The running week began last Sunday outside the Old Trafford stadium – I forget which team plays there – where Mark O’Connor took to the Salford streets in the allegedly flat, fast and friendly Manchester Marathon and was delighted to report that it lived up to its description on all counts. Mark came away with an excellent PB, 3.18.29 courtesy of running the classical negative split. Well done to him, sub 3 next?
HILL and DALE
Thursday night was Race 2 in the Hill and Dale series, beginning a little late due to congestion at the registration desk – an excellent complaint for any race organiser – as almost 300 queued for the privilege of taking part in the Tollymore race. I’m not sure what it’s called now, a not very reliable memory suggests White Plains, but whatever its official title, it finishes at the top of the notorious grassy hill (mountain?), which usually leads to less than complimentary re-naming as runners struggle to the summit. It was for me however, a really enjoyable outing and beats into a cocked hat my role in recent years of just standing watching.
Once again Michael Cultra led the East Down contingent home, finishing 18th in 33.19. Dee Murray 41st and Ciaran Denvir 48th continue to improve and show their increased liking for this type of running while Brian Hamilton claimed his 2nd victory in a row in the Over 65 category.
HUGH BURNS RIP
Paul Burns in 38th gave a brave and dignified performance in tribute to his late father Hugh who departed this life earlier in the week.
The Club extends its sincere condolences to Paul, his mother and sister and the family circle at this sad and traumatic time.
JOG AROUND the BOG
On to Saturday and the action switched inland to Peatlands Park near Dungannon for the first Jog around the Bog, an entirely off the road event organised as a fund raiser by Guide Dogs NI. And what a great day it turned out to be. Although it rained over night and the day began damp, cold and threatening looking, by the time the field of over 100 runners had gathered outside the visitor centre the sun was out, the wind had gone and all was set fair for a pleasant afternoon run in the unique surroundings, part road, part peat based paths and a few miles of springy boardwalk.
ONE
Three things I discovered at this event. First, my true position in the world of running. Tail End Charlie, where you start last follow all the runners round and tell the marshals who may well have been in position for several hours, that they can pack up and go home. I must admit that it was not difficult to hold that position caught as I was between the only slightly slower walker behind and everyone else ahead that I was unable to catch anyway!
TWO
And second, always make sure you keep the keys with you when you put a clamp on your trailer!
THREE
Third, it will become a serious rival to Jimmy’s Ten in the post race refreshments stakes if the opening efforts are anything to go by.
Mark O’ Connor saw this run as the ideal recovery run after his exertions in Manchester – not sure if he necessarily agrees with that now, but he did enjoy it and with overall 7th place in 38.45 will surely be back. Sinead Kinsella not only took an excellent 3rd place 47.49 in the Ladies race but was the saviour of yours truly when she delivered the aforementioned keys.
Nicole Brown, my eldest granddaughter, made her debut in the race and could have picked an easier opener but nevertheless enjoyed the experience, the post race refreshments and my company for the first half mile.
On the subject of which did you know that I now have a grandson? I’m told he has already demonstrated the truth of the old saying “like grandfather like grandson” by his ability to nod off to sleep at the drop of a hat irrespective of who’s there. That’s my boy!!
LONDON 2015
Barrie Atkinson meanwhile was resting in London ahead of his debut at the 26.2 miles distance and what a showing he made on Sunday. Not only did he appear on screen just in front of Paula, but he crossed the line 40 seconds ahead of her in the superb time of 2.36 – a brilliant effort. Michael McKeown, 3.22, another star of the small screen on Sunday set his best time for years over the distance and must be extremely pleased Ian McCracken 5.07 also seemed to enjoy his day out, while Eithne McGrattan posted 5.27 on her marathon debut, raising much needed funds for the Parkinson’s Association in the process.
DOWNPATRICK LIONS 3 LAKES CHARITY RACE
The next big event locally is the 3 Lakes Race on Saturday 16 May starting at 11.00am and with a Fun Run over 7K and a 14K for the more experienced runners a big turnout is eagerly anticipated to raise funds for the Downs Syndrome Association, the Lions designated Charity this year.
While entries will be taken from 9.00am on the day runners are encouraged to enter online at www.athleticsni.org if possible
Joe Quinn
27 April 2015