2018

Posted on 24/09/2018 by Neil McCartan

CARRY ON UP THE CAUSEWAY 10K, HALF, MARATHON or ULTRA

Stephen Heasley took on the ultra which starts on Benone Strand and goes to Portballantrae then out to Ballintoy and returns to Portballantrae – 40 miles of madness which he said was “somewhat” eased by the scenery, which he clearly wasn’t spending much time looking at to judge by his time of 8h 25m!! Linda Cunningham completed the marathon distance Portballantrae to Ballintoy and back in 6h 26m. Sean Sealey (in the company of his wife Susan) stuck with running the mere 13.1 miles Half together with perennial competitors Eithne McGrattan and Bernice McCann who both completed 4.06.01,while Sean and Susan finished in 3.15.09. Though the weather was perfect, on this type of terrain the running is never easy and the times are purely incidental.. WELL DONE ALL!

DOUBLE DIPPERS

Sean was one of 4 members who pushed the boat out by doing back to back events. He also tackled Belfast Half the day after Causeway this time in the company of the EDAC squad many of whom are on the build up to Dublin Marathon next month. He reckons that the supply of cakes and goodies at the Causeway event made Saturday good value for money as he made sure to avail of every opportunity at the feed stations. He attributes his ability to do the second event to this considered approach but doubts that he would have managed a third race today. Two is plenty!

Clare Carson and Kevin Kelly ran Dublin and Belfast Half Marathons on consecutive days. Clare managed an age group win in Dublin and said that Dublin event was very scenic as it was set within Phoenix Park. She felt that both events deserved commendation for the organisation.

BLACKROCK 4 MILES

On Saturday evening at the Stephen Carroll/Captain Mark Duffy Blackrock 4 Miler Donal Smith used it as a warm up for the Belfast Half the following day. His 31.16 was 7 minutes quicker than last year over the 2 lap route which is some improvement! Carmel Tumelty also continued her build up to peak fitness in the same event clocking 35.11 while Francis recorded 23.34.

BELFAST HALF MARATHON

The EDAC squads gathering in the Ormeau Park for the Belfast Half Marathon

The 6^th running of the Belfast City Half Marathon on Sunday morning was again blessed with ideal conditions as the predictions of weather people across the country failed to materialise and runners were greeted by a nippy but sunny morning. A light cool breeze also welcomed early arrivals but it was pleasant in the sun. And then at 9.00am the record numbers of over 4,000 took to the streets and the city came alive. Kenyan Gideon Kipsang had little trouble in defending his crown and led all the way to come home in 1.07.48, well ahead of 2^nd place Vincent McKenna Acorns AC 1.11.44 and 3^rd man to finish Karol Doherty Letterkenny AC 1.11.11, who was only just caught by McKenna on the run in.

GORDY LEADS WAY FOR EAST DOWN

A superb time of 1.15.33 by Gordy Graham was to set the marker for an extraordinary morning of running success for East Down athletes. Not only was it a PB but gained him an eye catching 11^th overall place. Other performances of note were Martin Willcox 1.21.03 and Paul Burns 1.21.34 closely followed by Davy Foster 1.24.09 and Dermot Cahill 1.26.46. Next man to finish was “little” Johnny Erskine who revealed what he has been doing since I last saw him running competitively for the juniors a few years ago, mainly growing into a strapping young man able to look down on most of us now. He practically set the tarmac alight with a tremendous time of 1.28.42, a really exciting run from a novice junior on his debut at the distance.

NIAMH STARS FOR THE LADIES

Just behind Johnny came Niamh Kellett 1.28.59 in 234^th place, our first lady to finish, and another battling performance by this tough as nails young woman. Deirdre Weatherall was our next lady finisher, setting a new PB of 1.32.22 and indeed I could go on all night writing about the PBs which were set up and also mentioning the great runs of Paul Lloyd, James Magennis, Kevin Kelly, Clare Carson, Cathy Burke, Mags Flynn, Tom McClean etc. etc. and how good it is to see Mark McDowell back looking fitter and stronger than ever, but time and space does not permit. You all know who you are and how you did. And all I can say is that I really enjoyed watching everyone not only running well but enjoying it too. My old legs were eager to join you but unfortunately not to carry me with them!!

Cathy Burke, Mags Flynn, Joanne Carson and Sean Sealey after the Belfast Half Marathon

HALLIE and KERRY’S FIRST HALF

Hallie Jennings the only EDAC runner I missed seeing flashing past on Sunday, though I also missed the leader and eventual winner leaving the Park too, I must have blinked at least twice, was excellent in her tackling and taming of the route as she completed her first ever Half Marathon. Not only that but her time of 1.45.32 was more than good enough to ensure she grabbed 981^st place in a field of over 4,000.

