TITANIC FESTIVAL OF RUNNING

Glenn Grant of Championchip Ireland provided the perfect reason for runners to get off the sofa on Boxing Day. He lined up 2 races – a 5K and a 10K which were held in the Harbour Estate in Belfast and while the weather was unkind to say the least, the course was flat with a perfect surface and the roads were closed. It may not be everyone’s ideal way to spend the morning after Christmas Day but close to 400 individuals saw it as a way to offset their indulgence and perhaps make room for round two of festivities.

5K

The 5K started at 10.30 on the dot. So punctual in fact that East Down AC’s Sharon Madine missed the start of that race and so she talked herself into doing the 10K as penance. There were 168 starters in the short distance with plenty of quality runners at the front of the pack who were obviously there to do more than merely run off the turkey. The top 5 men broke 16 minutes with Gerard Heaney of North Belfast Harriers taking the win in 15.36. The fastest Female was Dearbhla Cox of Annadale Striders in 17.51. East Down had 5 entrants including 3 juniors. Oliver Robinson led the club home in 17.41 which is a massive 50 seconds faster than his previous best that was set in Victoria parkrun a few months. Jacob Crawford crossed the line in 18.38 showing that the consistent training is paying off and James Wright was delighted to breach 20 minutes and gain a new personal best time of 19.54. These results are a great morale booster for the youngsters. Maureen Kelly (mother of James) ensured that the family standards were upheld when she also bagged a pb with 23.20. Marguerite (mum to Oliver) said that it took at least until half way to thaw her frozen hands and she was glad to see the finish line looming. She was happy enough with her time of 25.57 and even happier to jump in the car and head home!

10K

In the 10K which began at 11.30am there were 230 entrants. The top 3 finishers were in within the 30 minute barrier. In first place was Ben Branagh (a previous Jimmy’s 10K winner) in a time of 29.39. The top Female was Gillian McCrory of St Peter’s AC in 38.31. East Down AC had 4 runners all female. As mentioned Sharon Madine was only there by default. Having got lost en route and failed to get to the 5K start she felt that the only way to save face was to run the 10K. She actually ran very well and in the end was happy to have doubled her exercise goal for the day. Her time of 46.16 placed her as 15th Female out of 90 and was not that far off her pb. This is impressive since she prefers 5K to 10K and also that she arrived with no intention of racing that distance. In addition the blustery conditions were not ideal for chasing times. Alison and Ella Carroll opted for the 10K over the 5K based on the later start and the chance of a lie in. It turned out that the rain had also eased by then so it was a good call. Alison ran a well paced race and was as pleased with her consistent splits as she was with her time of 51.18. Ella has not fitted much training in of late but with characteristic grit she ploughed on to the finish in a time of 54.55. Mags Flynn slipped across the line between these two in a very respectable 53.15. It was a well organised event with adequate parking and toilets. All entrants received a t-shirt and medal and even the poor weather did not detract from the smug feeling of achievement for those who turned out. Kudos to Glenn Grant for his efforts to make this happen.

BURREN TOWNLAND RACES

Meanwhile closer to home the rain had cleared early on to give a bright mild day. Gordy Graham was out for the Burren Townland 10 Miler and said it was almost too warm! The contrast in the photos of this compared to the Belfast meet is marked. The course was as hilly as Titanic was flat but Gordy had a great race and took the win by a clear margin in a time of 58.27. He was keen to point out that his closest adversary Brendan Heaney was denied the chance to race it out when he took an unfortunate tumble. Gordy had the good grace to help his rival up but it seemed that the fall took its toll and Brendan never really got back on track. He did hold on to second place but he was 4 minutes behind Gordy in the end. Another podium for Gordy to end a successful 2021.

