ROCKY

I may have been guilty of an accidental deception last week when I said I fell on Carn when in fact it was Doan but since I didn't know where I was anyway I hope you'll forgive the error.  In any case, irrespective of what it's called (and it wasn't either of the aforementioned at the time) the chosen spot was just as hard and the injury just the same – I just mention it to set the record straight and in case it's important for compensation purposes.  So I turned up at Leitrim Lodge on Thursday night for the assault on Rocky, mainly because it was my last chance to delay Fred Strickland's charge to the Over 60 title in the 11 race series. If I won it would mean he would have to win one of the last two races and that I would have to take part in them to maintain a challenge – and win all of them to pip him at the post. But he skinned me good and proper and his sixth victory meant he retained the crown for a third year – my congratulations to him – I just wish I could descend the mountains anything like he does, though I fall better than him, probably because I do it more often.  He's not only a master mechanic but an award winning baker since he retired, so it was wee buns for him and I can't think of  a nicer guy to lose to – but I'll be back!

I discovered on Thursday night that I'm no longer afraid of falling ( just once this week) it's hitting the ground that does the damage and that's what I should have been looking out for all along.  Must try to become infallible! The good news is that with participation in the MourneWay Marathon next Saturday top of my agenda I no longer have to worry about injury on Meelbeg/Meelmore on Thursday night – spectating will do for me instead.

Rocky is unique in that it guarantees that all participants will lose weight before they leave – you can virtually hear the midges rubbing their hands and announcing “Supper is served” as runners approach the finish line. I didn't think they would have much taste for old meat but they had a go at a pound or two of my flesh before I made the safety of my car - only to discover I had left a window open!  I hope they got a piece of Fred too, hopefully the fast bit!   But what a great series – congratulations and thanks to all the organisers and marshals who gave so much time and effort to making it possible for us to risk life and limb and be eaten alive – any chance you can cull the midges before next year?

TOUR OF COUNTY DOWN SERIES

And we're round to the Tour of the County Down Series again though with just 4 races this year.  The series kicks off with the Loughinisland GAC 5.05 mile race on Saturday 27 June at 3.30pm,  followed by the Russell Gaelic Union10K and 2 x 5K relay on Tuesday 11 August at 7.30pm; the Darragh Cross 10K and Fun Run on Saturday 22 August at 2.30pm; and the Legbiter Killyleagh 5 Miles on Friday 28 August at 7.30pm.  There is a splendid cup on offer for the first non-athletic club team  of 4 in the Loughinisland race and the challenge is thrown out to all clubs of whatever sport to attempt to win it for the coming year.



These races are open to all but are designed to encourage novice runners who are just beginning to enter competitive events and to introduce them to the unique atmosphere that is road running. So it's important that runners of all abilities come along to enjoy the races and support the less experienced to ensure the continuation of our sport.  Further details next week

For further information call Joe Quinn on 02844614235 or 07933214894

7 June 2009