Kerry Sharvin-Hynds Gavin’s wife who “won” a place in the Half Marathon through her work in Translink had just 8 weeks to get from couch, basically doing nothing of a running nature at all to being able to run 13.1 miles. She displayed huge determination not just to undertake such a challenge but to complete it. While her time was probably the last thought in her head her achievement is right up there with all those runners who attained PBs. We actually believe that her time of 3.04.59 is phenomenal in the circumstances. So move over Gavin, Kerry is a comin’!!

Kerry Sharvin Hynds – delighted to finish her first half marathon

GREAT CRAIC

Overall the camaraderie at the club gazebo on Sunday before and after the event was the stand out feature for the EDAC contingent and bodes well for the X/C season ahead. It is indeed great to have a bit of craic with your fellow team mates. I didn’t get to join in with that due to marshalling duties elsewhere and my only ache today is in my throat which was hoarsened yesterday cheering on your achievements. Thank you all and Well done.

Joe Quinn & Alison Carroll

23 September 2018

The Weekly News – 10/09/2018

Posted on 10/09/2018 by Neil McCartan

MILL HILL MILE ( A PROXY RUN?)

As anticipated, there was a great turn out on Tuesday night for my favourite race of the year, the Mill Hill Mile, in Castlewellan. with entries just below the 100 mark. As you will notice my name doesn’t appear in the results which is down to the fact that I got my daughter to run it for me this year, RHIP or better AHIP (Age Has Its Privileges) as I am still incapacitated by my ongoing left knee problem. But not wanting to miss out on the fun of running up the Mill Hill, my daughter Karen kindly volunteered to step into my shoes, so to speak.

LAST MINUTE

It was very much a last minute thing as we arrived at the last minute before the race started, Karen hopped out halfway down Ballybannnon, where we were stuck fuming in the traffic while another of those damned road races was holding up all us angry drivers. So at the last minute Karen reached the back of the pack of runners just as the whistle / hooter? sounded.(Thanks again to the traffic jam I didn’t get close enough to hear what it was that started the race) and then she was off.

EVEN I WAS TIRED

It took me quite a while to overtake her (in the car) as she surged up the hill, trying to emulate me. I have to say it tired me out just watching all of the runners and I was indeed glad to see Karen cross the finish line in what was, for me, a very respectable 12.40. Well Done and Thank You Karen.

EDAC SUCCESS

But practically every other one of East Down’s 16 runners ended up with a winning place as, ably led by Paul Burns 4^th overall in 6.06 and first M40, the Robinson and Foster families, made it their benefit night. Oliver Robinson was the first Under 12 Boy to cross the line in 7.11 brother Alex was the first Under 10 Boy in 7.54, and Mum Marguerite claimed the prize for first Female Over 50 in 9.25. Callum Kent was close behind Oliver in 7.26. Mackenzie Murray posted a superb 6.42 to take the Boys Under 14 trophy.

Paul Burns – First EDAC home and third male overall

Hot and sunny at Larne 10k (234 runners in total) (Pictured: Seamus Savage)

FAMOUS FIVE FOSTER GIRLS

The Foster family went even better led by Dad Davy who was 8^th overall in 6.25 and 2^nd M40, only deprived of a prize by Paul’s effort. And then came the avalanche. Kirsti was the first of the five Fosters to complete the race, and she set the standard high with a time of 6.57 to take the Under 14 Girls title and was 4^th Female overall. Lucy clocked a splendid 7.01 for first Under 12 Girl, Jodi was next in 7.35 and first Under 10 Girl, with Kari only 24 seconds behind her and 2^nd Under 10. Lily then kept her end up by crossing the line in 8.45 to claim the 1st prize in the Girls Under 8 category.

A big turnout from EDAC at the annual Mill Hill Mile in Castlewellan

JAY’S THE STAR on his DEBUT

However they were not done yet. One young man, a brother of all the Foster girls was still out there doing his first ever Mill Hill Mile, and boy was he enjoying it! With a smile as broad as the Main St. he ran the entire way, happily chatting to mum Joanne and later re-united with his dad as he came into the finish funnel to the roar of the onlookers who crowded around. His time was 13.15, so why is it worthy of notice? Well it was Jay’s very first official race and his first go at the mile AND he’s ONLY 3 YEARS old. So welcome to the world of competitive running Jay, you’re a star already. There should have been a special award for him as he was running in the Under 8 Boys category!!

