What a difference a week makes!  From the near tsunami that hit Stormont last Saturday to the sunshine which bathed Downparick Race Course under a cloudless blue sky this, the contrast could not have been more marked. Early morning frost had caused some concerns about the likely state of the going for the noonday start time – but such fears proved groundless as the warm rays and a liberal spreading of salt around the perimeter road gave perfect conditions for this first ever road race at the popular equestrian venue. Participants rapidly discovered how appropriate the Rollercoaster title was as they warmed up round the undulating circuit – not a horse was in sight though most of the runners wished they had one before business was completed for the day.

The first race of the day over a 1 kilometre distance saw over 30 P6/7 Girls gallop to the winning post, led home by Lisburn's Zoe Carruthers with Cedar’s Harriet Gilmore  in 2nd and St Dallan's Emma Laverty in 3rd. The overall placings of the next 3 Cedar athletes, Bethany Williamson 5th, Molly Rice 8th and Amy Godfrey 15th  meant they became the first holders of the special shield which will be competed for each year by Primary School pupils. 
Next off were the Primary School Boys, a massive field of over 80 runners, fighting for position in the early stages before Cedar’s up and coming star Callum Crawford Walker broke free of the pack and strode masterfully up the hill to the winning post, followed by Aidan McAteer, St Dallan's and Liam Gallagher St Patrick's Downpatrick with the rest of the field strung out behind. East Down's Niall Forrest, running for Holy Family Teconnaught was an excellent 9th.

By now the crowd had grown to sizeable proportions and parents, friends, coaches and spectators packed the railings in front of the stand to await the Age Group races.  And they weren’t disappointed as East Down’s Patrick Sheridan went to the front from the off to take the Under 13 Boys 1500 metres race in impressive style ahead of Odhran Copeland (Beechmount) and Patrick McMeekin (Down High) – this was superb running as any horse which has ever raced here will tell you.  First in the under 13 Girls race was Sorcha Brown from with Emer Magee 2nd and Bronagh Macklin 3rd. 

The under 15 Boys and Girls had the pleasure of climbing the hill to the finish line twice as their distance of 2,500 metres required slightly over 1 lap of the course, with the Boys race  won by Glen Willis from North Down and the Girls by East Down’s Elaine Burch as she maintained her recent good form, while the Under 17 category saw 12 Boys and Girls take on 3 kilometres in the by now positively Summery conditions.
Thanks to all the parents and teachers who brought their children along to give the event an outstanding baptism – the verdict was a resounding thumbs up, when participants had regained their breath, for the venue and facilities.

Then came the inaugural 5K Rollercoaster Derby with an impressive entry of well over 100 men and women of all ages and abilities – the great thing about a 5K race is that virtually anyone can do it as it’s not too far and even if you’re running fast the pain is quickly over!  And some very fast running was done with Newcastle’s David O’Flaherty  taking the lead from the gun, never to be headed over the 2 and a quarter laps and displaying the strength gained from regular mountain running to fairly skip up the short but very sharp hills that are a challenge even for four legged runners.  Second home was the classy Frank Sharkey (Lagan Valley), now in the over 45 category, but still displaying much of the style and speed for which he is noted, with Ryan Maxwell (Larne AC) completing the podium places.  However filling 4th spot was local man Gary Flynn, a superb run in 17.51, more accustomed to throwing and dodging punches than race running, who surely must be persuaded to concentrate on running where he could undoubtedly hit the top - without being hit back! East Down AC awaits you with open arms and unclenched fists! And don’t forget 2012!

A large contingent of East Down's men and women ( after a teeth inspection the term colts and fillies didn’t seem quite right) took up the challenge, assured that no fences or hurdles had to be negotiated and turned in some impressive performances. Liam Keenan led the way, taking 12th place in 18.56, claiming the scalps of clubmates Stephen Shannon and Nigel Martin to become the first recipient of the John Cullen Cup, a beautiful trophy presented to the proud Liam on the day by John himself. Nigel too picked up a trophy as his efforts won the Over 40 category. Mark Quinn struggled manfully with the effects of a chest cold, and was way below his best while Philip Vint showed no sign of his earlier course salting efforts by clocking 19.55.  Gerard Burns too was happy with a 20.51 and 39th  place while Declan Teague was delighted to complete injury free and boost his confidence as he prepares for the Rome marathon in March. New member Michael McKeown recorded 21.32 for 44th place and fellow debutant Frank McCann clocked 25.51. The shorter distance, specially the vertical bits, was not to the liking of  Joe Quinn (23.22) as he lost contact with some old foes whose backs he regularly follows. Just ahead of him was Maureen Oliver (Dub Runners) running better than ever and picking up the Ladies Over 50 trophy.

The Ladies race was well won by Martina Hawkins (20.05) to complete a double for the Newcastle club ahead of  Lagan Valley's Ruth Magill and North Down's Kerry Iveston.

Not to be outdone the East Down Ladies posted some encouraging times too as Anna Stamp made her debut with a time of 22.24 and Roisin Gaffney picked up her first trophy by winning the Over 45 category. Good performances too from Linda Cunningham, Helen Vint and Sheena Mckermitt who found relief in running after experiencing the sharp end of registration earlier.

Everyone was mightily impressed with the facilities and setting, topped off by the excellent fare provided by Wrap and Roll, serving both participant and supporters alike in a marathon effort – well done Catriona and thanks to all who helped in any way, to Noel at Down Race Club and to Toal's Bookmakers for the sponsorship.  Feedback would indicate that this should become an annual event with its natural track and traffic free environment making it eminently safe and suitable for children's races.

Joe Quinn