The Big Freeze

In the last couple of weeks runners were forced to rethink their plans when an Arctic blast sent temperatures plummeting to sub zero for days on end. Even the areas that did not see snow were subject to a hard frost or even solid ice which refused to thaw and walking let alone running was treacherous as a result. Many events were called off and runners resorted to training indoors for the duration to avoid the risk of injury from a fall. Finally by last weekend the thermometer showed a slight rise and some racing resumed but the conditions were still challenging to say the least. 

Race around the Lake

Sharon Madine looking for her weekend racing fix had spied the 7 miler round Camlough Lake billed appropriately as the “Race around the Lake”. As well as offering a scenic run to participants, it was in support of a worthy cause. All proceeds were being passed to a local family towards costs associated with treatment for their young son  (Bobby Browne) recently diagnosed with Leukaemia. 368 runners turned up – a mix of speedsters and those out for the craic. The route began on country roads around Camlough lake spoiling them with a nice, flat start but quickly taking them over several very steep hills which afforded stunning views of the lake and the mountains beyond. Sharon found it a tough enough run and even had to walk some sections due to the hilly nature of the course. She was happy to come 74th in a time of 54.38. Afterwards she said that apart from the climbs it was one of the nicest runs she had done and it was well worth the journey.

Lecale Way Ultra

Meanwhile Phillip Vint was also on a mission. He was perhaps the longest travelled EDAC runner at the weekend, though it initially only involved a short trip to Strangford on Sunday morning. The sting in the tail was that from there he had to make his way to Newcastle via the Lecale Way Ultra Marathon route. This includes the coastal paths through Ballyhornan, Ardglass, Killough, Minerstown, Tyrella, Ballykinlar and Dundrum to finish in Newcastle some 50K (33 miles) further along the coast. A run and a route which in normal conditions would have been spectacular and challenging but given the wind and rain which were present from the outset at 10.00am, it took all his resolve to get him to the finish. However, not to be outdone and despite the headwind and driving rain along the entire section from Dundrum onwards and being  soaked to the skin he did make it to the finish line in 5 hours 27 minutes. Not too far from the front of the field either, he was actually 10th person home in 5.27.08. This was a tremendous effort as he also had a head cold for a companion so he  was delighted to see his family and friends waiting for him as he crossed the line. His toughest yet? By a considerable margin he would say YES. Given the terrain, which comprised a mixture of sand, rocks, mud and tarmac he was pleased to report that his feet were in reasonable shape  and he was still upright and the fact that brings his tally to 85 was an added bonus. Hopefully he will allow himself some rest over the holidays but knowing him it will not belong before he pulls on his trainers once more. Well done, Phillip.

LENNON SOLAR CHRISTMAS 5K – DROGHEDA & DISTRICT AC

In her usual under the radar style Catherine O’Connor slipped off to a race at the weekend as a last blast before Christmas. It was well attended with over 450 runners ready for the off. Catherine had a strong performance outstripping the other females in the field to take the win with a minute to spare over 2nd placed Laura Mathews of North East Runners AC. Catherine’s time of 18.01 placed her 19th overall. A great end to a great season! Well done Catherine!

Happy Christmas to all

And that brings the pre Christmas racing to a close. There are some fun events on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day with races planned from Boxing Day onwards. In the meantime East Down Athletics Club would like to extend festive greetings to all members, friends and supporters of the Club – Happy Christmas to all!