Jay the star at Mill Hill Mile

GORDY TAKES 5^TH PLACE IN LARNE 10K

EDAC had 3 runners head to the North Coast for the Larne 10k hosted by East Coast AC on Saturday. There were 234 runners taking part and Gordy Graham threw himself into the mix with pleasing results. He came 5th overall which is good going for a course with two fairly brutal hills on a hot day though Gordy thought that the weather conditions were almost perfect. He went out at a steady 5:30 pace and sensibly let the lead group go as they were closer to 5:00’s. He ran the whole way with Mark Smith (Mallusk Harriers) who finished sixth and was happy to outsprint him to the finish line even though both were given the same time 35.35. This was superb running bearing in mind that Stephen Scullion, just back from European action for Ireland had to set a new race record of 32.29 to beat second placed Ben Branagh 32.52 St. Malachy’s AC a winner of Jimmy’s Ten 2 years ago, and they are probably the top 2 road runners in the country right now. It was a new PB for the East Down man and as it came after a hard week’s training with no rest days, he had every reason to be more than happy with the result.

GAVIN and SEAMUS

Gavin McConvey was using the event as a birthday treat to himself and was happy to finish in 54.59. Seamus Savage went with no real aspirations as his training has been less consistent than he would have liked over the Summer but he managed to complete the course and said that he was glad that he had persevered. He found the second time up the hill a tough ask but said that it was a well organised event and he would return.

PAUL COMES UP SHORT?

Paul Lloyd was in Killyleagh on Friday night for the Atlas 10K and was 2nd overall which was an excellent result for this ever improving runner. Though his time 39.04 represented a new PB he doesn’t want to boast about it as he reckons the course was “short”. I say just accept it Paul as it’s easier than trying to explain to the uninitiated the peculiarities of road running. Anyway I spent 25 years trying to find a marathon route that was “short” so that I could break the 3 hour barrier and never found one!! Nowadays even the 10Ks are all “long” However he was thankful that he ran fast enough to beat the fading light as some of those tackling the Half marathon were finishing in the dark. George and Noreen Kerr took to the roads for the first time in a while and got round comfortably in the middle of the pack of 10k runners.

DECLAN STAYS IN THE LIGHT

Declan Teague took on the Half Marathon and was placed 12th overall in 1 hour 27 minutes which nevertheless was only just before the light disappeared. Given that, like Gordy in the Larne race he had a hard week’s training in his system and that the course was challenging enough, this was in impressive result, Declan! He has a fairly strenuous few weeks ahead as he prepares or the Belfast half Marathon on 23 September the Budapest Marathon on 7 October and the Dublin version on 28^th. Good luck in all of those.

LEFT IN THE DARK

It was noted with some concern on Friday night that with the swift onset of Autumn the evenings are drawing in and it was always going to be touch and go about whether the slower runners would complete the half marathon before it was actually dark. I left Kilyleagh round 8.20pm and it was quite dusky even then. That was 80 minutes into the race and with well over half the runners taking over 100 minutes to complete and the last runner taking 3 hours and 20 minutes to cross the line it must have raised serious concerns for the organisers about their safety.

24 HOUR RELAY IN SUPPORT OF AIR AMBULANCE NI

None of the EDAC members took part in the 24 Hour Run in the Park Relay on Saturday and Sunday in aid of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland. It began at 12.00noon on Saturday and was well supported. Our contribution to the proceedings was we supplied our large digital clock for keeping everyone appraised of the total running time throughout the full 24 hours.

Joe Quinn & Alison Carroll

10 September 2018

The Weekly News – 27/08/2018

Posted on 27/08/2018 by Neil McCartan

SLIEVE CROOB

One that almost got away is the Slieve Croob Challenge which took place on 13 August. I just noticed that Davy Foster recorded 45.11 and 7^th place for the 10K climb (twice up to the top and back) while Joanne wasn’t too far behind in 48.26 which gave her 3^rd placed Female and overall 14^th place.

NORTH DOWN OPEN MEETING on TUESDAY

Having brought some of his talented family to Bangor Sportsplex for the North Down Open Meeting on Tuesday 21^st August, Davy thought he might as well test his nerve on the track and found he quite enjoyed the new terrain. His time of 10.32.8 for the 3 K race was bang in the middle of the 25 runners in his heat but would have been worth 2nd place in the first heat that took place over the same distance.

LAUREN, LUCY and KIRSTI STAR

On the same evening Lauren Madine 2.34.3 not only won her heat of the 800 metres but also recorded the fastest time overall in the Girls Under13 category with Lucy Foster clocking 2.39.7 second fastest U13 on the night across the two heats. Lucy’s big sister Kirsti recorded the quickest U15 Girls time 2.36.0 which meant it was a very successful night all round.

