The Weekly News – 08/10/18

Posted on 08/10/2018 by Alison Carroll

GOLDEN PERFORMANCES AT ROAD RELAYS RESULTS IN BRONZE MEDALS FOR EDAC LADIES

Saturday was a beautiful day, weather wise for everyone and certainly performance wise for the Senior Ladies Team from East Down AC (EDAC) as they turned in a 4 star display of top quality running in the NI and Ulster Road Relay Championships, superbly organised and hosted by Orangegrove AC in Victoria Park, Belfast. Having finished outside the medals in 4^th place last year, this year’s trio of Catherine O’Connor, Deirdre Weatherall and Caroline McNabb were determined to reach the podium this time. And reach it they did in impressive style foiled only by an unbeatable trio from Queen’s University AC, comprising Rebecca Henderson, Sinead Sweeney and Emma Mitchell, whose individual times of 11.27, 11.23 and the amazing 10.30 by Emma, were the top 3 best times recorded on the day and enabled them to smash the existing record of 34.30 by 1 minute and 11 seconds and North Down A whose first and 3^rd leg runners ran the 3^rd and 4th fastest legs of the day, 11.33 and 11.35 respectively. So the competition was top drawer and was matched commendably by Catherine’s first leg 11.36 which saw her hand over to Deirdre Weatherall in third place.

Senior Women 1 QUB AC 2 North Down AC 3 East Down AC – Catherine O’Connor, Caroline McNabb and Deidre Weatherall

DEIRDRE KEEPS HER BONE

Anyone who knows Deirdre knows that she is a fighter of considerable ability and one who won’t easily let her bone go with the dog if she can help it. So it was with great pride that the assembled supporters from EDAC saw her cross the finish mat at the end of her 2 miles in an unbelievable 12.49, which not only held onto 3^rd place but gave the anchor leg runner Caroline McNabb an unassailable advantage over the 4^th place team. So Caroline, knowing she could not overtake either of the two teams ahead of her, simply ran quickly enough to retain that advantage. The overall team total was 36.48, which represents an average of 6.08 minutes per mile over the 6 miles. So Well Done all you ladies, this was a truly inspiring run by every one of you – so the only way to top that performance is to go one (or perhaps even 2) better next year!.

EDAC Senior Women’s Teams

EDAC MASTERS TAKE PART IN THE SENIOR

EDAC ladies had 2 other teams in the Senior race, the EDAC B Team, Janine Murray, Joanne Foster, Edie Carroll 41.27 placing 12^th and the C Team, Alison Carroll, Ella Carroll, Cheryl Denvir 46.36 in 26^th out of the 30 teams which finished. Both teams had to take part in the “Open” Senior race as at least one member in each team was too young to qualify as a Master, i.e. Under 35. But I’ll leave you to work out who they were! So all in all a very special day – really a Ladies Day to remember!

Earlier in the day the Master Ladies race had an EDAC Ladies team comprising Clare Carson, Roisin Gaffney and Marguerite Robinson placed a commendable 40^th out of 59 teams completing with splits of 14.28, 16.35 and 16.23 respectively giving a team total of 47.24. This was a very good performance by all three women as they are primarily long distance runners, and in Clare’s case she is in the middle of training for the Dublin marathon, a mere 3 weeks away. Take a Bow Ladies.

EDAC Master’s Womens Team

EDAC MEN

There were significant contributions to the Mens’ Races too where Men’s Captain Dee Murray shuffled his pack expertly to make all the teams competitive, at the same time rueing the absence for one reason or another of top runners Brendan Teer, Aaron McGrady and James O’Hare. But injuries cannot be ruled out at any time so well done those who stepped in to fill the gaps, including the evergreen Dee, who appropriately ran the D leg himself, in the Senior team. Neil McCartan set the bar very high with a blistering first leg run, literally running himself into the ground as he fell across the line in 9.42, in joint 5^th place with this year’s Jimmy’s Ten winner Mark McKinstry, and the leading trio only seconds ahead. Neil recovered from what he described afterwards as a mistake in not eating sufficiently beforehand and is raring to go in the coming weeks. He is already looking forward to next year and a chance to make amends.

