Online entries closed but entries on the day still availabe. Please contact Joe Quinn on 07933214894 or joemarathon50@btinternet.com with your details.
With most already engaged in heavy training regimes for Belfast and other Spring marathons and faced with long training runs on Sunday, only two of East Down's senior squad made the starting line for the Albertville 5 Miles race on Saturday for what is generally regarded as the fastest course on the road racing calendar. And so it proved yet again as with conditions well nigh perfect, the much maligned Duncrue Industrial Estate, which provides an unpopular section of the Belfast Marathon route, received a welcome boost to its reputation. Brendan Teer was making one of his all too rare recent appearances, but showed he is in fine form ahead of next week's Jimmy's Ten, posting an excellent 26.50, as is Liam Keenan who ran sub 6s to record an eyecatching 29.22. With Gary Flynn and Liam Venney also in fine form could this be the year for a local winner in the Club's Blue Riband event?
With over 400 entries already in and the closing date for online entries upon us, intending participants are asked to get their forms in now to avoid paying the increased on the day entry fee, provided of course that the limit of 600 hasn't been reached before then.
The race again offers every participant the opportunity to win a £700 holiday voucher in the free draw plus there are other prizes on offer thanks to Downe Travel and the generosity of main sponsors M B McGrady & Co. Chartered Accountants. Prizes will only be awarded to finishers who are in the Leisure Centre when the draw is made so don't rush away. And everyone who has entered can collect their numbers and timing chips at Race Registration in Down Leisure Centre on race day from 9.30am. Walkers are asked to assemble for group start at 10.30am.
PACERS
A novel feature this year is the introduction of pacers, who will attempt to bring home anyone who joins their group in the predicted time. The pace setters will target sub-40, 45, 48, 50 and 60 minute finishes so if you're interested in achieving any of these times just look out for the clearly identified Pacer.
SPECIAL GUEST
Everyone who met Gerry Duffy last year when he completed leg 24 of his 32 Marathons in 32 days challenge in Downpatrick is looking forward to renewing acquaintances with him when he returns as a special guest of the Club. Gerry who hails from Mullingar has written a book about the marathon series which raised over half a million Euros for Autism charities in Ireland and will not only run the race but will present some of the prizes and be available for a chat afterwards. This man is worth listening to and is a truly inspirational character.
CHARITIES
Once again East Down is proud to donate the proceeds of the race to charities and among those to benefit this year include the Downpatrick Branch of Cancer Research N. Ireland, the Niall Mellon Township Trust and the Neuro Surgical Ward at Belfast City Hospital.
So even if you're not taking part but know someone who is come along and support the runners/walkers and give them encouragement around the route or at the finish line outside the red Brick.
Joe Quinn
6 March 2011
