It was quite a weekend with a variety of races and distances to suit everyone's tastes. It began in Greyabbey, No, Well actually it began at 6.45 pm in Bangor when 30 athletes set off on the Energia 24 Hour Race but I was on my way to Greyabbey at the time for the 10K and 5k Helping Alopecia Trust races which were scheduled at 7.40. It wasn't raining then but started a few minutes after the off and only stopped around 6.00am on Saturday morning. Quite a shower which had local Ark builders reaching for their hammers and nails in anticipation.
GREYABBEY 5 AND 10K
To the actual running itself, Greyabbey had a turnout of almost 200 between the 2 races with Michael Cultra and Helen Murray representing East Down over the longer distance, just a week after both completed the Ards Half Marathon. Michael's good form continued with a 42.39 timing and Helen was well pleased with 48.36 in the blustery conditions.
24 HOUR CHALLENGE
By the time I got to Bangor they had been running for over 4 hours and most had already completed at least the marathon distance. The rain however was already in ultra distance mode and the track was virtually flooded. But round and round the runners went, stopping occasionally for food or toilet break or just to rest but attempting to keep dry was impossible. The rain sheeted across the track and local man Gary Flynn opted for along stop in the hope of a dry spell towards dawn. But it didn't come and wisely he decided to withdraw and try for more sympathetic conditions next year.
I haven't heard how it eventually finished, the results haven't floated to the surface yet.
KILMORE REC CROSS COMMUNITY 5 MILES
Saturday morning dawned dull and misty but eventually turned into a hot, sunny afternoon as 40 runners set off on the first 5 Mile Community Race and Fun Run organised by Kilmore Rec FC. Starting and finishing in The Square in Crossgar, the route followed an undulating course, ending with the chance for some prayers and mediation as it passed through the Monastery grounds. The race was won by East Down's Barrie Atkinson in an excellent 31.15 from Michael King 31.54 and Declan Teague 32.28 in 3rd and first Master. What a way to leave the 40s and soar into the 45s. First Lady home was Murlough's Laura Devlin in an excellent 37.11, from Shirley Telford 46.30 with Catriona Kilety picking up the Master's prize. I've often wondered if that shouldn't be Mistress where the Ladies are concerned but was warned not to go down that road! Peter Morgan should be very pleased with his 36.55 time over the generous 5 mile distance. Given the other attractions on the day I think the organisers should be well satisfied with the numbers who took part. Well Done to Colin Murray and his helpers who laid down a sound foundation for the future development of this event.
TOLLYMORE TRAIL RACE
Meanwhile Brendan Teer was on the winners rostrum again after he won the 12K Tollymore Trail Race taking the prized scalps of Hill and Dale stalwart Johnny Steede from Ballymena and Series winner Andrew Annett in the process. Clearly the trails were much more to Brendan's liking than the open mountain where the others excel. An eyecatching 5th place was taken by Martin Willcox in 54.35, taking the Over 40 prize to round off a superb season for him. Michael Degan was the 3rd East Down man to take part in this new fixture in aid of the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice.
WHAT'S NEXT
Next up locally is the Portaferry 10 Mile Race on 17 July and provided everyone has dried out by then a big crowd is expected to cross the Lough for the sporting highlight of Gala week.
Joe Quinn
9 July 2012
