A bit like buses, you wait for ages for a half marathon and then along comes three of them at once. Omagh was the third in as many weekends, following the Dune and Larne equivalents, and while perhaps suffering most from the weather conditions, nonetheless provided a quality race to equal that of its predecessors. Once again the 3 African visitors who swooped to victory in Jimmy’s Ten a fortnight ago were prominent and Gideon Kimosop, a live contender for the Belfast marathon title in a few weeks time, took on and beat Paul Pollock currently the top NI runner at the distance. Vincent Kiprotich was third man home while Selinah Kangogo won the women#s race – another very satisfying weekend’s work for the Project Africa Athletics runners.
JUST 4 MEN
Four East Down men made the trip and came home satisfied with their performances. Gerard McAuley certainly made light of the unfavourable blustery conditions, coming home in 1.28.36, just a few seconds outside his PB for the distance. Wind is the most difficult weather for runners to cope with as it not only provides strength sapping resistance but also upsets balance and rhythm – so well done to Gerard and all who came within 2 or 3 minutes never mind a few seconds, of their bests. Michael McKeown is well on the way to re-claiming his Mr Consistency title after an injury plagued 2014 and clocked a fine 1.33.12 just a week after clocking 1.32.57 in Larne. James Magennis was happy in the circumstances to break 1.40 while John Smith had every reason to join the satisfied brigade with 1.51.45 in what I think was his first attempt at the distance.
QUEEN’S 5K
On Wednesday night in a high class field Neil McCartan did not look out of place with a super 9th place in 15.40, and should be seriously considering a tilt at the Ulster Intermediate Cross Country title won 3 years ago by Brendan Teer. The last 2 winners of this prestigious championship, Ryan McDermott (2014) and the present incumbent Conor Duffy were 4th and 5th in the race, just seconds ahead of the East Down man. The most intriguing fact to emerge from the race was that Neil was happy with his time, an almost unheard of phenomenon amongst runners of every standard! Barrie Atkinson was also in fine form, clocking 16.19 for 23rd place with Francis Tumelty 17.27 and Caolan Atkinson 17.32 completing the East Down top four. Backing this quartet up were Paul Burns 18.04, James Smyth 18.41, the third of the Atkinson trio, Daniel 19.04, Peter Morgan 20.07 and Michael McKeown 20.20. Billy Logue 20.20 also ducked below 21 minutes with Kieran McMahon 21.17 and Roger Byrne 21.42 completing the men’s contingent. Clare Carson 23.55 and Mary-Jo Tumelty 26.50 were the only East Down ladies to run and continue to show improvement.
WORKSHOP WITH PROJECT AFRICA ATHLETES
Over 60 runners representing 5 local clubs enjoyed a unique workshop in East Down’s clubrooms on Thursday when Jimmy’s Ten winner and runner up Gideon Kimosop and Vincent Kiprotich, joined Jimmy’s Ladies winner Selinah Kangogo for a fascinating insight into the training methods, nutrition and way of life of our running idols from Kenya and Uganda. Certainly the Africans engaging manner and willingness to engage with one will ensure they have huge support from this part of the country on Belfast Marathon day.
BALLYGALGET 10K ROAD RACE
On Easter Sunday 5th April the Ballygalget 10K Road Race and 5K Walk is again the local event to look forward to and with free return transport from the ferry to the start there is no reason why many from this side of the Lough should not take advantage to sample the hospitality of our friends in the Peninsula – after they’ve ran of course! Race begins at 12 noon with registration beforehand in the Gaelic Club premises.
LIONS 3 LAKES 7K WALK/FUN RUN and 14K ROAD RACE
The third running of this increasingly popular event organised by the Downpatrick Lions Club to raise funds this year for the Down’s Syndrome Association is aiming to attract a good turnout from local clubs. Moved back a week to Saturday 16 May this year to enable recovery from the Belfast Marathon, the race and Fun Run is supported and promoted by East Down Athletics Club and their target is to put 100 pairs of feet on the scenic roads around the Down Lakeland. With an 11.00am start time everyone will be finished in time for family activities on Saturday afternoon.
Please give it your support
Joe Quinn
30 March 2015