East Down AC turn out for their Schools 
As a result of their performances at the various District XC events over the last few weeks, many EDAC juniors achieved selection for their schools either as an individual or part of a school team to take part in the Ulster Schools XC Championships. This was held on a cold and blustery Wednesday at Mallusk Playing fields in Belfast. The course, which was very similar to that of last year, comprised of loops increasing in distance to suit the ages of the athletes. Although dry it was bitterly cold and cross winds made running tricky at times. The tail wind in the closing sections of each race was most welcome and allowed for some fast finishes.
EDAC had nine runners representing their schools but running in school colours made it very difficult for supporters to spot them.
First up was Jessica Martin running in the year 9, Minor Girls’ race representing Victoria College Belfast over a distance of 2000m. Jessica placed 59th out of 98 runners.
The Junior Girls’ Race (Year 10 over 2300m) had the most EDAC runners. For all these girls it was their first experience at the Ulsters which can be quite intimidating but also a great learning experience. Sarah Gilchrist had qualified as an individual in the Districts coming 12th for her school St Colmcilles, Crossgar. She placed 45th out of 112 runners. Charlotte Barr and Erin Moore both qualified as part of the Down High School team and came 41st and 90th respectively. 
Alex Robinson and Thomas Magee were representing Down High school and Rathmore Grammar School respectively in the Junior boys race over 3200m. Both had qualified as individuals from the districts. Alex came 5th in District A race and Thomas 14th in the Belfast District. This was Thomas’s first Ulster race and he had put in a lot of hard training over the previous weeks. He came 67th out of 134 runners; one of the biggest fields of the day and was pleased with his first race at this level. Alex, who seems an old hand at these competitions placed 20th. Although initially a bit disappointed he acknowledged the blistering start made pacing tricky. 
The Inter Boys’ Race (year 11 and 12) saw Jacob Crawford and Oliver Robinson run 4800m in a field of 117 runners. Jacob achieved a bronze medal at the Districts and was looking forward to seeing how he could do with the best in Ulster. Oliver, who admits his training has been reduced due to rugby commitments, had placed 12th at the districts. Both boys ran well staying close to the front in a very high standard field. Jacob finished narrowly failed to get the All Ireland slot as he was 16th but he was happy with how he tackled it Oliver did well to finish in 20th.
Anna for Gold!
Anna Gardiner was the only EDAC runners in the Senior Girls’ race (3200m.) She did not fail to impress and continued her current brilliant form by winning the Ulster Schools’ title. She went out hard to assert her authority and then controlled the race in a mature fashion keeping a close eye on the chasers. She crossed the line a comfortable 15 seconds ahead of second place. A worthy champion.
Juniors at Stormont XC
At Stormont XC only a few days afterwards there were 2 Junior races; U13 followed by U15/U17 both combining girls and boys. EDAC juniors had 5 runners in total. Freya Cushnie went in the first race and gamely ploughed through to the finish still smiling as she crossed the line. Then it was over to Jacob Crawford (U17) and Alex Robinson, Abigail Elliott and Evie Cushnie (U15). The numbers were a lot lower than last year probably a result of the Ulster schools Cross country races occurring 3 days earlier. There were 5 in the U17 boys race with Jacob easily winning in a time of 9.37, 35 seconds ahead of 2nd place who actually placed 6th overall. 
Between Jacob and the 2nd placed U17 there were 4 U15 boys. Alex came 4th in the U15 race (5th overall) in a time of 10.01. When races are combined it is difficult to know who is in your category and after the race Alex said he wished he had known he was in 4th or would have tried to close the gap to 3rd. 
He wasn’t sure if this would have been possible as he, like Jacob, was running his third race in seven days. Abigail had a strong race finishing 6th U15 girl in a time of 12.23 with Evie 8th in 14.43. Well done to these Juniors for flying the EDAC flag with honour.