It's hard to know where to start but broken limbs and illnesses featured prominently last week so I'll just give you the bones of the stories. Brian Donnelly completed the |Mourne Way Marathon in 5.09 with a cracked or broken rib courtesy of a careless descent of the stairs and the jury's still out on whether it was a help or a hindrance but Kim Surginorwas prevented from similar heroics in the Lisurn Half Marathon when the plaster on her broken wrist caught the attention of the Health and Safety gurus and she was banned from taking part – probably to avoid further breakages amongst the other runners. Sheena McKermitt too has become another convert to the latest Paris fashion with elbow encased in Gallic plaster while Peter Morgan has an appendectomy as his excuse for missing the allure of Lisburn last Wednesday night.

It was Liam Keenan who stormed round the 10K course only marginally slower than last year in 36.56. The only other Club representative in the 10K was Oonagh Breteche who improved her time again with a 51.36 clocking.

It was in the Half Marathon however where the East Down bones were being moved  to much greater effect with Declan Teague continuing his all conquering form with his first visit to the sub 90 minute bracket – 1.29.34 must indicate a crack at the 3 hour barrier for the full distance in the near future? Michael McKeown turned in his usual consistent performance with 1.32.26 and Gerard McAuley also recorded a best time of 1.50.40.  But it was the ladies who caught the eye  this year, led home by Helen Vint in 1.50.51 – look behind you Gerard – an incredible 9 minutes better than last year, with Tracey McDowell just 1 minute behind her.  There's certainly more to come from both  - if they choose to go for it.

The three recently qualified coaches Roisin Gaffney, Deirdre Mount and Emer Moore  kept each other in control, strolling to a 2.06 finish, with Bernice and Frank McCann completing on 2.14, a quarter of an hour improvement on last year. However pride of place on the night has to go to Linda Cunningham, making her return after an absence of 10 months.  Not for her the comfort of an easy 10K to break herself in, she chose the 13.1 miles of the toughest Half marathon course in the country to signal her well being and cruised round in 2.08.  Well Done Linda, great to see you back.

On Saturday the NI Age Group Championships took place in Antrim Forum with several new members making their debuts on the tartan track. Niamh Burns did herself proud with 4 valid throws in the discus and a best of 13.73 metres and 10.53 in her first attempt at the javelin competition, both efforts only a few weeks after first laying hands on either implement. Nicole Selfe took a noteworthy 6th place in th Shot Putt with a best of 6.91 and sister Sionon recorded 4 valid throws in the Discus and a best of 15.17. Louise Mulholland recorded 7.91 metres in her Shot Putt competition but unfortunately missed her javelin competition because a timetable change meant it was held concurrently. These events are highly technical and take many years to attain a level of competence, so to reach this standard in just a few short weeks bodes well for the future. Mark McKibbin ran competently in the 800 metres, producing a blistering finish to record 3.09 and later took part in the Long Jump, efforts he should be proud of.  Paddy Erskine too had to endure the hottest temperatures of the day  in his 1500 metres race but his recent training sessions saw him through.

So what's on this weekend?  – How about the Loughinisland GAC promoted 5.05 miles and 3 mile Fun Run on Saturday at 1.00pm.  Non athletic sports clubs are encouraged to send teams of four to contest the Team event which carries a magnificent cup for the winners and the bragging rights to the fittest team in Down for the next year – and of course all you individual runners are welcome as well. 

Information from Loughinisland GAC or Joe Quinn 44614235 or 07933214894

And don't forget all runners are invited to attend a talk and practical demonstration by Dr Anne Matthews, physiotherapist and chiropractor, on sports injuries, their prevention and treatment in Denvir's Hotel on Thursday 24 June at 7.00pm.

21 June 2010