11 April 2011
Titanic Quarter 10k
Despite the fact that it is increasing in popularity and attracted a record number this year, the Titanic Quarter 10K is far from being my favourite race. Perhaps it's because it's flat and fast and largely featureless or because it consists of long endless straights broken only by muscle wrenching turns in the pompous shadow of Samson and Goliath or because it usually produces unseasonally warm conditions. Whatever the reason I wasn't particularly looking forward to Sunday's 4th running of the event.
With temperatures soaring to the low twenties it was not surprising that few if any of the 1200 participants had acclimatised to such heat, given the recent ice age Winter weather and with the possible exception of eventual winner Stephen Scullion everyone appeared to be affected. By the time he passed me at 6.5K Scullion was well clear of the toiling Joe McAlister and Diarmuid Grant, incidentally also the top trio in Jimmy's Ten last month, and while I sweltered in the sun Newcastle's Kerry Harty also cruised past on her way to the Ladies title looking the coolest person on the course. The heat subsequently accounted for several runners and forced the well placed Brendan Teer to drop out after 8K, though Newcastle's Eoghan Totten held on for an impressive 7th place. It was noticeable that in the entire field only a handful of negative splits were recorded, one of which was Colm McNeill's effort of 54.55 though Charlie Ataliotis suffered big time in the second half on his way to a 57.50 time.
Liam Keenan led home the East Down contingent, clocking 37.41 to the fast finishing Stephen Shannon's 37.46. Declan Teague celebrated Saturday's National win with a comfortable 41.30 while Francis Tumelty marked his Club debut outing with a fine 43.20, just ahead of Raymond Milligan 43.38. John Oakes knocked almost a minute of his previous best, set just last month in Jimmy's Ten, recording 57.48, so perhaps he enjoys the heat?
Jolene Scott led the East Down ladies squad home, clocking 55.03 with Oonagh Breteche recording 55.46 and Catherine Woods 67.34
So well done to everyone who took part, including a large number from Murlough AC, I sympathise with you as I too was suffering in the heat, next year I might even run if I can get someone to take my place as a marshal!
Best wishes to Stephen McCartan and Mark McDowell who take to the streets of London next Sunday for one of the world's top marathons and to all from local clubs who are participating.
On the home front it's the Lions Club10K and Fun Run next Saturday in Ballynahich, starting at 2.30pm
Joe Quinn
11 April 2011