TURKEY TROT

It was no surprise to find that Niall Gibney was in the mountains on Boxing Day. This time however instead of a solo escapade, he had signed up for the annual Turkey Trot organised by BARF (Belfast Association of Rock climbers and Fell runners). This arduous run started at Meelmore Lodge then headed up the lane to the Mourne Wall. The climbing continued up to Trassey Track Ford and  then up to the Bernagh-Meelmore col. Niall said that the paths were like mini streams after the deluge on Christmas Day and he described the river crossing below the col as “interesting.” To others that probably means practically impassable but Niall and the other runners toiled on finally reaching Meelmore-Meelbeg Saddle. Our intrepid mountain man reported that, “From here the brakes were off and it was a fun fast slippery downhill to the Happy Valley.” A further treacherous stretch took them along the Mourne Way back to the lane to Meelmore Lodge. A run like this requires agility as well as stamina so not all would be fit for the challenge and indeed it was a select field of 73 who set out. After 1316 feet of climbing  over 4.79 miles Niall was pleased to make the top 20, placing 19th overall. Another challenge safely navigated.

CHRISTMAS CRACKER 2021

The Christmas Cracker is a unique and popular event that sells out well in advance and this year was no different. As the event drew closer there were the inevitable forced withdrawals and the frantic search for new partners but most people managed to find a match in the nick of time. The premise is that you and your partner must finish together. If you get separated through the race, you must wait in a holding pen until you are reunited. The choice of a partner is either based on being similar speed or similar temperament ie you are out to run fast or you are out to soak up the atmosphere. Either way the race is tough; the actual route (which varies each year) is a closely guarded secret  but generally it is at least 8-9 miles in distance with multiple hills, some barely walkable let alone fit for running and the mud underfoot is an occupational hazard. With the large entry this year (613 teams of 2) and the narrow trails, there were also pinch points and at times there were tail backs where runners had to queue to scale walls or access the next section. For those at the front this was less of an issue and for those further back it was a welcome breather. The race started in the centre of Castlewellan and there was a fantastic buzz as the crowds gathered. Many were in elaborate fancy dress among them 2 guys dressed in yellow and carrying a wooden beam to denote the H&W cranes, a group of 4 dressed as Goldilocks and the 3 bears, an Abba line up as well as copious stripy socks, santa hats, tinsel, antlers and bells. The effort that some make is truly impressive. 

FIND A PARTNER

East Down was amply represented on the dress up front with Marguerite Robinson and Roisin Gaffney as glamorous Percy Pigs and James Magennis had paired up with Cheryl Denvir as Mrs Brown and son Buster not to mention how at home John Taylor looked in a tutu. EDAC also had various combinations entered ie husband and wife (John and Wendy Findlay), siblings (Patrick and Suzy Smith) and parent and child with Samantha Anderson and Dee Murray both daring to run with their offspring Maeve and Mackenzie respectively. As well as club pair ups, it is nice to see some linking up with buddies in other clubs. Aaron McGrady was on tenterhooks until an hour before the start as his partner Jonny Scott of Mourne Runners was a potential non starter but at the 11th hour they decided to go ahead. 

THE RACE

Aaron and Jonny had a great race, sticking close together throughout and coming across the line well under the hour in 57.07 to take third place overall. Father and son duo Dee and Mackenzie Murray were well up in 34th place and Ciaran Denvir and Catherine O’Connor as a mixed pair were 40th. It was great to see Brian Hamilton as one of the oldest senior members of the club back out at a race. He and his partner Francis Gorman (PEC) were in the combined 120 – 139 age category and came in ahead of many much younger pairs placing 301st overall. All who entered were in agreement that while not an easy race, it is one to add to the list as an enjoyable challenge. 

EDAC TEAM RESULTS

OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW

The Cracker marks the end of the racing season and is a good time to reflect on the past year. The impact of Covid is undeniable and the various lock downs have taken a toll on us all but compared to December 2020 the club is in a better place. In the last months there has been ample racing on the calendar and EDAC members have enjoyed the buzz of the return to competition. Our membership is buoyant and due to the virtual challenges and training programs we have all kept fit and active. The highlight for us was finally getting Jimmy’s 10 2020 off successfully in June 2021. We had to change the date and move the venue but with some perseverance we got there. Jimmy’s 2022 plans are full steam ahead with a good number of slots sold in the first week. The early bird price is on hold until the end of January so if you are looking for a goal, get yourself entered now!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL

As 2021 is ushered out, we wish all our members, our sponsors and the friends and supporters of the club all the best for the year ahead. Happy 2022 one and all!