Davy Foster with daughters Lucy and Kirsti at Bangor North Down AC Meet

STRANGFORD FESTIVAL 5 and 10K

This is one of the most popular of the local races during the Summer months and the hard working Festival Committee are to be praised for their efforts in putting on such an enjoyable event. Almost 300 runners took part this year, between the 5 and 10K races and the 5K was won by Peter Gracey from his brother James and East Down’s Mackenzie Murray only missed out on a podium place when he was edged into 4^th place by Maol Larkin, on the run in though his time of 21.51 was outstanding over the challenging course. It is a mix of road and trail with a good, few hills or as runners describe it perhaps more precisely “with a few, good hills!” But Mackenzie was not too disappointed as he picked up the 1^st Male Junior prize for his efforts. Emily Burns, who is taking every opportunity to keep fit while the club is on its Summer break, again proved what good shape she is in by claiming the 1^st Female Junior prize in 25.11. Gillian Grant and Patricia Carson were two East Down newcomers who took part in the 5K and who will undoubtedly be itching for the next race to further improve their times.

Mackenzie Murray first Junior at Strangford 5K

AARON NAILS THE TOP SPOT

The 10K was won in fine style by East Down’s London based Aaron McGrady who is home for a few weeks and he was not really troubled in clocking 34.44 to finish over 2 minutes clear of second placed Nicky Napier unattached, 37.06 and third placed Sean McAllister St Peter’s AC 37.32. The Women’s race was won in equally impressive style by Jog Lisburn’s Karen Wilton in 38.04, taking overall 4^th place and one of only 11 finishers to break the 40 minute barrier, perhaps an indication of just how tough the route was?

There was plenty of EDAC representation as shown in the table below.

Pos		First Name	Surname	M/F	Cat	Chip Time
1	289	Aaron	McGrady	M	MO	0:34:44	10k
22	210	Dermot	Cahill	M	M35	0:42:38	10k
24	317	Colin	Shields	M	M40	0:43:03	10k
25	288	Joe	Napier	M	M40	0:43:20	10k
46	272	Gareth	Kelly	M	M35	0:47:26	10k
50	256	Gareth	Reilly	M	M40	0:48:41	10k
53	335	Donal	Smith	M	M45	0:48:54	10k
56	298	John	Manley	M	M50	0:49:18	10k
77	329	Catherine	Gilchrist	F	F40	0:52:34	10k
82	297	Janine	Murray	F	FO	0:52:45	10k
86	338	Eamon	Kelly	M	M45	0:53:09	10k
96	745	Adam	Morgan	M	MO	0:54:27	10k
118	302	Éimear	Degan	F	FO	0:59:29	10k
123	301	Cathy	Flinn	F	F35	1:00:28	10k

ADAM DOUBLES UP

Worth mentioning is the performance of Adam Morgan who set off to run the 5K and clearly found it much too short so he carried on and completed his first ever 10K. Not only that but his time of 54.27 should be reduced considerably as he left the start line at least 3 minutes after the 10K field. So Well Done Adam.

SENIORS TREBLE UP

I have also been asked to mention that several of the East Down contingent, including Dermot Cahill and Gareth Kelly, had already run over 13 miles before they did the 10K, as part of their build up to the Dublin marathon, though it still begs the question “What took you so long?” And a big welcome to Joe Napier and Eamon Kelly who were first timers in the East Down “colours”

RATHLIN RUN on SATURDAY

On Saturday, Gavin McConvey, apparently working through some sort of bucket list, duly completed the 10 Mile Rathlin Run, having caught the early morning crossing from Ballycastle. He used this as his excuse for only spectating on Friday night in Strangford, so this is just to let you know that all these things are checked out Gavin!! His comment that he found it a real challenge coincided with my own memory of running the 10 miles there in 2002, that it was a tough, undulating though very scenic course, and his time of 1.41.42 was more than respectable in these circumstances. My other abiding memory of Rathlin is that there was only one tree on it, though perhaps there are more now? Or perhaps there is one less?

MULTI-EVENTS COMPETITION at MPT on SUNDAY

Again it was the Junior members who took part in this event on Sunday where everyone got the chance to participate in 5 events and were scored on their performances in each as in the pentathlon. The events were 70 metres Hurdles, Shot Putt, High Jump, Long Jump and 800 metres.

LAUREN & KIRSTI TOP OF THE PILE

Lauren Madine was in great form throughout and won the Girls U13 with a really versatile performance, picking up 2037 points in the process.

Anna Gardiner and Lucy Foster also competed and scored 1470 and 1129 points for 6^th and 12^th places respectively. Kirsti Foster also gave her all in the Girls Under 15 competition where she scored 1295 points and posted the fastest 800 metres time on the night. In fact her time was not only best in her age group and the Under 13 category also but was bettered by only one runner in the Under 17 category.

