Last Wednesday the annual Mill Hill Mile presented me with the early opportunity to put my theory about running at the front to the test. Indeed with Brendan Teer not running this year, I asked his permission to go in his place, literally. He readily agreed but as I made my way to wards the start line, someone fired an inaudible gun, blew an inaudible whistle or just shouted “Go” long before I reached the front and everyone started running. So I found myself at the back as usual.
Needless to say I did not make up the lost time. On my way up I came across a little girl, which is the technical term for “was overtaken by”, and I noticed one of her laces was undone and in serious danger of tripping her up. So while the thought never crossed my mind that if I persuaded her to stop and tie the offending laces, purely on health and safety grounds, I might overtake her again, so it proved. Though justice was one when she flew past again, laces still undone, and a vital lesson on trusting ones elders well learnt.
With 115 entrants this year’s field was the biggest in my memory of the race. My number was 111 and while I joked with my fellow runners beforehand that we should finish in numerical order, such an accolade was denied me by the efforts of the aforementioned young lady, condemning me to position 112. I eventually clocked 11.23 against last year’s 11.49, the first time in around 7 years that I have improved my time from the previous year. The reason this is a bit of a downer is that expectations are now higher and people will be expecting to see improvements every year. I think appearance every year will be a more appropriate ambition.
WINNERS and EDIE’S HAT TRICK
The race was won by triple Paralympic Gold medallist Michael McKillop 5.27 as he builds up to full fitness again after a prolonged injury spell. Just back from World Championships in Beijing steeplechase star Kerry O’ Flaherty was first lady in a time of 5.58, two seconds faster than last year and in 5th place overall with Ballydrain’s Scott McKeag 6.04 first Junior 16 Boy. It was good to see Chris O’Connor 7.31 back in competitive mode again and taking a good top 35 position. Laura Gardiner 7.05 was first Junior 16 girl. Edie Carroll 7.35 was first in the Girls Junior 14 category and went on to win the Stormont Park Run in 20.58 on Saturday morning and the Mile race which preceded the 10K on Sunday. A splendid hat trick.
THE YOUNG ONES at LAGANSIDE 10K
On Sunday the Laganside 10K, again incorporating the NI and Ulster 10K Road Racing Championships, saw several notable performances from East Down runners. Brendan Teer 31.54, as we have come to expect, claimed the scalps of two of NI’s top racers, Joe McAlister and Conan McCaughey, as he finished a commendable 5th in a high quality field, only Gary Murray, Paddy Hamilton, Stephen Scullion and Barry Harron finishing ahead of him. James Savage 37.22 was also impressive while Daniel Atkinson 37.26 was outstanding, finishing 4th Junior, courtesy of a classic negative split, as he maintained family traditions in this event. Both James and Daniel will be even more eyecatching and probably faster too when they don the new Club vests, delivery of which is expected this week!
SUPER CATHERINE
Meanwhile Catherine O’Connor, having gone through halfway with the big two, Armagh’s Danielle Fegan and North Belfast’s returning from motherhood Gladys Ganiel in 18.44, had the run of her life and was delighted to hold on for a splendid 3rd place in 37.43. Last year Catherine was 7th lady overall in 39.08. Next year? A possible champion in the making?
East Down’s only other lady runner was Clare Carson 57.43 who keeps chipping away at the times and
AND THE OLD(ER) BRIGADE
Declan Teague 38.22 had a good solid run while the 2 Liam’s, Keenan and Smyth had mixed fortunes. Liam Keenan may not have been overjoyed with his time of 40.35 but is a good indication he is on his way back to form and a negative split suggests he has not lost any of his his race craft. Liam Smyth posted his best time since his comeback and while he was hoping to break 40 minutes, a bout of ‘flu 10 days ago put paid to that plan. Of course his split time suggests he may have gone off too quickly but nevertheless 40.46 is a great time from which to launch his next assault on the sub forty barrier in his comeback career.
Colm McNeill was a bit disappointed with 55.56 but having climbed Slieve Donard last week he should be over the moon with a time like that.
NEXT WEEK
Next Saturday morning a big turnout is anticipated for the second running of the Shore 10K in Killough and with entries from Raheny Shamrocks club in Dublin there will b an international flavour to events. This is Brendan Teer’s home event and all local runners are invited to come along and support this superb athlete who travels the country to display his talents. All entries taken on the day from 9.00am in Killough Youth Clb. Race begins at 11.00am.
TONY OAKES, MBE
It was with deep sadness that the Club learned of the death during the week of Tony Oakes, father of our esteemed member Gavin. Tony had been afflicted with poor health in recent years and made the tiring journey 3 times a week to Belfast for dialysis treatment. The stamina and resolve which he displayed in dealing with his illness and the wearying treatment of it are tremendous examples to everyone and a noteworthy legacy. Gavin clearly has inherited the genes.
While Tony’s wife and family will take comfort from knowing his suffering is over now it will nevertheless take time for them to come to terms with his all too early departure.
East Down AC, in expressing its sincere condolences to Gavin, his mother, brothers and entire family circle, wish also to assure them of their continuing prayers and support at this very sad time. R.I.P.
Joe Quinn
7 September 2015