Perhaps it was the influence of the patron saint, though it's not exactly the time of year for turning the stone, but the monsoon type conditions of the past week gave way to dry overhead conditions on Sunday afternoon for the first road races organised by Saul GAC, part of their celebrations for the 125^th anniversary of the founding of the GAA. However not to make things too easy a strong blustery wind was much in evidence around the far from easy chosen route, skirting the base of the Griddle mountain. All the more credit then to those who braved the elements to tackle the challenge and over 100 set were sent on their way on the shorter Fun Run course by local MP Mr Eddie McGrady followed 10 minutes later by over 80 runners in the Senior event, over a distance of 10 kilometres.

Runners representing athletic and gaelic clubs from a wide area of the county and beyond were soon strung out around the scenic route, though it's doubtful if many had time to enjoy the vistas on offer. The strong wind had cleared most of the surface water from the roads enabling runners to keep their feet dry but it proved an even more persistent foe as they searched almost in vain for "the downhill bits".

First to appear on the horizon and well clear of the rest of the field was East Down's Mark McGrady who covered the testing 3.6 miles in a splendid 24.01 followed by Saul's Caolan Magee in 26.09 and Deaglan Arnold in 26.57. First of the ladies home was Nicky Burns 32.33 with Fiadhnaig Brady the first Under 16 in an excellent 32.34.

Shortly after that East Down's Brendan Teer hit the finishing tape in his first victory of what has been a difficult injury filled year – this should surely boost his confidence. His time of 34.41 was well below his fastes over the distance but nevertheless a commendable effort on a course where there were no personal bests. Second man home was Philip Goss from North Belfast Harriers with East Down's Liam Venney taking 3^rd place. First in the Over 35 category was Newcastle's Joe McCann, proving no slouch at the shorter distances, after his sterling sub 3 hour marathon in Dublin less than a month ago. And a great effort too from East Down's Liam Keenan, taking the Over 45 prize with a strong effort to break 40 minutes by 6 seconds, one of only 9 to do so on the day. Great to see too a return to the competitive arena of former club stalwart Eamonn Tumelty, and proving supple enough to scoop the Over 55 prize.

First Lady home was Catriona McCorkell, 40.35, from Lagan Valley from clubmate Diane Wilson and Patricia McKibben with Kate Montgomery making it a very successful day for the Lisburn club by taking the Over 45 category. Kim Surginor showed no signs of fatigue from her superb Dublin marathon experience, hitting the line in 52.05 to take the Over 35 title, with the Dub Runners Maureen Oliver claiming the Over 55 crown.

On the team competition front it was the quartet from Leitrim GAC who took the title in the Non-Athletics Club category, what a pity other clubs didn't respond to the challenge, while East Down and Lagan Valley took the Male and Female shields respectively in the Athletic Club category.

All in all a very successful day which defied the weather a put down a marker for the Round the Griddle run as one of the challenges many will want to take on in future years. A great testimony to Saul GAC and all associated with it not only for the across the board community support which the event engendered but also for the hard work they put in to ensuring a very enjoyable day for all – typical Co. Down hospitality at its best.

Meanwhile in muddy and windswept Kilbeggan racecourse in Co. Westmeath East Down's Elaine Burch and Aine McCann were involved in the All Ireland Even Age Groups Cross Country Championships and without any assistance from pony or horse claimed 2 of the most sought after medals in junior athletics. Elaine confirmed the wisdom of missing last weekend's Ulster championships due to a head cold when she ran the race of her life to take the Gold medal in the Under 16 race while Aine claimed the Bronze medal in the Under 18 contest. Stars of the future? Stars of the present! Well done girls.

Joe Quinn

22 November 2009