GORDY, MATTHEW and DEE

Second leg runner for EDAC was Gordy Graham, who had already clocked 75 miles in training this week as he also sets his sights on Dublin, and he too ran his socks off and maintained EDAC’s position in the top 6 as he handed over to the baby of the team Matthew McGrattan who is a track specialist and one of the young guns who will form the backbone of the club in years to come. He too hammered out 2 splendid laps, clocking 12.10, before handing over to Club captain Dee Murray, who didn’t disappoint either as he sailed round the 2 miles in 11.52 to post a total of 44.32 and claim 12^th place. Eight miles in 44.32 is 5.34 per mile or “some running” as we say here. So well done Lads, I’m proud of you.

MENS MASTERS

The men also mounted a strong challenge in the Master’s race where Martin Willcox 11.18 made an early statement of intent to all comers and handed over to Paul Burns who made up several places to set the fastest time of this quartet and gave James Savage, great to see him back again, a chance to consolidate his position. Again lack of race fitness could be used as an excuse for not putting in the effort required, but James ran with much of his old speed to hand over to Davy Foster, having clocked 11.48 for the 2 laps. Davy didn’t disappoint either as he chased all the way to bring the A team home in 45.38, recording 11.20 for his leg, and taking a super 7^th place overall.

The B team, Paul Lloyd, Mark McDowell, Gareth Reilly and Gavin Hynds also applied itself well to the task and after laps of 12.07, 12.11, 12.58 and 12.46 respectively their total of 50.30 resulted in 30^th place and as deserving of the accolades as any of the aforementioned winners. EDAC were not finished yet as they managed to produce a Team C made up of Stephen Heasley, Tom McClean, Donal Smith and 65 year old Tom Dowey. The 4 men ran well taking 12.28, 14.12, 15.02 and 15.35 respectively for a total of 57.16 and 53^rd place out of the 61 teams that finished.

EDAC Men’s Masters Team

JUNIORS IN WINNING ACTION TOO

Earlier the Juniors had been involved in Primary and Age Group races with the following results :-Primary Girls Jodi Foster 2^nd with good performances from Kelsey Murray, Erin Moore, Caragh Moore and Kari Foster. It was a hectic pace and a packed course so they did well to stay upright and arrive home safely.

Jodi Foster 2nd in Primary Girls

u15 Girls Podium| Kirsti Foster (EDAC) Gold, Tara McDonagh (NDAC) Silver, Lauren Madine (EDAC) Bronze

Alex Robinson ran a strong race so was a little annoyed to be pipped on the line for 3^rd place taken by surprise in the last few metres in the Primary school Boys race although big brother Ollie had possibly even more cause for annoyance having finished in the Under 13 Boys race minus one shoe!

Alex Robinson (Primary)

Lucy Foster won the Under 13 Girls race which was a huge achievement as she had a clear lead from the start and looked smooth as she came in ahead of the other 25 girls in her age group. A fantastic entry and a great win!. Older sister Kirsti won the Under 15 race also with a good gap from 2nd. EDAC clubmate Lauren Madine took third place. Mackenzie Murray ran in the U15 boys and was plumb in the middle of the pack at the finish. Lauren then took on a second weekend challenge on Sunday when she was first Female finisher in the Charity 5K at Cultra.

Jodi Foster 2nd in Primary Girls

Primary Girls Kelsey Murray Erin Moore Caragh Moore Kari Foster Jodi Foster

DECLAN IN HUNGARY

Declan Teague continued his travels around Europe, pre Brexit, with a visit to the Hungarian capital Budapest to take part in their annual Marathon, his 54^th in total and although he had sustained an injury to his hamstring during the Belfast Half Marathon 2 weeks ago he managed to get round the course in 4 hours and 4 minutes. He was not overly impressed with the time but from an eve of race prediction that he would have to walk most or all of it, he is surely more than happy to have finished albeit as he put it “on one leg and 10 ibuprofen later”. He was mightily impressed with what he described as “ a superb event, which would make a great club trip, providing as it does a 5K (which his wife Tracey did) and 10K option on the Saturday, as well as the Full Marathon, a 2 or 4 person Marathon Relay and a 30K distance on the Sunday along a flat route mostly along the Danube”. So that’s probably where a lot of us will be heading next year, but only if it doesn’t interfere with the Road Relays!!

