The fact that over 50 runners turned out on a bitterly cold but sunny Easter Monday evening for the latest staging of the Leitrim 5 Mile Road race was testimony to the hardiness of the individuals concerned and a considerable boost to the organisers and the surrounding community, still trying to come to terms with the devastation caused by the unprecedented snowfall in the area. Drifts were still piled high by the roadsides as the runners tackled what is a scenic but challenging circuit. The race was won in fine style by Brendan Teer, over a minute ahead of 2nd placed David O’Flaherty Newcastle with Barrie Atkinson East Down making light of a head cold to take third spot. Gavin Oakes posted a very impressive 33.43 for the undulating 5 miles and Cheryl Denvir 35.06 took 3rd place in the Ladies race with Lisa Milligan picking up the Over 40 prize even though she was under 40, 39.42 to be exact.

Earlier East Down’s Chris O’Connor was he impressive winner of the Fun Run ahead of Conor McCrickard Liatroim and Richard Kennedy from Lagan Valley. East Down’s only other runner was Daniel Atkinson who was not far behind the leading trio in 9th place.

BALLYGALGET COMMUNITY 10K
Michael Cultra was the only East Down entrant in the Ballygalget Community 10K on Easter Sunday, placing 4th in the field of 53 runners in 41.45, just ahead of a certain Ciara Mageean!

On Sunday past, Kevin McCormick and Colm McNeill represented the Club at the Decathlon 10K though no members attempted the half marathon run at the same venue.

A little further afield Declan Teague continued his build up to the Madrid marathon on 28 April with a relatively comfortable 1.26 timing for the Malaga Half, not a PB but nevertheless encouraging at this stage, as the real target is a new best at the full distance. At the time of writing I have no news of the performance of East Down reps in the Paris marathon. More on that next week.