CRAIGAVON LAKES 10K (WED)
On Wednesday night Gavin McConvey undertook his first outing since the 3 Lakes Challenge almost a month ago when he completed the Craigavon Lakes 10K in a very respectable 57.14, which given the very hot conditions was an even better result.

HILL & DALE ROUND 8 (THURS)
Once again it was Neil Andrews who led the East Down contingent home in round 8 of the Hill and Dale series. The venue was Slieve Loughshannagh, a name that brings a shudder to my body every time I think of it, though it attracted what must be close to a record entry of well over 200 on Thursday night. Perhaps it’s easier now than when I did it? With Gavin Hynds and Niall Gibney on Mourne Way Marathon duty on Saturday the next East Down colours to appear were carried by Deirdre Weatherall , followed by Paddy McDonald, Lisa Milligan John Manley, Cheryl Denvir and Janine Murray

MOURNE MOUNTAIN MARATHON GLORY FOR NIAMH (SAT)
The heat, the terrain and the difficult to follow or absent signage put the pressure on those who took part in this veritable Festival of Running in a Day, comprising ultra, full, half marathon and 10K distances. There was even a walking option!!.
Headline grabber of the day has to be Niamh Kellett – 2nd woman to finish in 3.58 only 7 minutes behind the winner Newcastle’s Sinead Murtagh, Well Done Sinead, and 24 minutes ahead of 3rd woman home Karalee Porter. Niamh was an amazing 7th overall in a field of 154.
Others to complete the marathon were Phillip Vint 4.21, Gavin Hynds 4.43, Stephen Heasley 4.44 and Cathy Burke and Liz O’ Hagen 5.56.
Of course Linda Cuningham, now on her way to marathon number 200 completed in the company of sister Jacqueline Moore and her Murlough clubmate Paula McKibbin in a blanket finish in 7.09.
So in spite of one or two getting a bit lost en route everyone managed to finish in good humour.

26 Extreme Mourne Marathon – Niamh Kellett East Down AC on left 2nd lady overall, Sinead Murtagh Newcastle AC Ladies winner and Karalee Porter 3rd (No Club)

Gavin Hynds, Niamh Kellett and Phillip Vint before the Mourne Marathon

HALF MARATHON RETURN FOR MARK (SAT)
The half marathon attracted over 250 entries among them being Niall Gibney 1.43, 19th Mark McDowell 1.45 22nd and Stephen McCartan 1.54, 38th. A special welcome back is accorded to Mark who has had a long lay off from running and has had to work hard to get back to this level. A not unnoticed inspirational effort, Well Done Mark.

JOANNE IN HALF MARATHON JOY
Joanne Carson went for a weekend having read on a poster that the Portumna Forest Marathon was a chance to experience “nature at its best” and though she found that it certainly was scenic and it was an enjoyable experience she was happy to have chosen the shortest distance out of the three options of 100K, 50K Marathon and Half Marathon on offer. She covered the trail 13.1 miles in a respectable 2.05 and was 136 out of over 200 runners.

Joanne Carson after the Portumna Forest half marathon.

NEIL TAKES SILVER AT ULSTER SENIOR T&F CHAMPIONSHIPS (SAT)
Two of East Down’s best athletes took part in the NI & Ulster Track and Field Championships at Mary Peters Track on Saturday. Top junior Lauren Madine continues to push the boundaries and ran very well in the Under 14 Girls 1500, posting 5.16.14 to take 6th place. Neil McCartan who came 6th in the senior 1500 metres last year, returned to take an excellent Silver medal this time after a tactical race where he judged his pacing well. Well done to both in the very hot conditions.

Joe Quinn & Alison Carroll
11 June 2018