BOBBY REA CROSS COUNTRY

The lead up to this event involved a lot of encouraging experienced members to place an entry, persuading new runners to give cross country a try, getting out spikes from the cupboard and wishing that they had been cleaned at the end of last season plus of course of sage advice on how to tackle the challenging course at Comber. Those who were doing cross country for the first time must have thought they were going into battle with the list of what to bring – EDAC vest, spikes, old trainers to warm up, tape to tie round spikes to keep them on in the muck, bin bags for dirty clothes, a towel and enough kit to last a week. In the end despite the overnight rain, the mud was non existent and the going was good to firm. It didn’t even rain on the day! All in all it was a good way to start the season.

LADIES FIRST

The event included a full program of Junior racing so the atmosphere was buzzing by the time the seniors arrived at the Billy Neill playing fields in Comber. As the last junior race finished, the senior women swarmed to the start area. East Down AC was out in force with 11 females on the start list plus Wayne Giles by virtue of being in the Male 60+ age group was in the same race. The runners were herded into pens to await the whistle and in fact when the race started 2 minutes early, some of the team were nearly caught on the hop as they were facing the wrong way getting their photo taken! Off they went at a pace across the level grass of the pitches stretching out quickly from a pack to a winding snake of coloured vests. They then turned sharply to get on to the hilliest section for the first time. This part is a gradual but leg sapping climb with the odd flatter bit for respite. Even after reaching the top, there are a few lumpy bits before a welcome downhill section. The runners then have a road crossing to contend with before sweeping round to the next loop. For women and Male 60+ it was 3 laps to make the 6k which meant 3 chances to try differing techniques on the hill. At the end of the last lap there was an added cruel twist – a steep uphill to the finish which seemed primarily to be for the entertainment of spectators. It required huge reserves to push to the very end but the cheering onlookers provided the much needed encouragement with gusto.  Caroline MacNabb led the team in with a gutsy run. She went out strongly and kept pushing to keep in contention. This earned her 8th overall in 23.36 and should encourage her that her consistent training is paying off.  Catherine O’Connor not far behind was forced to work hard for her 10th place coming home in 24 minutes exactly. This placed her first in her age category. Further back the rest of the team were all putting in the hard yards and finished in the following order. Sharon Madine (27.10), Wendy Findlay (29.16), Maureen Kelly and Janine Murray, who spent the entire race neck and neck, crossed the line together in 29.55, Roisin Gaffney (31.37), Alison Carroll (32.35), Shauna McGreevy (34.18) and Rachel Madine (39.53). Wayne Giles smiling as always placed 9/15 veteran men.

The women had no time to relax as they took on the supporting role to pay back the shouts given by the EDAC men earlier. The men had an even bigger team. This level of participation is a sign of the numbers currently attending training. The club has definitely bounced back post covid and the enthusiasm to race is returning. Neil McCartan was out to show that his recent speedy 15.05 for 5K was no fluke so he was gunning for action. He along with a bunch of sharp shooters came out of the pens at a rate of knots, fighting to get away from the melee and make sure that they were not impeded in any way. Aaron McGrady also close to the front at the start was determined not to get sucked into a chase situation but found it hard to stay controlled when he saw the way the pack was breaking up. Neil ended up having to run solo as the top 3 were hammering on but to his credit he stayed solid and claimed a worthy 5th place finishing in 25.44 for 8K. Aaron settled as per plan and worked his way through the field each lap ending up 9th overall (26.21). Gordy Graham wasn’t a fan of cross country before and hadn’t changed his opinion after but still managed to come 38th in 28.04. The rest of the team streamed in not far behind. Neil Curran (28.37), Conaill MacNabb (30.07), Martin Willcox (30.46), Jonny Holmes (31.34),  Barrie Atkinson (31.42), Dee Murray (32.02), Mark O’Connor (35.10), Eamon Kelly (36.19), Seamus Savage (39.17) and John Taylor (40.14). Cross country is definitely a different kettle of fish from a road race and many found that the variation in terrain made for an interesting outing while others found it an extremely hard session. The truth is that cross country is the most valuable way to pass the winter as it adds strength and stamina and the camaraderie almost makes up for the pain. Hopefully the turnout at Ballyclare in a couple of weeks time will show that that our members have been convinced of the merits.

THOROUGHBRED ATUTUMN MARATHON
Declan Teague is continuing to push himself by completing multiple marathons in a short time frame. This weekend he headed to Kildare for his third crack at the 26.2 miles in 5 weeks. EDAC was well represented as Phillip Vint completing his 76th marathon and Dermot Cahill were also on the start list for the Thoroughbred Autumn Marathon. They had taken part in this event before but on a 2 lap route. This time it was one lap which was “tough enough” according to Declan. He described it as rolling countryside and said that it felt like there was more up than down, with a bit of a headwind for good measure. On a positive note there were many plus points such as welcome sunshine and blue skies, plenty of support along the road, a great t-shirt and medal and best of all chicken curry at the finish. No wonder they recommend this race. All 3 men were pleased with their run. Declan set himself a target of 3:30 and worked hard up to 16 mile to give himself a cushion for the inevitable slowing after 18 mile. His strategy worked well as he completed in 3 hours 28 minutes. Phillip Vint ran a commendable 3 hours 25 showing no repercussions from his recent efforts in the London Marathon and Dermot Cahill was pleased to lead the trio home in 3 hours 21. They were 95th, 87th and 71st respectively out of the 550 entries. A great showing on behalf of the club.

SHANE’S CASTLE HALF MARATHON

Sam Anderson headed for Shane’s Castle for the Championship Half Marathon to make the most of the long miles of training that she has put in for the recent Belfast full marathon. She might also have thought that she was escaping the mud of the cross country as the 2 event coincided. She was wrong though as overnight rain and left the estate very mucky and their mud was mixed with manure so it was a very smelly, sludgy 13.1 miles for Sam. With her usual stoicism, she coped with the adversity and come home smiling in 2 hours 39.