Saturday past saw round two of the new Cross Country League held in conjunction with the annual McConnell Shield meeting in Sixmilewater Park Ballyclare.  While conditions were ideal the event only provided further evidence that the new League challenge has singularly failed to catch the imagination of  the local running fraternity.  East Down struggled to field a team of four but were subsequently well served by Brendan Teer, Ryan Hagen, Michael McKeown and Ross Denvir but the only other competitors from East and South Down were Anne Sandford from Newcastle AC and Virginia Ervine from Mourne Runners who are proving lone standard bearers for their clubs. On the other hand the host club East Antrim only fielded one runner in all the events, and Annadale having dominated and fielded 10 runners last week only had one participant too.

I know it's not always easy to give up Saturday afternoons what with work and family commitments and the onset of seasonal shopping, (though in the days when Santa didn't arrive until Christmas this used to be an excuse for many to actually get away and run)  and I was unable to be there myself, but  a greater response was anticipated when the cross country season was re-vamped.  However many are still recovering from Dublin marathon exertions and others are winding up for a tilt at the Seeley 10K on next Saturday so perhaps numbers will pick up after that.

And of course the Saturday morning Waterworks and Park Runs have proved very popular and have offered alternatives to many.  One such on Saturday was Declan Teague who dropped in to the Victoria Park on his way home from work to blow away the post Dublin cobwebs and recorded 19.03 for 6th place, impressive running after 26.2 big ones, just over a week previous.

It was as ever Brendan Teer who was the leading East Down man home, in 4th place in 28.42, just 6 seconds down on the 3rd placed runner and with Ryan Hagen taking 26th ,Michael McKeown 63rd and Ross Denvir 75th for overall 6th place they can be well satisfied with their afternoon's work.

UNDER AGE RACES

Regular contenders in the Age Group races Aoife Cochrane and Eimear Connor were again the sole representatives in the Under 14 Girls race with Aoife taking 13th and Eimear 19th places respectively.  All this will stand them in good stead later as cross country running is a great strength builder.

FAREWELL ELAINE

Elaine Burch took part in the Waterworks run on the same morning, her first venture into the series and claimed 2nd place in the Ladies race and 1st Junior Girl in 20.29.  It is with regret that I have to report this was her last run in the East Down colours as Elaine will be joining the Lagan Valley club where her training partners and main competitive rivals are leading members. Since she first came to the Club as a Primary school beginner Elaine has been a pleasure to have about the place, always cheerful, bubbly and respectful.  She has represented East Down with distinction up to All Ireland level and has been an inspiration to many of our members both junior and senior. Not only has she achieved success on a personal level but has become an ideal role model for her generation and is a credit to her family.  So Thanks Elaine for all your efforts, we all wish you even more success in your continuing career but you will be sorely missed.

Next weekend, apart from the Seeeley Cup race in Ormeau park on Saturday, the third round of the McGrady Financial Junior Cross Country Series takes place in Delamont on Sunday afternoon. It is hoped that the juniors don't follow the example of their senior role models and turn up in force.

THE GRIDDLE 10K

The week after sees the 3rd running of the Griddle 10K and Fun Run from Saul GAC premises and interest is high for what is becoming the challenge everyone wants to take on.  It's a 12.00 noon start so everyone will be finished in time for dinner, though with the excellent post race refreshments provided it will probably be teatime before any self respecting athlete will need to eat again. If you're not running you can still be involved by helping out as a marshal.

Joe Quinn

14 November 2011