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 – 17/09/2018

Posted on 17/09/2018 by Neil McCartan

2019 DEEP RIVER ROCK BELFAST CITY MARATHON on a SUNDAY!!

Great news this week with the announcement at the launch of the 2019 Deep River Rock Belfast City Marathon, that not only would there be a new, faster, flatter route but that for the first time the Marathon would take place on SUNDAY 5^th May 2019 in a long awaited break with tradition.

David Seaton Chairman of Belfast City Marathon Organising Committee made the announcement at Wednesday’s launch at the Glasshouse, Stormont Cottages, that the Belfast City Council, the churches and the traders in Belfast City centre had come together with the PSNI, Translink and the emergency services to agree with the Committee that the BCM like all the other big city marathons would move to Sunday. This, he added, would make life easier for shoppers and traders on the Bank Holiday Monday and also benefit the runners who would have the Monday free to relax and recover.

Officials and Sponsors representatives at Stormont launch of Brlfast City Marathon

Officials and Sponsors representatives at Stormont launch of Belfast City Marathon

WHAT WAS I DOING THERE?

Well as a low key member of the aforementioned Marathon Committee I’d been invited to several similar events in the past and not been able to attend but when I received the invitation to the 2019 launch the significance of the occasion was too much to resist. So I went along just to see who was going to be there and as well as Radio and TV personalities , Jackie Fullerton and Noel Thompson I had the privilege of meeting Commonwealth Gold Medallist and World Gymnastics Champion Rhys McClenaghan, who is coincidentally the Ambassador for AMH (See below). And a very pleasant and committed young man he is too, and also Shirley McCay a Silver Medallist in the Ireland Women’s Hockey Team which finished as runners- up in the recent World Championship in London.

Joe Quinn and Noel Thompson at BCM 2019 launch

CHARITIES

This year’s official charities are Belfast Arthroplasty Research Trust (BART); Cancer Focus NI; Stroke Association; Air Ambulance NI and Action Mental Health (AMH) so if you feel like helping raise money for one or more of these excellent charities, then take your pick. Though if you know about East Down AC you’ll probably know that the last mentioned is our much valued landlord and we’d appreciate if you chose AMH as your charity to support.

.BE PART OF HISTORY

So now it’s up to you – the RUNNERS. Especially those of you who complained over the years that it should always have been on Sunday and who wouldn’t run it until it was moved etc. etc. It has taken a long time and a lot of hard work on the part of Committee members and City Council officials to reach this milestone so now it’s up to you. Get out there and tell your friends, neighbours and indeed anyone you come across to train and get ready for this historic event, made even more attractive by having a completely new route, starting on Prince of Wales Avenue in the grounds of Stormont Estate with Parliament Buildings as a magnificent backdrop, and finishing in Ormeau Park.

FLAT and FAST??

The new route takes in all quarters of the city and is flatter and faster than ever before – so it’s right up there with the best of the other ones and suitable for PBs galore!. Though on a personal note I have to say that I always enjoyed the long haul up the Antrim Rd, it was a good place to make up some ground on the flat earth specialists. It always made me feel that all those hours running up hills around Downpatrick had not been in vain! Though I won’t miss the boring and featureless, not to mention, spectatorless run along the lough shore from Gideon’s Green and the soul-destroying Duncrue St/Link area which thankfully have been axed. However I reckon it’s only as fast as your legs can get you round it and as your “home” marathon it’s the one to go for. I did my PB there, many moons ago.

RUN FORREST RUN??

You would actually think I was going to run the race itself but unfortunately it is with a heavy heart that I have to admit it will not be possible. I would love to be able to take part in the race itself as I have completed all the earlier versions of the route and with it being on the Sunday too I will certainly be on the verge of tears at just having to watch. But then again I will be involved in assisting at some point on the course so I’ll still get my kicks wherever.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

To cater for all fitness levels, the event will include a Marathon/Wheelchair Race, Team Relay, 8 Mile Walk and Fun Run. An early entry rate will apply until 31^st October 2018

ENTRY DETAILS

Entries are NOW OPEN at www.belfastcitymarathon.com via the brand new MyTicket App. Details of the 2019 Marathon route can be found there also.

