Last year East Down's Linda Cunningham described her participation in the London Marathon as the experience of a lifetime, a sentiment no doubt echoed by her wee sister Sheena McKermitt after Sunday's event. This year there were 37,000 runners to contend with, and Sheena crossed the finish line in 4 hours 30 minutes. This particular marathon is not one for looking for a personal best time on, due to the huge number who take part, the atmosphere generated by the media beforehand, and the distraction of running in such an historic setting.  Sheena had two other East Down colleagues to look out for on the day, Brian Hamilton who found the 26.2 mile distance a mite short following his experiences in the Connemara Ultra race just 2 weeks ago as he continues his build up to the Comrades marathon in South Africa next month, and Simon McGrattan who found the heat and humidity oppressive in spite of the rain.  took on the challenge this year and hopefully most made it across the finish line.  Brian clocked 3.37 with Simon coming home in 4.07 – a good warm up for Belfast perhaps?

Nearer home Brendan Teer was again runner up in the Ballynhinch10K on Saturday over the challenging 2 lap course, a race he seems destined to win before too many more years have passed.  Good performances too from Stephen Shannon on his comeback trail and finishing in just over 40 minutes and Neale McCartan and Eimear Degan in the 5K Run over one lap.

Next Monday it's Belfast Marathon time again with several East Down men and women led by dedicated coach Philip Vint taking up the May Day challenge to conquer the ever ticking clock. Others are taking on a leg of the Relay event, but in whatever way they're involved Good Luck and Cool Running to all of them. 

Next weekend too sees the launch of the Co.Down leg of the 32 Marathon series so watch out for details of how you can get involved or participate in this great challenge which is scheduled for 25 July.


Joe Quinn
25 April 2010