This must be a great boost for all the coaches who are involved with the Juniors and represents a tremendous breadth of talent in the Club.

Lauren Madine – 1st in U13 Multi Event Championships in Mary Peter’s Track

Anna Gardiner, Lucy Foster, Lauren Madine and Kirsti Foster at Mary Peter’s Track

SUNDAY in CARRICK

Eimear Degan travelled all the way to Carrickfergus on Sunday afternoon for the Storming of the Castle 10K and recorded a PB of 54.14 – over 5 mins quicker than her time in Strangford on Friday night.

Storming the Castle 10k in Carrickfergus – Matthew Brown and Eimear Degan

AND IN ARMAGH AND KILDARE

Stephen Heasley travelled to Armagh on Sunday to take part in a 4 x 10K route with an extra loop to complete another marathon, an event in which Linda Cunningham also participated while….

…..A little further afield Phillip Vint ran very well to take 2^nd place in the Staplestown Marathon in a time of 3.16 while Helen was more than pleased with her 2.08 in the Half marathon.

Phillip Vint 2nd at Staplestown Marathon

That’s all for now folks.

Joe Quinn & Alison Carroll

27 August 2018

The Weekly News – 20/08/2018

Posted on 20/08/2018 by Neil McCartan

A serious number of races and runs to cover this week folks so apologies if you don’t get a mention!

RATHFRILAND 10K on WEDNESDAY

First off the start line was Gavin McConvey who took on the hills around Rathfriland on Wednesday night and could be well pleased with clocking 55.26 for the 10K, which took him into the top 100, finishing in 97^th out of 163.

And could the Connaire McVeigh who placed 6^th in 38.14 really be the Connaire McVeigh who once starred as a junior with EDAC? I know he had taken part in a few cross country races recently and was always a competitive character. So welcome back Connaire if it was you and if it wasn’t, Well Done to whoever it was!

FRIDAY NIGHT PROSECCO 5K RUN

I know those words don’t actually go together very well but nevertheless that was the name of the event which took place on Friday evening in Castleward Estate, with what looked like well over 300 competitors. Competitors is a loosely applied term in this instance, as many may appeared to have just joined in at the mention of the aforementioned bubbly, while on their way home from some late night revels! At the time of writing there are no published results but suffice to say that the reason for my surmising about the character of the participants is purely on the information that East Down was represented by Chris and Aaron Smith, Roisin Gaffney, Hallie Jennings, Eithne McGrattan and Bernice McCann. So enough said!! It was great to see Hallie Jennings taking part in this event as like Connaire (see 2^nd para) Hallie is a former junior with the club. Even more pleasing to discover that she has rejoined the club and is turning out to be a regular at Club sessions. Good to have you in the ranks. The net result of the event was that sufficient funds were raise to purchase 2 defibrillators.

Roisin Gaffney and Hallie Jennings – Prosecco Run at Castleward

DAMBUSTER HALF MARATHON on SATURDAY

On Saturday Gordy Graham posted the most significant result of his ever improving season when he won the Dambuster’s Half Marathon in impressive style! This is by no means an easy route which makes his winning time of 1.19.50 all the more eyecatching, and taking into account that he beat two of the toughest half marathoners in the country, Chris McCaffrey and Don Travers, into 2^nd and 3^rd places respectively, it is certainly a noteworthy coup.

1	157	Gordy	Graham	M	MO	1:19:51	1:19:50
2	193	Chris	McCaffrey	M	M35	1:20:16	1:20:15
3	245	Don	Travers	M	M40	1:21:08	1:21:06

Niamh Kellett was 4th lady clocking 1.33.02 and Phillip Vint making an appearance in the relatively short, for him anyway, half marathon distance of 13.1 miles, was 34^th in 1.35.15.

Dambusters Half Marathon podium – Chris McCaffrey 2^nd , Gordy Graham Winner and Don Travers 3^rd

MARTIN and CALLUM KEEP EDAC in the FRAME in the SHORTER RACES

The Dambusters is now a 3 race event with 10K and 5K distances also on offer and East Down also played prominent roles in both. Martin Willcox was 3^rd in the 10K race in 37.11 and Callum Kent was 8th overall in the 5K in 21.34 as he continues to challenge the best in his age group and in the senior categories as well.

Stephen O’Gorman Dromore AC 2. Stuart Farmer The Pride of Fulham RC 3. Martin Willcox East Down AC – Born2run Dambuster 10k

Callum Kent – Dambusters 5k

SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN

Lauren Madine left it to a more sober Sunday morning setting to undertake her latest outing and made it a successful one much as usual these days by placing overall 4^th but first female in the Connswater 5K on Sunday in 20.41. Katrina Hynds also ran the 5K and was happy to record 25.12, while Roisin Gaffney, clearly searching for a hangover cure, turned out again and recorded 53.20.

