There is nothing in the story of St Patrick's arrival in Ireland either as a slave or a missionary to indicate that he had any interest in running though it's fair to assume that, in the absence of Translink, he made most of his journeys on foot when he got here.  He did of course run the snakes out of Ireland but at what speed or over what distance is unknown. And it seems he was inordinately fond of hills, as evidenced by his visits to such places as Slemish, Tara and Croagh Patrick and this liking for the high ground may have originated through his experiences on Slievenagriddle. Whether he climbed that mountain is unclear but finding a way round it would have challenged the navigational skills of a saint,  which, come to think of it, he was well suited for. 

A similar challenge has now been thrown out by some of the current inhabitants of that beautiful locality, namely the men and women behind St Patrick's GAC Saul, who are calling on runners of all ages and abilities to run “Round the Griddle” on Sunday 22nd November.

In association with East Down AC the GAC has mapped out a scenic route round the base of the mountain over a distance of 10K, which was 6.2 miles when St Patrick trod the road, kilometres not having been invented until much later. But rest assured that whatever denomination it's measured in it will be far enough to establish which is the fittest Club in the land.

There will also be a shorter 5K run for walkers, family groups and younger children over a less demanding route but all roads lead back to the GAC clubrooms under the  watchful eye of the patron saint.

It is also an ideal preparatory race for the Joe Seeley 10K on 5th December, which incorporates the NI 10K Road race Championships, and should also provide a good workout for the mountain and fell runners of Newcastle, Murlough and Mourne Runners who like their races shaken not stirred. Willowfield Harriers will be represented, with the evergreen Allan McCullough likely to feature prominently.

So while runners from athletic clubs will be there in numbers, competing for individual and team prizes, Saul are inviting every non athletic club, whether gaelic, soccer, rugby, cricket etc. to send teams of four to compete for the right to be named “Fittest and Fastest Team in the Country”.  The team with the four highest placed finishers will win the team trophy (and the bragging rights) and can be made up of men and women, though there will be separate trophies for All Women teams too.  It is hoped that all local clubs will take part wearing their club kit to make it a really colourful occasion on a late November Sunday.

Saul GAC Ladies reckon they can field a team to beat all comers, including the men, so there's the challenge! Can you guys resist it?

The race which is generously sponsored by Paddy's Barn  Bar and Restaurant, Saul Rd Spar and Murphy's Stores starts at 1.00pm from the GAC Clubrooms, with registration from 11.30am.  Entry forms are available for download from www.saul-gac.com, www.spanglefish.com/eastdownac or www.niathletics.org.  

   Paddys10k2009-Entry-Form.doc - 26kB

Refreshments will be provided afterwards to all competitors – so this is one not to miss!.

Joe Quinn

8 November 2009