ENTRY FEES

MARATHON (UNREGISTERED RUNNERS)

Early Rate (ends 31st Oct) ………………………………………………£40

Middle Rate (ends 28th Feb) ……………………………………………£55

Final Rate (ends 12th Apr) ………………………………………………£65

MARATHON (REGISTERED RUNNERS)

Early Rate (ends 31st Oct) ………………………………………………£38

Middle Rate (ends 28th Feb) …………………………………………..£53

Final Rate (ends 12th Apr) ……………………………………………..£63

TEAM RELAY

(Teams of 5 in either All Male, All Female, or Mixed Categories)

Early Rate (ends 31st Oct) ………………………………………….£100

Middle Rate (ends 28th Feb) ……………………………………….£120

Final Rate (ends 12th Apr) ………………………………………….£140

RELAY LEGS

Leg A. Stormont Castle to Ormeau Park- — 6.9 miles

Leg B. Ormeau Park to Boucher Road — — 3.9 miles.

Leg C. Boucher Road to Falls Road ———- 4.5 miles.

Leg D. Falls Road to Duncairn Gardens —- 5.2 miles.

Leg E. Duncairn Gardens to Ormeau Park — 5.7 miles.

So why not get a team together if you’re not up to marathon distance yet and let them pick which leg they want to do? It couldn’t be easier. And get your entries in early to save some money – you can always donate the extra £s to you chosen charity?

TEN MILE RACE IN MAGHERAFELT “worth going back to”

Carmel Tumelty was the only EDAC runner who participated on home soil over the weekend when she travelled to Magherafelt for the Tafelta AC 10 mile race and was happy to record 1.36.38 as it was her first competitive outing following a break from running/training. It was made all the sweeter when she was awarded the prize for finishing 2^nd in the Female Over 45 category. The race was organised by Tafelta AC and it was their 1st race since they formed in 2016 starting and finishing at Meadowbank Sports Arena. The course itself was a tale of 2 halves – the 1st was relatively flattish with a few bumps in the road and the 2nd was full of climbs with sharp down hills but all in all it was a great event. Carmel and husband Francis were fulsome in their praise for the organisation of the race and the post race refreshments and also that the £800 pot of prize money which extended to 1st & 2nd in all Masters age groups was great for those runners who wouldn’t normally get close to winning a prize. Francis finished 9th overall in 1.02.26 which was good enough to take 2^nd place prize in the M45 category. Their final word on the event? It’s definitely a race we would go back to. So there’s one for the future for all those looking for a race somewhere different.

BERLIN MARATHON

Chris Smith travelled a little further than Carmel, to Berlin to be precise, where his presence frightened Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge to run the 26.2 miles faster than anyone else has ever done before, clocking 2.01.39. He still looked full of running at the finish line. Not to be outdone Chris too set a new PB, crossing the line in 3.29.01, which knocked over 4 minutes off his time in Dublin last October. So well done to him.

And while it’s still fresh in your mind, Chris, why not stick in your entry for Belfast 2019 now and go for an even faster PB? Or to everyone else reading this why not buy your husband/wife/partner/son/daughter/mother/father or even your worst enemy an entry now?? And save yourself some money if you do it now? Now there’s novel Christmas present idea!!

Chris Smith after the Berlin Marathon on Sunday 16 September 2019

Joe Quinn

17 September 2019

PS – My fellow scribe Alison Carroll has been sunning herself in Nice since last Thursday but she assures me she has not been idle all the time as she had to support husband Paul who was competing in an Ironman triathlon and who in spite of recent injuries which affected his training completed the event, which culminated with a Half Marathon run, in 5 .02.41. This placed him 120^th overall out of 2278 and 14^th out of 334 in his O/45 Age Group, which by any standards is a superb effort but given the heat which is a significant feature in the South of France at this time of year, it’s much better than that. Well done Paul & Alison as No.1 supporter.

The Weekly News – 03/09/2018

Posted on 03/09/2018 by Neil McCartan

FINAL FIRMUS FAB FIVE

At the last meet of the Firmus Fab Five Series hosted by Lagan Valley AC at Mary Peter’s Track on Thursday past there were some impressive performances from our Junior Squad.

