do so Linda.

Linda Cunningham at end of Saturday’s EAMS Skool’s Out marathon

SLIEVE GULLION 8 MILE CHALLENGE

Donal Smith was the sole EDAC runner at Slieve Gullion Forest Park 8 mile race in aid of the Newry and Dundalk Samaritans on Sunday. With an elevation of over 1500 feet and the intense heat to contend with it was never going to be easy or one for a PB so he was pleased to complete the distance in 1.17.

Donal Smith after the Slieve Gullion 8 mile race

BELFAST INTERNATIONAL TRACK & FIELD MEETING

East Down Juniors Ella Telford and Erin Moore took part in the Primary Girls 60m at the international meet at Mary Peters Track on Tuesday night and posted times of 10.15 and 10.93 respectively which placed them 9th and 14th respectively based on time splits of the overall entry. Jodi Foster went in the Primary 1000m and came 9th out of 15 in a time of 3.40.93. The international races which followed provided a great spectacle and a chance to see some high class athletes in action.

Local heroine Ciara Mageean ran in the international 800m and after leading for a lap and a half she was out run by 2 Irish girls Claire Mooney and Sarah Healey. Although the race was won by Mooney, it was Healey who produced the most talked about performance of the night as the 17-year-old’s 2:02.76 was not only a personal best time but a new Irish Under 18 and Under 20 record and is the fastest Under 18 time in Europe this year. The previous record was set by Mageean, who finished in 4^th place, but nevertheless showed her true class and character by posing for photos afterwards, in spite of her disappointment at her own performance.

EDAC juniors Emily Burns (left) and Ella Telford (right) meet Ciara Mageean – Commonwealth and Olympic athlete

Joe Quinn & Alison Carroll

2 July 2018