Dunleath Playing Fields parkrun
“Parkrun” is familiar to many as the free timed run which takes place every Saturday in venues all over the world. In Northern Ireland alone there are 35 different parkruns with Dunleath Playing Fields being the most recent start up. Paula Savage is the one who deserves the credit for getting the Downpatrick version up and going but she now has a strong team of willing helpers who are keen to help her grow the event. Parkruns are measured 5K routes where runners are timed and marshalled over the distance by a band of volunteers. These volunteers are an important part of the event; none of the jobs require specialised skills and it can be great fun being part of the activity.
Want to get involved?
A one time registration online generates a bar code which is recognised in any parkrun worldwide without the need to register for each individual event. It is a good motivation to get in some weekly exercise as well as catch up with friends or meet new runners. Some people run to get a best time and measure their progress while others are clocking up how many parkruns they complete regardless of their speed. If you are interested in running at Dunleath or signing up to be a volunteer go to https://www.parkrun.org.uk/dunleathplayingfields/ to find out more or email Paula at dunleathplayingfields@parkrun.com directly.
East Down AC had set 14 May in the diary as a date to visit the local parkrun and they picked a fabulous day. The sun was shining and conditions were perfect. A number of members both senior and junior took on volunteer roles and others took part in the run. The 3 lap course is mostly flat with a rise on the back loop and it starts and finishes close to the pavilion. Run Director for the day, Ian Hillsdon, got the runners briefed and ready for a prompt 9.30 start. The premise of parkrun is that it is not a race. It is for each person to record a time which they can compare to others or to their own previous efforts. While there is no winner and no prizes as such that does not stop the competitive spirit coming to the fore once the whistle is blown and from the start Robbie Hagan was out in front giving it his all. He put in a strong solo effort to record 15.44 on the clock which is also a course record. 
As far as the East Down contingent was concerned Ollie Robinson took the honours as the first EDAC runner home marking the 3rd quickest time of the day (17.37). Jacob Crawford clocked 18.48 as 4th finisher and Martin Willcox Chairman of EDAC perhaps inspired by the youth of the club got a 5th place finish in 19.04. Sharon Madine led the EDAC ladies home and in fact was first female overall 22.22 – an easy time to remember! Further back Joe Quinn was out with his family to walk the course and give it his seal of approval. There were 18 EDAC runners in total so it was a good showing and the fact that many are new to the club and this was their first time doing a parkrun was pleasing. In total 113 runners recorded times and judging by the smiles at the post race refreshment tables a good time was had by all. If you haven’t been down on a Saturday yet you should drop by – it is a great asset to the town.
Slieve Donard Race
The annual assault on Slieve Donard starts on the road in Donard Forest Park and covers roughly 10k with 850m of climbing. It is free route choice for the most part and requires navigation skills or local knowledge of the course. The fact that there is a cut-off at 60 minutes at the Saddle and that full body cover must be carried indicates that this is not for beginners. Three hardy EDAC runners took on the challenge and thankfully all 3 reached the finish without major incident. The winner was Zak Hanna of Newcastle & District AC who showed the rest of the field how it should be done. He ascended in a mere 31 minutes and made the descent in a hairy 17.44 to clock 48.44. An impressive performance indeed.
First man home for EDAC was Joe Napier who recorded a very creditable 1.12 for the full distance. He coped well both in the ascent (47.21) and the descent (24.22) and was 38th overall out of 155 finishers. Niall Gibney who was supposedly in recovery from his Wicklow Round did well to finish in 1.14.59 (50.11 ascent and 24.48 descent). He said that his legs were tired from the get go which is hardly surprising! John Taylor is clearly making progress in his mountain running despite the following comments – “I now realise that CrossFit is no use whatsoever for preparation for mountain running and maybe entering the Donegal Skyline (this coming weekend) was slightly rash!” With a time of 1.43.01 (1.04.05 ascent and 38.56 descent) he was far from outclassed with almost 20 more runners in his wake.
In memory of Paul McCoubrey
Trish McMullan had signed up to do Jimmy’s 10 in March but unfortunately she tested positive for Covid and was unable to turn up on race day. She was disappointed as she had been training hard to complete the 10K course as a fund raiser for charities close to her heart. Not wanting to let down those who had pledged donations, she vowed to complete the course once she had recovered. It took her a little longer than expected to get back in action but at the weekend she set out to do her very own Jimmy’s 10 event. Her family cheered her on along the route and then met her at the finish line. It was an emotional day for them all as she was running in memory of her nephew and godson Paul McCoubrey and the 15th of May would have been his 32nd birthday. She was quick to point out that she was not overly fast but proud to announce she ran every step. Wearing her race number and event shirt she followed the route from google maps even adding in an extra loop at the end to ensure that the full 10K was recorded on her watch. She managed to raise £1264 for Marie Curie and £1500 (still ongoing) for Action for Children – a fitting and meaningful tribute to Paul. She thanked friends and family for their generosity.
EDAC hand over a cheque to Men’s Shed Downpatrick
On Tuesday past Martin Willcox, Chair of East Down Athletics Club handed over a cheque for £500 to Lisa Murray, Project Officer for the Men’s Shed Downpatrick. This donation was raised through Jimmy’s 10K which took place in March 2022. The Men’s Shed and EDAC are neighbours in the Action Mental Health premises and the club is always happy to lend support to their ventures. The “Shedders” are finally getting back in the swing post covid and they were grateful to accept these funds to buy materials for the workshop. 
They will be busy in the next few weeks making garden furniture, planters and window boxes and other items to sell in their garden shop at the New Horizons Garden Centre. (To place an order, call in Monday to Thursday 9-4pm or Friday 9-12.30 (closed for lunch 12.30-1pm) or phone 07885407094.)
Quiz Time!
Don’t forget that James Magennis is hosting a quiz this Friday Evening – 7.30pm in Denvirs. Entry by donation with all proceeds going to Ukraine Appeal. This is open to the public and all are welcome. Text James on 07752 320350 to let him plan numbers.