EAST DOWN ATHLETICS CLUB GET FESTIVE

The long awaited East Down AC predicted Time Trial took place on Thursday past on a mild, still night with the biggest turnout in the history of the event. There was a great buzz as runners placed their times trying to predict how long it would take them to cover the 5K distance (3 laps of the Downshire Estate).  After the officials checked that there were no watches or other devices secreted in pockets or on arms, the whistle blew and the runners set off with no way to measure their pace other than feel. Some athletes went off determined to run as fast as they could and hope that they would hit their predicted time in the process while others took a strategic view and aimed for a time comfortably within their range and tried to run at a speed to match it. The cheers from the marshals kept them motivated and fast or slow they eventually all crossed the line. There was a fulsome spread of homemade mince pies and other treats to keep them happy while the times were processed by Chairman and race organiser Paul Burns who was ably assisted by Oonagh Cochrane and Mags Mathieson. Once the results were in it was revealed that there was a tie for second place as Seamus Savage and Alison Carroll both managed to finish within 2 seconds of their prediction. They gratefully received vouchers for Teamwear Ireland which will enable them to purchase some club kit. The top spot went to Samantha Anderson who was only one second adrift. She was delighted with that. Ollie Robinson was awarded the prize allocated to juniors and as he was also the fastest split of the day this was well deserved. There were also spot prizes galore. Thanks are due to those who made it happen and to those who lent a hand with timing and refreshments. It was a great way to start the festive season.

Thanks to the generosity of our members we were able to make a donation to the Fountain Foodbank in the town.

NORTH WEST CROSS COUNTRY

Neil McCartan was the sole EDAC member to make the journey to Templemore Sports Complex in Gransha for the North West Cross Country Races. This event hosted by City of Derry Spartans was part of the ANI XC League but being so close to Christmas the numbers were not as high as some previous races. That said the top end of the field was no less competitive  The winner Luke McCarron representing the host club finished in 18.16. Neil was not far off with his time of 18:27 but in the sprint for the line he was 4th to cross just missing out on the podium by 2 seconds. 

BORN2RUN TOLLYMORE 5K AND 10K

East Down AC had 5 runners entered for the third event in the Born2run Forest Series which took place in Tollymore Forest on Saturday. There was a rumour that Wayne Giles only attended because he had heard that Leanne Spick was bringing some of her already legendary home made mince pies and he was relieved to see that both she and the pies duly arrived. Sharon Madine and Rachel Madine (no relation) also turned up ready for action as did Finn Gibney, the only EDAC junior to run. Knowing how hilly Tollymore can be, Finn and the 3 ladies wisely opted for the 5K but Wayne wanting to work up an appetite for the pies went for the longer distance. There were santa hats and all kinds of festive attire on display as the runners milled around at the start but once the whistle blew it was all about the race. The 5K route took the runners on the forest path along the Shimna River with views of the Mourne mountains. The first kilometre was downhill followed by a gradual climb up through the forest for approx 3k. After a short respite there was another slight climb to reach the finish line. Finn did extremely well to cope with the changing terrain and managed to place 13th overall in an impressive time of 21.56. Sharon was first in her age category (F50) and 4th Female in 22.28. Leanne was 8th Female in a time of 22.42. This put them 21st and 26th overall in the field of 201. Rachel resplendent in reindeer antlers was 118th. Good runs by all.

There were 532 running in the 10K and Wayne ran a strong race in 55.22 which gave him a very respectable 285th place overall. He likes to give himself a challenge and considering it is only 6 months since he took up running on a consistent basis, his progress is commendable. Well done Wayne.

DROGHEDA AND DISTRICT AC 5K

On Sunday Gordy Graham made his way to Drogheda to give the Drogheda and District AC 5K a blast. This race had a distinctly festive feel with Christmas music blasting as well over 500 runners gathered ready for the off. It started with a lap of the track then out on to the streets of Drogheda returning to the Lourdes Stadium for the final 500m. Gordy having had to sit out the Seeley Cup was keen for a hard race and pushed himself to the finish in 15.59. This was not a personal best time but getting a sub 16 by a whisker is a nice pre Christmas boost to ensure that he keeps on track over the holidays. Patrick Smith and sister Suzy also took part and they both placed well up in the large field. Patrick was 189th in 23.44 and happy with that. Suzy meanwhile was over the moon to be racing after a 4 month layoff with injury. She is definitely back in the game placing 272nd in 26.17. The two Smiths recommended it as one to consider next year.

TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

While many will continue to get out running and indeed race over the next week or so, Club Training will be on recess from Christmas Eve until sessions resume on Monday 3rd of January so at this point East Down AC would like to wish all members, friends and supporters of the Club a Happy Christmas! Stay safe, stay active and have fun!