Dromore AC were the hosts and the organisers for the second McGrady race on a blustery and wet Sunday morning.

These junior races recognise participation with every runner gaining points for their club irrespective of their finishing position. In short- every team member counts.

Juniors from Newcastle AC, Murlough AC, Dromore AC, and East Down AC ran different distances which increase in length as age increases around the playing fields of Dromore Leisure Centre. Boys & girls from each age category ran together, a welcome relief for all spectators who didn’t have to brave the elements for so long. This also meant that there was more support for the later races.

The Primary 4 and under kids started the proceedings with the 14 boys running 500m over 2 shorter laps of one playing field. For many these children, this race was not only their first cross country race, but their first race. All finished with smiles on their faces supported by their parents and cheered on by spectators. Coen Canavan and Willow Keown both finished in third place in their respective boys’ and girls’ race.

Faith Kelett and Rosa Canavan ran in the Primary 5 race and placed in second and fourth respectively over 750m. Thankfully by this stage the rain had stopped but it still remained bitterly cold.

5 Primary 6 EDAC runners completed the 1000m course with Mack Canavan placing second and Tarynn Smyth placing third. Jude Kinsella, Cara Rogan and Amber Keown also ran in this age category collecting valued points in the series club competition.

Orlaith Keary ran a well-paced race over 1200m in the Primary 7 race. She initially jostling with position with Emily Kerr of Newcastle AC but in the end edged ahead to gain the first EDAC top of podium place for the day. Alice Taylor was the second EDAC runner finishing strongly in 5th.

Dillon Hynds, Oscar Keown, Rory Kinsella, Aoife Gilchrist and Annie Canavan all took part in the biggest race of the day joining 15 other runners over 1400m in the Year 8 race. Dillon placed 2nd, Oscar 4th & Rory 5th in the boys’ race and Aoife placed 7th and Annie 11th in the girls’ race.

The distance for Year 9 increased again to 1600m. Jarlath Price (EDAC) and Fahlin Murphy McKibben from Newcastle AC made their intentions known from the gun and forged ahead. In the end Fahlin edged ahead winning in 5.46 followed by Jarlath in second. The excitement for spectators was increased with a late charge from Fiachna Mcaleenan at the end coming in just one second behind Jarlath. Tomothy Irvine came in close behind in 5th followed by Willaim Taylor in 6th.

The final races of the day were the Year 11 & 12 race and the Year 13 & 14 race which were run together. Seven boys and six girls ran with nearly half representing EDAC running 2000m over three laps. Initially the pace was steady with most of the field together after the first lap. As the distance increased the runners spaced out. Alex Robinson was the clear winner of the year 11/12 race; in fact he came first over both age categories in a time of 7.49 showing his recent good form. Thomas Magee paced well but still left enough in the tank for a final sprint to come 4th . EDAC had a clean sweep for the Year 11 and 12 girls’ race. Sarah Gilchrist placed 1st ,with a winning margin of 30 seconds which can sometimes be missed in a combined race. Charlotte Barr placed second and Kate Jackosn placed third. Jacob Crawford easily won the Year 13/14 race in a time of 8.19.

Thanks must go to Helen McCartan and her team for the seamless running on the day and to McGrady Financial Services for their continued sponsorship. The next race in the series will be hosted by East Down AC at Delamont on the 28th January.