BOYS AND MEN

Kieran Trainor (U11 boys) ran1200m in 4’37” on his first time competing on the track. A super effort. The only other male junior, Oliver Robinson, did a double. The U13 boys 100m in 15.15” and a strong run in the 1500m saw Oliver finish in 5’40”. A promising start to his career as a Year 8 athlete. The sole senior of the night was Davy Foster in 1500m running a fast 4’50”. Maybe Davy will stick to these faster shorter distances to try and keep up with his daughters!

GIRLS GALORE

Two of the aforementioned Foster girls competed in the U11 girls 1200m. In a very competitive race Jodi hit the finish line in 4’17” then not far behind was the always smiling Kari in an impressive time of 4’43”. They both also tried the Long Jump.

In the U13 girls 100m EDAC had 3 runners.. Heat 1 saw Kara Trainor finish well in second place in 15.01, then in heat 3 we saw Lauren Madine win in a new PB time of 14.16 and Anna Gardiner come home in 15.67 with Lauren taking the overall win and gold medal for the distance. Kara’s time placed her 6^th overall. It was pleasing to see them follow the lead of the younger girls by trying a field event as well, in this case the discus. Commendable enthusiasm!

Anna Gardiner (3rd) Lauren Madine (1st) and Katie McCleery (2nd) U13 1500m at Mary Peter’s Track

EAST DOWN’S FAB FIVE FEMALES

The U13 girls 1500m saw a large field of 14 athletes of which 5 were EDAC runners and which also included the top class City of Lisburn athlete Katie McCleery who is ranked in the top 10 in the UK for her age category over this distance. McCleery made her intentions clear from the start as she immediately hit the front. Lauren decided to track her run and see how she went and was closely followed by Anna Gardiner, Lucy Foster, Kara Trainor and Emily Burns. All five EDAC athletes looked strong over the 3 & 3/4 laps. On the last bend McCleery tried to hold on but Lauren moved up another gear and cruised past to take first place with 100m to run and crossed the line in a superb time of 4’57” which is a PB by 18 seconds and puts Lauren 8th in the UK for her age for 2018. That is an outstanding performance.

Anna Gardiner was the next EDAC athlete to finish (5’05) which is also a significant PB. The PBs were coming thick and fast as Lucy Foster came home in 5’17” which was 12 seconds better than her previous best. The ever improving duo of Kara Trainor and Emily Burns battled it out to the end and almost needed a photo finish to separate them – their times 5.41.34 and 5.41.90. This race was really exciting to watch with brilliant efforts from all the girls. By filling 1^st 3^rd 4^th 7^th and 8^th places in the field of 14, there is surely cause for celebration at the depth of talent within the EDAC ranks.

ICING ON THE CAKE

Last girl to race was U15 rising star Kirsti Foster in the 1500m. The girls were mixed with a very strong U15 boys field and Kirsti did not take the race lightly despite carrying a slight niggle from hockey. She dominated the girls’ field and beat some of the boys too in her race to finish a strong 5’12 to provide a fitting finale to the night and to the track season.

A STAR STUDDED LAGANSIDE 10K

Paula Radcliffe was obviously the star of the show but EDAC had a few sparkling performances themselves. Paul Lloyd led the troops home and despite narrowly missing out on the elusive sub 40 he felt that he had given his all in the fast paced race. His time of 40.08 is tantalisingly close and his consistency has to be commended. Phillip Vint, another man who rarely misses a weekend race, came next in 41.10 with Liam Keenan not far behind in 41.36. Gavin Hynds in 41.45 had plenty to celebrate as this was a PB and proves that marathon training doesn’t always slow you down and must be great morale booster for him.

Gavin Hynds taking it in his stride

DEIRDRE vs. PAULA?