Katrina Hynds Lauren Madine and Roisin Gaffney at the Connswater 10k/5k

I was on a spying mission to Waterford from last Sunday, that’s one of my excuses for not being at any of the events I have commented on, but don’t ask what I was spying on as it’s so top secret that even I don’t know what it was.

Joe Quinn

20 August 2018

The Weekly News – 13/08/2018

Posted on 13/08/2018 by Neil McCartan

Keeping on, Keeping on

As the Summer rolls on there is no sign of some folk taking a rest. It may be the holiday season but not where the sport of running is concerned. While not racing in any event as such, there were a number of seniors toiling away over the weekend. There are several in the Club hoping to take part in Belfast Half Marathon and then on to Dublin for the full distance. They are supporting each other well by joining forces for the “long slow run” and the craic seems to be sustaining them well. Training for these longer distances can be daunting mentally as well as physically and anything to take your mind off the pain and or tedium is well appreciated. Good luck with your goals! For others though the lure of a competition is hard to beat and this was a week with lots of action and something for everyone.

Track Stars in Fab Five

On Thursday it was the 4th of the Fab Five Series – a Track and Field series at Mary Peter’s Track hosted by Lagan Valley AC and sponsored by Firmus Energy. There was a great showing of EDAC juniors in all age groups. Anna Gardiner and Lauren Madine certainly made the most of the night with both taking on all 3 events that were available to them. In the U13 javelin they both fared well placing 6^th and 7^th respectively. They also gave the hurdles a rattle, with Lauren coming away with a fantastic second place and Anna holding her own in 7^th. All the more commendable since both girls are novices at this event. The U13 800m saw a quartet of EDAC juniors take part. Lauren finished in 1^st place with an impressive time of 2 minutes 31 closely followed by Anna in 2:34, and Lucy Foster in 2:39. Completing the quartet was Emily Burns in 2:52. In the U11 100m Ella Telford ran a superb race to finish first in her heat in 16.27 seconds (placing her 8^th overall in the final timings) with Jodi Foster overall 10^th (16.39) and sister Kari Foster in 18.08.

Oliver Robinson was the only boy to represent EDAC on the night and showed that a long lay of 5 weeks (whilst he was road tripping in the USA) had certainly not done him any harm. He completed the U13 100m in 15.24 seconds (5^th overall). He also ran the 800m (claiming this was not his preference distance) coming 7^th overall in 2 minutes 52. The last race of the night was the 3k. This was run as a mixed race combining both male and female and all ages from U15 up. Kirsti Foster’s first attempt at this distance saw her pace it well, finishing first in her age category (U15) in a great time of 11 minutes and 13 seconds.

Catherine O’Connor also competed in this event as the sole senior lady. Despite the lack of peer competition she gave it her best and produced a speedy time of 10:36. The next and final meet of this series takes place on 30^th August. The onset of the Cross Country season will follow swiftly and it will be exciting to see the efforts on the track translate to performance in the muck.

Weekend Warriors travel far and wide

On Friday Night Gavin McConvey took on the Mallusk 5 mile. He was happy to record a PB (45.12) on that course bettering his previous time by nearly a minute. On Saturday EDAC athletes had a choice of venues and some picked well getting the best of the day weather wise, considering the gloom that followed. Davy and Joanne Foster took on the Slieve Croob 10k challenge in glorious sunshine. They conquered the steep course from Finnis to the mast and were pleased to report that the entry number was up from previous years. Davy ran a very good race to see him finish 6^th overall and Joanne made the podium in her usual determined way – 3rd female- well done! Another one taking to the hills was Paddy McDonald. He travelled to Cushendall for the Lurig Mountain Challenge – a spectacular route with scenery to take your mind off the tough ascents. It took him 41 minutes to reach the finish point but he was satisfied with his performance when he recovered and even more pleased to have beaten the rain.

Davy and Joanne Foster at Slieve Croob Challenge

Battling the Elements

Back home as the day went on, the weather took a severe down turn and as a result the long planned air show in Newcastle was cancelled. Not so for the runners, as Lecale 10k went ahead despite the deteriorating conditions. Another husband and wife duo represented the Club at this event. John and Nuala Taylor braved the blustery rain to get a medal and Nuala managed to come home with a trophy for 3rd placed Female so they felt their efforts were justly rewarded. John completed the course in 54.44 which put him in 16th place and Nuala was 1.15 behind him. A stalwart group of 50 took part.

