Hill & Dale Race 6 Lukes
Thursday evening saw race 6 of the Hill and Dales series Lukes Mountain. This challenging 7.2 km course starts and finishes at Meelmore Lodge. The race begins with a run up the lane and across the Trassey track. As the runners cross the river they start the climb up to the peak of Slievanaglogh, standing tall at 586 metres, hitting the summit the athletes will get to view breathtaking panoramic views if they take time to slow down to look. From there, they descend down to the peak of Lukes Mountain and finally, take a fast and furious descent back to the finish line at Meelmore Lodge.
EDAC had four brave souls taking on this challenge, with cooler and fresher conditions full body cover was required, so the race was going to be hard work for them. First to cross the line for East down was Joe Napier, on his first outing on the hills this year, he will be pleased with his run coming in 25th position in 47 min 17 sec. Kieron Keown who has now got the taste for this Hill and Dale capper came in 77th spot in 53 min 06 sec. Matthew Talyor was flying solo this week without his dad, and put in a strong performance in 134th, crossing the line dead on the hour mark. Lesley Keown who is new to the club, but has completed all six races so far, Lesley came 209th in a time of 1 hr 22 min, a great effort after some tumbles on the way down. Next week race 7 is Millstone.
Newry Half Marathon
Sunday morning saw the Newry half marathon and 10k organized by Newry City runners. The route for the half marathon is considered to be one of Ireland’s flattest, fastest courses. The race starts from Albert Basin, from there runners are directed onto the Warren point dual – carriageway on the hard shoulder. After reaching Carlingford lough, runners are directed back towards Newry, finishing at the Albert Basin. Daniel Giles was East Downs’ only athlete in the Half Marathon, he has been in great form of late and was looking for a fast time. With great conditions Daniel did just that with a PB of 1 hr 26 min 28 sec in 37th position. A great day’s work for Daniel.
Newell 5k and 10k
In Coalisland on Sunday morning saw the running of the Newell Stores 5k and 10k road races. Both races start and finish from the Cornhill in the town centre. With a fast flat course perfect for PBs. EDAC Catherine O’Connor was toeing the start line for the 5k and looking for a good time, from the gun Catherine fit the front and ran a strong race finishing first lady and 13th overall in a time of 16 min 52, a great run from Catherine.