Declan Teague after Budapest Marathon

VINTS IN LUSK

Helen and Phillip Vint enjoyed the unseasonably good weather on Saturday too as they warmed up for watching the Rugby match on Sunday afternoon by taking part in the Lusk Festival of running which includes a full marathon, a Half marathon and a 30K which is about 20 miles. Coincidentally both Helen and Phillip finished in exactly the same time, 3hrs and 29 minutes, Phillip having ran 26.2 miles and Helen the shorter 20 miles and were doubly delighted.

AND FINALLY

Gareth Amos and his 3 daughters plus Eimear Degan attended the Bangor Warrior event on Sunday, the purpose of which seems to be to get down and dirty, if appearances are anything to go by! By all accounts they enjoyed the experience.

Warrior Assault Race in Bangor – Mia Proctor- Amos, Eimear Degan, Matthew Brown, Gareth Amos and Keira Proctor-Amos

WELL DONE EVERYONE!

Joe Quinn & Alison Carroll

8 October 2018

The Weekly News – 01/10/2018

Posted on 01/10/2018 by Neil McCartan

ONLY 3 IN ACTION?

In a competition to ascertain what the lowest turnout from East Down runners over a weekend in recent years then, last weekend’s total of 3 at 2 separate events, must really be the winner. However most can probably be excused as it was the final weekend of “getting in a 20 miler” in preparation for the Dublin City marathon on the last Sunday of this month. (See apologetic humble pie being eaten before end of this report!)

JIMMY’S TEN WINNERS FILL 3 of TOP 6 PLACES in BANGOR

The 2 events in question were the Bangor Classic 10K, which this year incorporated the Ulster and NI 10K Road Racing Championships, and the Ford 5K in Newcastle. The former event had over 1000 entries and almost 1000 finishers and had probably the best front end in terms of quality runners, of any race in recent times, in which the top three broke 31 minutes and the top 10 all broke 33 minutes. The Derry based Kenyan Gideon Kipsang, 2015 winner of Jimmy’s Ten, who last weekend won the Belfast City Half Marathon only just got up on the line to beat Kevin Seaward, who was a superb 4^th in the recent Commonwealth Games Marathon, both being credited with the same time 30.21. Close behind came Declan Reed 30.56 in third place ahead of Mark McKinstry 31.14 who won Jimmy’s Ten this year, followed by Scott Rankin in 31.56 and Ben Branagh 32.00, who won Jimmy’s Ten in 2017.

PAUL IN THE 40s

The sole East Down representative in the race was Paul Lloyd, who came agonisingly close to breaking the 40 minute barrier for the first time, clocking 40.06, a mere second per mile deficit! But come it will Paul, possibly some time when you’re least expecting it. The secret of success is to relax and try not to think about it. Don’t go out every week with the aim of breaking through and don’t be too hard on yourself – there are those who dream of the times you are clocking now! Perhaps the Saintfield 10K on 13^th October could be the one? This race organised by Atlas Running on behalf of Saintfield Striders was a big success last year and promises to be even bigger and better this year. Entry details can be found at https://www.atlasrunning.co.uk Failing that the Seeley Cup in Ormeau Park on 1^st December is a flat fast course which may tick the PB box.

Paul Lloyd Paul Lloyd at Bangor, not looking too disappointed at missing out on a sub 40 time.

FORD 5K COMES HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Paul Burns and Callum Kent were the lone raiders from East Down to try out the new route which was widely publicised as much flatter and faster than last year.

Here’s what Paul had to say afterwards-

“I thought the race itself was really good – it was a flat, fast course through the centre of Newcastle finishing with a lap of the Gaelic pitch, well supported and well marshalled. The organisers provided great refreshments afterwards with hot food and sandwiches, tea & coffee, etc. and also some very impressive looking trophies. It deserved better support but I understand that it’s hard to compete against free Parkruns all over the country on the same day. But it’s definitely a race I would recommend and do again.” Paul’s time of 17.35 and 6^th place overall was a PB, made all the more satisfying as he was still feeling the effects of last Sunday’s Belfast City Half Marathon and a tough hill session during training on Thursday night.

