Jimmy's Ten this year was the first race in the 5 race Grand Prix 10K series sponsored by Spar who are encouraging everyone to “get into your stride” by taking part and got the programme off to a rousing start in Downpatrick.

Although it's close to the time for putting back the clocks it's well known that you can't turn back time – but that adage was turned on its head on Sunday when Paul Rowan of Willowfield Harriers claimed top prize in the race, 4 years after his last success in the event.  After winning 4 titles in a row it seemed that his star was on the wane, for as he moved into his 40s, Joe McAlister came on the scene to equal his quartet of titles.  But in McAllister's absence through injury Rowan took the race by the scruff of the neck from the off and was clear of his toiling and younger rivals by halfway, eventually coming home unchallenged in 32.27.  Second was Abbey's Simon Taylor with Armagh's Richard Turkington just edging out North Belfast's Eamon White who had the consolation of taking the Over 40 prize.  East Down's first man home was Brendan Teer in seventh place, a good effort as he works his way back to full fitness. Gary Flynn ducked the punches to  take a commendable 11th place. Just behind him was another who continues to defy the years, Newcastle's splendid Deon McNeilly, clocking 34.55 and taking the Over 45 title.

And in another blast from the past Abbey's Gladys Ganiel O'Neill proved that runners grow better with the years as the newly crowned Northern Ireland Senior Cross Country  Champion claimed the ladies title a full 9 years after her last success, which came in the uneasy  aftermath of the Foot and Mouth epidemic. In those days she  ran for the Dundrum South Dublin club, and although the present course is different, it is worth noting that her time of 38.54 then was over 3 minutes slower than her 35 .47 on Sunday. 

And on a day hearkening back to the past it was great to see Philip Healy fairly flying home in 35.42 to collect second Over 35 prize money.

But the race was very much in the present and another splendid day saw over 600 runners and walkers bring traffic temporarily to a standstill, a welcome change from the usual reason for congestion, and those who had the energy could enjoy the scenic route around the magnificent Cathedral and the Quoile River basin. Liam Keenan put up a spirited performance just a day after a tough battle in the British Masters at Stormont, recording 38.04 over the now officially measured course. Neil McCartan continues to show encouraging promise, breaking 40 minutes over a tough enough course, with Stephen Shannon on 40.04 in a good comeback run. Arthur Morgan too gave a commendable display with a 42.21 time in his first crack at the distance. It was good to see Chris McLoughlin too returning to a competitive level in 43.08 with Barry Degan a debutant in the colours recording a round 44 minutes. Mark Carson continued the “turn back the clock” theme with his first outing in the Red and yellow colours for many a long day and was joined by his former junior colleague Martin Mulholland who posted 45.05.  Tracey McDowell also made a commendable debut, recording 50.31 and will soon be breathing down husband Mark's neck.  Good performances too from Oonagh Breteche 53.04, Nicola Rogan 61.35, Catherine Woods 63.46, Karen McFall 64.40, Sheena Quinn 65.17 and Maria O'Donnell 67.53 all of whom were making their first appearances and deserve as much credit as the winners for their perseverance perhaps the Marathon next?

At the closing of the prizegiving the special holiday voucher for £700 drawn by last year's winner Wendy Fleming, was won by Barry Reid and the special Mother's Day award voucher to the value of £150, courtesy of Downe Travel Service Ltd, was won by Matthew Wilson.

A special word of thanks to Down District Council Vice Chairman Frank McDowell for his attendance, to all the marshals and everyone who helped at registration and with the post race refreshments, the Athletics NI officials, the main sponsors Spar and MB McGrady & Co, Chartered Accountants, and the other event sponsors, the staff in Down Leisure Centre and to the PSNI personnel who provided safe passage through the not always patient traffic.

It is anticipated that the Shimna Valley Holiday Complex in Newcastle will benefit significantly from the proceeds of the event.

 
Joe Quinn

14 March 2010