It's hard to believe but it's Jimmy's Ten time again, the time of year when a real buzz of expectancy envelopes the Club and indeed the wider running fraternity. Incredibly this will be the 13th running of the race instituted originally to commemorate the memory of the late Jimmy Murray who was a founder member of East Down Athletic Club in 1987.
The race was originally titled Jimmy's 10K Road Race but has become known as “Jimmy's Ten” or often more affectionately by those in the running fraternity simply as “Jimmy's”.
For the third year in a row the Club welcomes the generous sponsorship of M B McGrady & Co. Chartered Accounts, enabling the organisers to not only offer top prizes but also to donate the proceeds to charity. Charities to benefit this year include the Downpatrick Branch of Cancer Research N. Ireland, the Niall Mellon Township Trust and the Patients Comfort Fund, Neuro Surgical Dept at Royal Victoria Hospital.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
As well as the 10K race itself the popular Relay Race for Teams of 2, especially arranged for those who cannot yet face the overall 6.2 mile distance, and to enable younger and novice runners to participate, often with parents or older family members.
Additional attention is being given to walkers this year with a specific start time, dedicated marshals and a separate finish funnel to ensure they are adequately looked after. They will be asked to start later than 10.30am to ensure they are well ahead of the runners and to be back in time for the presentations.
PRIZE DRAW
Like most races the majority of entrants have no hope of winning the race prizes, they run for enjoyment or against the clock, so a regular feature of the event which gives everyone an equal chance, is the free draw for a £700 holiday voucher and other valuable prizes for which every participant is entered - the only proviso being that to claim the prize, winners must be present at the draw in Down Leisure Centre after the race to receive the prize.
PACERS
And an exciting innovation this year sees the introduction of Pacers. Though it is becoming an increasingly popular feature of Marathons it is believed this is the first time this has been tried in a 10K race but East Down AC believe it will prove welcome for those who have been trying unsuccessfully to break particular time barriers. Of course it's very much a trial but it is the intention to have designated pacemakers for 40, 45, 48, 50 and 60 minute times. The task of the Pacer is to cross the line just inside the specified time and for those who are tageting that time to be with him or her. Sounds easy doesn't it?
SPECIAL GUEST
Over the years the Club has had several world famous athletes as guests at Jimmy's Ten including Olympic Gold Medallist Dame Mary Peters, Paralympic Gold medallist Michael McKillop and European champion and world marathon record holder Ron Hill and this year is no exception. While perhaps not known in the international arena this year's guest will be Gerry Duffy, one of the duo who completed 32 marathons in 32 days in each of the 32 counties of Ireland, including one in Downpatrick, last Summer, raising over half a million Euros for Irish Autism Action and AutismNI in the process. That's 838.4 miles in 32 days - a feat worthy of any accolade and breathtaking in its scope. Gerry is currently writing a book about his adventure.
ONLINE ENTRIES
Due to increasing numbers the Club has had to impose a limit of 600 runners this year and are asking that everyone use the online entry system at www.niathletics.org or via the club's website www.spanglefish.com/eastdownac . Entries will only be taken on the day if the limit is not reached before then. Entry Forms can be picked up at Down Leisure Centre or by email from joemarathon50@btinternet.com or phone 02844 614235 or 07933214894.
Joe Quinn
6 February 2011