Deirdre Weatherall finished in 42.08 and was slightly disappointed with that. She was however cheered up by the fact that Paula Radcliffe had decided to run in the pack and was seen in chat with various folk en route. This gave Deirdre the chance to have a sprint finish to the line with the Women’s Marathon World Record Holder! Paula also has European and World Championship medals too numerous to mention as well the accolade of four times Olympian. Many would defer to such greatness but Deirdre is well known for her fresh faced enthusiasm and took no time to decide that having a result sheet with her name one place ahead of Paula’s was an opportunity unlikely to be repeated. After reading on Wikipedia that Deirdre is described as the foremost tragic heroine in Irish legend and probably its best-known figure in modern times she could probably argue that Paula should have been in awe of her rather than the other way round! This is the spirit that is key to Deirdre’s rise in the ranks and long may it continue! See table below showing Deirdre’s and Paula’s finishing positions on Sunday.

POS	Number	First Name	Last Name	M/F	Chip Time
160	844	Deirdre	Weatherall	F	00:42:09
161	1075	Louis	Fleming	M	00:42:16
162	688	Adam	Harvey	M	00:42:10
163	763	Daniel	Maxwell	M	00:42:19
164	1	Paula	Radcliffe	F	00:42:35

Deidre Weatherall hiding the pain well!

Liam Smyth – veteran in terms of longevity in these events clocked up a very respectable 44.42. Behind him another historic event was unfolding. Gavin McConvey came in to the finish line in 53.51 declaring that the last time he saw a sub 54 minute 10K was in 2004. Not bad going Gavin! Keep it up. Roisin Gaffney another reliable EDAC runner finished in 54.09 and for once found, despite her love of the sun, that the heat was oppressive and was glad to be done.

Liam Smyth deep in concentration

Gavin McConvey on lap 2 going strong

Who’s that with Roisin Gaffney at Laganside 10K on Sunday?

Gavin Hynds, Roisin Gaffney, Paula Radcliffe, Deidre Weatherall and Phillip Vint before the Laganside 10k

DONAL DOES THE DOUBLE

Donal Smith meanwhile had headed to Kildare on Saturday to take part in an a 5K run on Saturday evening in aid of the Injured Jockeys’ Fund – but having discovered that there was a 10K race nearby he decided in true horse lovers’ form to hedge his bets and do both. He did say afterwards that it was a lot for one day and he may need a few rest days but knowing Donal that won’t last for long.

Donal Smith at the Curragh Race Course – 5k in aid of Injured Jockeys’ Fund

No one from the Club made their way to Derry on Sunday morning for the Waterside Half Marathon which this year was also the NI and Ulster Half Marathon Championships.

WHAT’S AHEAD??

TUESDAY NIGHT IS MILL HILL MILE NIGHT

This will probably come too late for regular readers of the weekly papers but Tuesday is the night for the annual trek to Castlewellan for the lung busting, for some, Mill Hill Mile Challenge. This is a race that is, or should be, on everybody’s bucket list so if you’re going don’t forget you must register online beforehand. A donation to the charity on the night is all that is required.

KILLYLEAGH HALF MARATHON

Back on the fixture list again courtesy of the Daye brothers Atlas Running is the KIllyleagh Half Marathon with the option of a 10K for those who are less ambitious. Registration is in Killyleagh Football Club on the Comber Rd on Friday evening from 5.30 onwards with the races scheduled to start at 7.00 pm. The event is to raise money for Action Cancer. I don’t know what the route will be but it will definitely be scenic taking in country roads with views of Strangford Lough and Killyleagh Castle.

ENTRY FEES are as follows 10K:_ affiliated £14,Unaffiliated £16, Medal for all finishers.

HALF MARATHON :- affiliated £23, Unaffiliated £25, Medal and buff for all finishers. With Trophies 1st 2nd 3rd male and female in both races.Refreshments afterwards for all. For further information contact www.atlasrunning.co.uk or for online entries contact www.sientries.co.uk

RUN IN THE PARK
If you’re not runnning in Killyleagh on Friday or even if you are, report to Ward Park Bangor at 12.00 noon on Saturday 8 September for the beginning of the 24 hour Run in the Park, to either take part in, (for a while anyway) or to help with the marshaling etc. or just to support the runners. The event is a fundraiser for the Air Ambulance Northern Ireland Service and especially if you cannot get along to support perhaps you would consider making a donation at https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/runinthepark2018

Thank you.

Joe Quinn, Alison Caroll, Peter Morgan

3 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 – 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.