Nuala and John Taylor after a wet 10k – Lecale

Dublin for Donal for a bit of Rock’n’Roll

On then to Sunday where again there was a choice of venue and distance. The Dublin Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon is a lively colourful event and Donal Smith chose this as his debut at the distance. He reported that the organisation was spot on and he enjoyed the bands playing at intervals along the course. He mustn’t have dallied too long to listen to them though as he finished in a very respectable 1 hour 55 minutes. This is a great encourager for him. As a recently joined member he is enjoying the company of others as he builds his fitness and will surely give the cross country a go when that discipline recommences.

Donal Smith happy to have made his half marathon debut in Dublin at the Rock n Roll Event

Picnic in the Park

On Sunday afternoon, the Subway “Helping Hearts” 5K attracted over 1600 people with East Down AC well represented. The Proctor-Amos and Foster families plus Patricia Carson and family, Shane and Cormac O’Hare and family as well as Callum Kent all showed up in the Ormeau Park. With a free lunch on offer who wouldn’t take part!!! Another EDAC showing was Gavin Hynds who found that he didn’t need to ask twice to get his family out in force and in fact Ella his daughter claimed to have been looking forward to it all Summer. Well done Ella and Dillon for getting Mum and Dad to take part. You are setting a great example. This event supports Heart Research UK so it is a worthy cause as well as a fun day out.

Dillon, Kerrie, Gavin and Ella Hynds pleased to get their medals

The Carson and O’Hare families enjoying the day out

The Fosters ready for action

Gareth Amos, Linda Proctor- Amos and family with David Quinn at the Ormeau Park

Alison Carroll and Joanne Foster

The Weekly News – 30/07/2018

Posted on 30/07/2018 by Neil McCartan

THE RGU 10K ROAD RACE for the DOWN SPECIAL OLYMPICS CLUB

On Wednesday night.

The Race was promoted this year in order to raise money toward the expenses incurred by the Down Special Olympics squad in attending the Ireland Special Olympic Games in Dublin from June 14^th to 17^th this year. The prizes were presented by Mr Frank Donnelly, Chairman of the Special Olympics Club after which he thanked everyone involved for the support given.

Newcastle AC”s runners were not quite as dominant in Wednesday night’s RGU 10K and Relay as they were last year, though with 3 in the top 5 finishers, including top female in Sinead Murtagh, 5^th overall, and Kieran Morgan in 3^rd I suppose they could give me an argument on that. East Down’s James Savage was 2^nd for the 2^nd year running and it is good to see him back in competitive mode again.

James Savage 2nd Male overall in 10k

The race was won by Lagan Valley’s Brian Young 37.20, with Newcastle’s Frank Cunningham in 4th and Downpatrick’s Barry Kelly making up the top 6 and claiming 1^st Over 45 Male trophy in the process.

East Down also claimed the top over 35 and over 55 trophies in the shape of Dermot Cahill and Liam Keenan who were 8^th and 14^th respectively.

Liam Keenan First Male 55

EDAC at RGU

EAST DOWN LADIES

Deirdre Weatherall improved her 2017 performance by taking the runners up spot in the Women’s event with Lisa Corry Saintfield Striders in 3^rd.

Deidre Weatherall 2nd Female overall in 10k

Ballydrain Harriers took the next 2 Age category prizes with Catherine Miskelly first over 35 and Heather Stanex first Over 45 for the second year running.

RELAY

The Relay race was a total whitewash for East Down couples, the East Down pairing of James Savage and Callum Kent taking the overall title with the All Female ctegory going to Kirsti and Lucy Foster and the Mixed Team trophies going to Andrew Telford and Lauren Madine.

Callum Kent and James Savage First Relay Team overall

Kirsty and Lucy Foster First Female Team and 2nd Relay Team overall

Lauren Madine and Andrew Telford – First mixed Team and 3rd in Relay overall

CROSSGAR 10K on FRIDAY and THAT’S OFFICIAL.

On Friday night I went to watch the Crossgar 10K, which has been officially measured since last year and was pleasantly surprised to see that almost 200 runners turned out on an ideal evening for running. From the outset the rarely seen but hugely talented Darrel Cooper, unattached, took the race by the scruff of the neck and was well clear long before he exited Drakesbridge Rd at 9K to cruise home in 34.04 with Mark Smith 35.00 Mallusk Harriers in second and Jared Martin 35.45 Scrabo Striders in 3^rd place.

Martin Willcox 36.57 was next man home in 4^th place, and he consistently nails down excellent times over this distance. Pride of place however must go this week to Paul Lloyd who broke the 40 minute barrier for the first time, clocking in his eyes, a barely believable, 39.53. Well Done Paul, take pride in this achievement.

