NI & ULSTER  SENIOR XC CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Senior XC Championships on Saturday 26th February proved a fitting climax to the NI & Ulster Cross Country League. The event took place at Gransha over a challenging 12K route – the longest race this season. For many this distance was just too big an ask and as a result there was no EDAC team entry for this one. However Neil McCartan, feeling buoyant after his bronze medal in the Intermediate Championships,  decided to go solo and see if his purple patch would stretch to another good performance. Neil is a track runner at heart with 1500m his preferred option so both the terrain and the distance would appear to be out of his comfort zone but he enjoys running on grass and has had great results throughout the current season. Being a championship race, it had an impressive roll call on the start line but Neil focused on his personal goal which was to come in the top 8-10 and largely blanked out those warming up beside him. The forecast for 45mph gusts was thankfully unfulfilled but the runners still had a strong blustery wind to contend with. The going was good underfoot with only occasional patches of deep mud. Nothing that these experienced athletes couldn’t handle.

NEIL McCARTAN GETS A BRONZE MEDAL

There were 100 entrants – somewhat lower than some other races but due most likely to the anticipated high standard and the longer race. Neil got himself in a good position off the start and a group of 20 quickly formed to run a tactical first lap. They got into a comfortable rhythm with no one trying to be a hero. Laps 2 and 3 continued much the same with all the contenders eyeing up the opposition and waiting to see who would take it on. On lap 4 there was an increase in pace and within no time the lead group was shedding runners left right and centre but there were 7 diehards there for the long game and one of these was our man Neil. On the 5th lap Conan McCaughey of North Belfast Harriers decided it was time to make things interesting and he upped his speed a further notch taking Eskander Turki of Annadale Striders with him. In a brave move, Neil pressed forward in pursuit along with 2 or 3 others but within minutes the bunch became a train and each runner was left as a link in the chain chasing the person ahead and trying to fend off attacks from behind.

Photo Credits; John T Glover

 Neil had Zak Hanna of Newcastle AC as his spur. Zak is king of the mountains and revels in tough off road running and has the legs for hills so he is a formidable opponent.

With 600m to go Zak came up on Neil’s shoulder and it looked for a second as if Neil was going to have to settle for 4th but he remained calm and bided his time until 200m from the line. Then in a huge effort he used his track speed to kick on and gained the 2 seconds he needed to secure a medal. Conan McCaughey was first in 39.58, Eskander Turki 2nd (40.25) and Neil was third overall in 40.37. He was delighted to have made podium in such a stellar field and was very satisfied with how he had handled the race. The good news quickly travelled back to Downpatrick and he was inundated with messages of congratulations. It is one for the memory book for sure. Well done, Neil!

JIMMY’S 10K 2022

So with cross country largely over (bar the Irish Schools XC), all eyes are on the road. Jimmy’s 10 preparations are well in hand. The race takes place on Sunday 13th March starting at the East Down AC Club rooms at 10.30am. As ever we are indebted to the many local businesses  who have got behind the race by lending financial support or practical assistance.

Betty McCartan passes over a cheque from Bells Supervalu Crossgar

The club would like to publicly thank each and every one of them. McMahon People Solutions, PCG Fitness, MC Dental Laboratories, Duffy’s Killough, JS Flooring and Murdock Brothers (Fuel) have all come on board for their first time while P. Gardiner Carpets, Bells Supervalu Crossgar, McDonalds Downpatrick and Gordons Chemists have remained loyal.

McDonalds Downpatrick make it 5 in a row!

New Sponsor – Murdock Brothers

Right behind us yet again – P. Gardiner Carpets

Printing and design is courtesy of Plus2print and water for all runners is supplied by Wrap & Roll both of whom have been involved for 12 years or more.

Keeping us hydrated year on year – Wrap & Roll

 On the day McVeigh Traffic Management will keep the runners safe and Soaring Productions will be on hand to video the race. Main sponsor M.B. McGrady & Co Chartered Accountants as well as 12 years support of the event are celebrating 70 years in business and so they are handing out sports vouchers worth £70 as 4 spot prizes in addition to their usual generous donation.

Without sponsorship it would not be feasible to host this event as chip timing, traffic management, permits, first aid costs are huge even before the offer t-shirts, water and a huge prize fund. The race was not held in 2020 due to the pandemic and last year it was held on Bishopscourt Racing Circuit so there is a lot of excitement to see the race come back home.

James Savage of JS Flooring steps up to support Jimmy’s 10 2022

HURRY BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!

Entries are close 700 including 10K and relay and the cap is 800 so it may well sell out before the entries close on Sunday 6th March. It is make your mind up time!

All entries are online at https://athleticsni.org/Fixtures/Jimmys-Ten and there will be NO on the day slots.  Hope to see you there.