Callum Kent 81 and Paul Burns at the Ford 5K on Saturday.

CALLUM ALSO ON THE PB TRAIL and CROSS COUNTRY TOO!

Another super run saw Callum Kent not only land the trophy for 1^st Juvenile to finish but also set a new PB of 20.05 into the bargain. Well done to him and he tells me he is looking forward to the upcoming cross country season which will give him the opportunity to build up some considerable strength in his legs to improve his road and track running speed next year. Good luck to him in that.

EVEN MORE RUNNING THAN I THOUGHT

I have also heard since I began writing this that some other Club members did in fact run at the weekend, several taking part in Parkruns in preparation for next Saturday’s Relay races in Victoria Park and elsewhere. So my apologies to anyone who was offended by my opening remarks, if you’re still reading this. Neil McCartan set a new Parkrun PB of 15.26, though not a 5K PB, in that very venue on Saturday, an indication of his form at the moment. So watch out all comers on Saturday, EDAC are on the move.

RACE TO TRAIN?

Clare Carson ran the 3/4 marathon in Ballybofey, Donegal on Sunday. She is going well in her lead up to Dublin and her tack of getting in the long miles by entering events seems to be working as she completed in 2 hours 50 minutes. She has found that racing breaks up the tedium and has produced some good performances on the way. I have to say that Clare’s philosophy exactly matches mine in this respect. If you’re training for a marathon, racing a slightly shorter distance than your target e.g. a half marathon or even 10K, faster than your planned time is an ideal way to keep the boredom away and to fine tune your fitness.

EDIE IN SEARCH OF MORE VARIETY?

And of course there are things other than running to do at weekends to keep your fitness at a high level, like taking part in triathlons for instance! Edie Carroll added a couple more disciplines to her training recently in order to prepare for her first triathlon. The event was the “Tri-gether Ladies Only Triathlon” hosted by 247 Triathlon Club in Letterkenny. It was a huge success with 100 females of all ages turning out to race on the day. There were 2 distances of pool swim – 400m or 750m with the same bike (20K) and run (5K) courses for both classes. Edie having only recently come to swimming opted for the shorter swim and having conquered that challenge in under 9 minutes, she cycled the fastest bike split of the day and had a decent “off the bike run” giving her second place overall. It was a well organised event with a very encouraging organising team and worth considering for anyone wanting to cross train for their running season. Well Done Edie.

Edie Carroll strides out on her way to 2nd place overall in the triathlon I Letterkenny on Sunday.

EARLIER IN THE WEEK

Mackenzie Murray running for St Colmcille’s High School, Crossgar secured 2nd place in the Junior Boys age group at NMDDC Schools’ XC which was held at Kilbroney Forest Park mid-week. He ran a tactical race sitting in 3rd for a long way then he and the boy who had been in second went for a late surge and passed the previous leader. It was an exciting race and one which will give Mackenzie the incentive to race to the line every time. Well done! I have been unable to find any published results of this event on the NM&DDC site or elsewhere, so if you’re annoyed about not getting a deserved mention here then why not report what you’ve done each week directly to me? My email address is jaykwin69@gmail.com and my telephone number is 07398514122.

East Down’s Mackenzie Murray smiles after winning the Silver medal for his school St Colmcille’s Secondary in Crossgar

INDUCTION NIGHT

On Monday Night past EDAC held an Induction Night for our current Junior members. We looked back at the achievements that have been made by various teams and individuals throughout the last 12 months and commended good attendance and consistent efforts at training sessions. The young athletes were shown a training plan going into the XC season and all received an EDAC buff to wear in the colder weather ahead. It was fantastic to see so many young people committing themselves to the sport and keen to represent the club. It was also heartening to see parents prepared to add their names to the rota to help the process run smoothly. It takes a lot of manpower to organise a junior section but the atmosphere on Monday Night was a just reward. Here’s to the future!

Some of East Down’s Junior members pictured at the Club’s Induction night on 24 September.

