THE YOUNG ONES
In the absence of comments about our juniors in recent weeks, you could be forgiven for thinking that they had all gone on holidays or into hibernation while awaiting the results of GCSE’s etc. But nothing could be further from the truth. To their credit, most of them have been following training schedules which mean that they’ll be fit and ready to go when the new cross country season begins in a few weeks time. If further evidence is needed then look no further than the recent Super 6 meeting at Mary Peters Track where the East Down squad won 5 medals – 4 Gold and 1 Bronze, with the following performances:-
Mini Girls – Lauren Madine, 1st in 600m and 1st in Long Jump (3.71)
U15 Girls – Edie Carroll 1st 800m (2.29)
U17Boys – Matthew McGrattan – 3rd 200m (25.07)
Senior Women – Laura Gardiner – 1st 800m (2.20)
Congratulations to all of them and to all our juniors who were involved in the pressure cooker of GCSE and A level examinations, not only for staying sane throughout the process but for producing some truly eye catching results, while also maintaining their fitness. Healthy minds in healthy bodies!!
LAGANSIDE 10K
On a typical September Sunday afternoon, scorching sun and wind free atmosphere, well over 1000 runners of all abilities took to the roads around the Ormeau and Laganside Embankments for the 2016 Laganside 10K. Only a small contingent from the county town actually took part this year – perhaps they knew about the weather? – but whatever the excuse was, they surely missed an opportunity to record a new pb. I positioned myself at the back of the 45 minute pen, hoping that perhaps some of their speed would rub off and magically transform me. All worked well for the first 30 metres or so but when we crossed the start line I was quickly brought back to reality, for not only did the 45 minute runners leave me behind but the 50 and 55 minute and, I suspect, a goodly number of the 60 minute squads as well, flew past. I wasn’t left alone by any means though as there were plenty of others running at my pace, the sun was out and I was happy just to be there. There was one particularly significant moment though, I actually passed Brendan Teer before halfway! I never thought I would write that in a race report. Ignore the fact that Brendan was spectating as he slowly re-builds his fitness, it sounds great and is factually correct. An ultimate return of 62.09 was acceptable enough on the day, though Brendan would have been finished in half that time had he been running.
Andrew Telford was the first East Down runner home, recording 40.19, an excellent result following some months of injuries, and Gavin Hynds next in 43.16 also setting out his stall for the season ahead. Tom “Mick McCreesh” McClean was more than happy with his sub 50 time, clocking 49.08 in what could only be described as a confidence boosting effort.
MOAN OF THE WEEK
The only complaint I have was that there was no water left at the 8K mark when I got there. Another reason to stick with the 45 minute guys perhaps?
COMING UP
The Mill Hill Mile in Castlewellan is on Tuesday 13th September and those wanting to take part in this fantastic event ( and who doesn’t?) MUST register online at www.newcastleac.org before Monday 11th September at 9.00 pm. There is no charge for doing this, the entry fee is a donation on the night to this year’s charity Shimna Valley Cancer Fund for Children.
DUNDRUM and KILBRONEY
The next local race after that is the Gr8 Dundrum Run on 8 October. There was also great news this week that the first fixture in this year’s Cross Country League programme, the Bobby Rea Memorial, which includes the Ulster and NI Even Age Group Championships, will be held in Kilbroney Park Rostrevor, in my view is the best venue in the country on Saturday 22 October. Expect a huge turnout from the local clubs as well as from clubs throughout Ulster.
Joe Quinn
5 September 2016