SLIEVE BERNAGH MOUNTAIN RACE on SATURDAY

Niall Gibney continued his love affair with the mountains when he took part in the Slieve Bernagh Race on Saturday. This was no stroll in the park as it takes in Meelmore, Bearnagh and Meelbeg and while I don’t know how far exactly that is it just tires me out writing it down. Niall completed the trip in 59.49 to claim 13^th place in a field of 60 so he can certainly claim to be a true mountain runner now. Well Done Niall.

DUBLIN on SUNDAY

On Sunday Neil McCartan headed for Santry Stadium for the Irish National Championships and acquitted himself very well. After qualifying comfortably in 5^th place in 3.59.63 in his 1500 metres heat he ran “a brave race” in the final and took 9^th place in a much more eyecatching time of 3.52.62. Winner was top Irish runner John Travers in 3.47.45.

Joe Quinn

30 July 2018

The Weekly News – 23/07/2018

Posted on 23/07/2018 by Neil McCartan

No holiday for the runners

July is an odd month as better weather sees more running and lots of races but it is also holiday time so attendance can fluctuate. However with a race of the reputation of the Portaferry 10 Mile there was always going to be a good turn out. It is a well organised event and a challenging course so it deserves to be well supported.

Tuesday night therefore saw the East Down crew descend in great number to tackle the 10 mile route – a course and distance where pace is key. On an evening when conditions were perfect for racing the first home for East Down was Paul Burns in 1.05.10 , closely followed by the ever consistent Niamh Kellett 1.06.33 who once again did the club proud as she was 2^nd Female overall for the 2^nd race in a week!

Katrina Hynds and Roisin Gaffney after the Women only mini marathon event

A welcome sight for East Down was the return of Davy Foster rocking a fancy new haircut in 1.07.44. Hopefully he can get over recent injuries and get his season back on track. Philip Vint was next then Deirdre Weatherall, Gavin Hynds and James Magennis followed in quick succession with all very happy with their results and pacing.

Stephen McCartan, Raymond Milligan Donal Smith, Sean Sealey and Catherine Gilchrist were all as solid as ever and happy with their night’s work. It is great to see these regular attenders reap the rewards for their efforts. Oonagh Breteche, Helen Vint, Joanne Carson, Linda Cunningham and Gavin McConvey all ran with smiles on their faces. Again dedicated training is key to their ability to take these distances literally in their stride and they are a great advertisement for how to enjoy your running.

East Down were also well represented in the 2 x 5 mile relay. Katrina Hynds ran with Eimear Degan and had a great run while Eimear’s sister Cathy Flinn ran with Clare Forster who was very pleased to complete her first race back following maternity leave, welcome back Clare !

Janine Murray ran with her sister in Law Amanda but must have thought she was in with a chance of getting 2 medals as she also ran the second leg with Amanda to get the miles in. All in all a great night out and the ferry crossing added to the fun. One to remember for next year’s diary.

Happy EDAC crew en route home on the Portaferry – Strangford Ferry

The Relay Teams - Katrina Hynds, Eimear Degan, Cathy Flinn and Clare Forster (2x5 Mile Relay at Portaferry)

The Relay Teams – Katrina Hynds, Eimear Degan, Cathy Flinn and Clare Forster (2×5 Mile Relay at Portaferry)

EDAC after the Portaferry 10 Mile

Katrina does the double

There are always a couple who squeeze in an extra race in the week just to prove that they have the energy to play with. This week Katrina Hynds was one who turned out for another event. Along with Roisin Gaffney she took part in a women’s only event – the Newry and Mourne women only Mini Marathon which is a 10k route from Leitrim Lodge to the Kilbroney Forest Park in Rostrevor. It was mostly road with an uphill last mile including some trail. Roisin came in at 54 minutes and Katrina narrowly missed a sub 60 minutes on account of the tough finish.

Katrina Hynds and Roisin Gaffney after the Women only mini marathon event

Phillip makes it look easy

Phillip Vint also showed his level of fitness by turning out for a second event in the one week but he went the whole hog and made that a marathon. He finished the course at Longwood in a speedy 3.22 to boot. That makes his tally up to 55 marathons and no sign of stopping.

All Ireland championships for Lauren

Lauren Madine travelled to the All Ireland’s Track and Field Championships in Tullamore. She had qualified at the Ulsters to allow her to take part which is an achievement in itself. She ran in the U14 200m facing stiff opposition. Her time of 29.81 was not sufficient to qualify for the final but as with all competition at this level will be useful experience for the future.

What’s Next?

There are two local races this week for anyone looking to test their fitness or just enjoy a bit of craic. The RGU 10k and Relay on Wednesday night at 7.30pm and the Crossgar 10k on Friday 27th at 7pm.