NI & Ulster Uneven Age Group Cross Country Championships
With the Evens (U10/12/14 etc) Age Group Cross Country Championships done and dusted 2 weeks ago, it was the turn of the Unevens (U11/13/15 etc) at the weekend. Three EDAC Juniors made the journey to Finn Valley Centre in Stranorlar to take part. Oliver Robinson and Jacob Crawford raced in the U17 category and Alex Robinson in the U15. While there was a stiff breeze on the day, it was dry and reasonably mild. The going was firm in and around the start area but once the runners entered the fields, it was quite boggy due to heavy rains in the previous week. Alex was off first and took his time in the first section pacing it steadily and staying out of trouble. He worked his way through the pack to place a commendable 28th out of 72 runners. In the U17 Boys there were 50 athletes and Ollie ran strongly to finish in 18th position in 14.49. Jacob followed not long after in 15.44 which ranked him 29th. They all will have gained valuable experience for the cross country racing that lies ahead including the All Irelands in Rosapenna on 20th November.
Born2Run Minnowburn
Born 2 Run – Run Forest Run – Minnowburn – 5th November 2022 – Photograph by Mervyn McKeown, My Sports Photo
Also on Saturday the first of the Born2Run Winter Series of “Run Forest Run” took place in the scenic setting of Minnowburn. There were 458 entries in 10k and 132 in the 5k. Both races started and finished on Mary Peters Track. Sharon Madine had opted for 5k route a mix of track and forest trail, taking the runners through National Trust property at Minnowburn and back along the banks of the Lagan on the towpath. It was a tough course with a climb at the start which got the heart rate up from the outset. There was a bit of respite with some flatter forest trails but then more hills as the race continued. After one last climb the runners came onto the track for a fast finish. Sharon who had chosen to celebrate her birthday by taking part was delighted to pick up first Female as a well deserved reward for her efforts. Her time of 22.03 was enough to place her an impressive 8th overall.
The Bonfire Burn
The Bonfire Burn which takes place in Cambridge is an established late autumn favourite. Nearly 600 runners lined up for the demanding multi-terrain course. The route follows the Cambridge Northern Fringe including a section of a Roman road. This surface is tricky at the best of times but was particularly treacherous on race day due to the the wet weather in the days preceding the event. In fact on the muddy sections of the course it was a lot more like ice-skating than running at times. Given the conditions Alice and Paul Brear Clarkson were more than happy to bring it home in under 40 minutes and Alice even picked up a trophy for fastest Female in the process. A good day out for them.
Run to Remember 5K
On Sunday EDAC’s Martin Willcox made his way to Ballynahinch to take part in the annual Run to Remember 5K. There were 212 runners out to enjoy the autumnal run. Martin was quick off the start line and found himself in the top 3 in the early stages. Tom Crudgington of Newcastle & District AC then pulled away to cross the line in 17.49 as the overall winner while Martin had a sprint to the finish in a close battle with Simon Easton. Martin took second place in 19.48 with Simon in third (19.51). Great running, Martin!
Trail by Torchlight
Last Monday the EDAC seniors took to the trails of Castlewellan Forest Park for a head torch run. Well prepared with hi vis clothing and bright lights they navigated a couple of laps of the lake with ease. It was a mild dry evening and it was an experience enjoyed by all who attended. Running in the dark nights is much safer when done in a group and it is also more fun! If you fancy joining in contact membership@eastdownac.co.uk to find out more details. Membership is great value at £35 per year and you are assured of a warm welcome.