Joe Quinn & Alison Carroll

1 October 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 – 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 – 09/07/2018

Posted on 09/07/2018 by Neil McCartan

GREYABBEY 5 AND 10Ks ON FRIDAY 6 July 2018

Faced with the prospect that this could well be the last ever Greyabbey 10K threatened, like many other races on the calendar, with the planned imposition of financially crippling Race Licence and consultants fees from Traffic Management firms, what did the runners do? Only turn up in record numbers in the warm sunshine that has been a feature of recent weeks.

East Down’s only representative was Paul Lloyd who, on his first visit to this particular venue found the 2 lap 10K course incorporated a good few hills. Though he was not expecting a PB due to the terrain and the heat he wasn’t disgraced by any means with 40.29 which placed him 18^th overall. The pursuit of sub 40 continues to be a good motivation for future races.

THE MAGEE 1886 WILD ATLANTIC MARATHON

Given the extreme weather conditions over the past few weeks it was to be expected that our ultra distance queen, Linda Cunningham would find something to occupy any idle moments she happened to have over the weekend. And without fail she did it again. This time it was the Magee 1866 (it’s the name of a local business in Killybegs) Wild Atlantic Marathon which started in Killybegs and took participants along the coast roads, from Killybegs to Kilcar, Carrick, Malinmore, Malinbeg, passing stunning beaches like Silver Strand beach and finish in Glencolmcille. The course is described as challenging but the scenery is worth the effort.

Linda Cunningham (left) and her sister Jacqueline Moore pictured at end of Wild Atlantic Marathon on Sunday

A FAMLY AFFAIR

And not content with the discomfort that running 26.2 miles on a hot sunny afternoon brings to the body but she also spent the night before sleeping in a small tent, (which the pictures suggest that there was actually 5 in it) and she then persuaded her sister Jacqueline Moore from Murlough AC and her husband Gordon and even more impressively, her own husband Mickey to do it along with her and then added in former ultra addicts Michael Cultra, Oonagh Breteche and Liz O’ Hagan to the mix. While accepting that going for a breath of fresh air might be justified as the reason for getting out of the aforementioned overcrowded tent, I still reckon that running for 26.2 miles in Sunday’s heat was basically way over the top! But nevertheless well done to everyone.

Liz was the first to finish in 4.22.58 in 67^th place, with Gordon . 4.30 in 81^st and Mickey 87^th in 4.33. Michel and Oonagh were inseparable on time 5.40 and placed 126^th and 127^th and Linda and Jackie took equal times 5.59 in 130^th and 131^st places respectively.

NEIL ON HIS TRAVELS AGAIN

Neil McCartan ran a highly tactical 1500m in Bedford on Saturday as part of the British Athletics League and came third in a dip finish. The spectators were treated to Neil and his training partner (both coached by Mark Kirk) battling it out to hit the line. The times of 4.01.58 and 4.01.59 show the margin of the split which was in Neil Johnston’s favour on this occasion. A great race to be part of but even better to watch!

CLONTARF HALF MARATHON

Phillip and Helen Vint headed south to Clontarf Half Marathon on Sunday. This run is an out and back course taking in the Clontarf promenade – Bull Island – the causeway – continuing along the promenade up to Sutton Lane where participants then retrace their footsteps back to the start/finish line. The beach section was “hard going” and the heat didn’t help but Phillip was happy to finish in 1.33 and while no time results are available Helen was also satisfied with her performance.

Helen and Phillip Vint at Clontarf for the Half Marathon at the weekend

PORTAFERRY GALA 10 MILE RACE

Next Tuesday is the date for the annual Portaferry Gala Festival Ten Miles Road Race incorporating a 2 x 5 Miles Relay race. Online entry is still open at www.athleticsni.org and with the famous souvenir mugs only available for the first 300 entrants you’re advised to enter now. Entries will also be taken on the night. Race starts at 7.30pm so if you’re taking the ferry over you need to get the 6.30pm crossing at the latest.

A group of East Down AC runners all of whom took part in Saturdays parkrun in Caslewellan Parkt. Kirsti and Lucy Foster and Mackenzie Murray and Alison Carroll all got Castlewellan PBs

A group of East Down AC runners all of whom took part in Saturdays parkrun in Caslewellan Park. Kirsti and Lucy Foster and Mackenzie Murray and Alison Carroll all got Castlewellan PBs

Joe Quinn & Alison Carroll

9 July 2018