While slightly fewer runners than last year took part in the RGU 10K and Relay on Wednesday night there was nevertheless a quality field and with the course now officially measured a new record was always going to be set. And Brendan Teer, 32.33 amazingly fresh considering new daughter Sophie only allows eyes to close for 2 hours at a time, took the honours for the second year in a row, with Liam Venney 34.02 making a welcome return to racing, runner up. Newcastle's Mark Kendall made it a local 1,2, 3 coming home in 35.49 and with Dave Lonnen, City of Lisburn taking the Over 45 and Conor McMullan, Annadale Striders the Over 35 titles the top 5 finishers claimed all bar one of the prizes on offer. The exception was Terry Eakin who was first in the Male Over 55 category and overall 16th, even though he's 10 years over the 55 mark. And also for the second year running there was an international presence in the race, with Luc Randolph representing France and Charles Rollins all the way from Nashville, Tennessee doing the honours for the USA.
Barrie Atkinson was 3rd East Down man home followed closely by Mark McDowell and Tony Brennan. Raymond Milligan was the first of the trio of Club runners including Peter Morgan and Gavin Oakes which finished in the 44th minute followed closely by Matthew Tumelty 45.22. A little further back Charlie Ataliotis showed improved form with a 48.50 clocking.
LADIES NIGHT
In the Women's race City of Lisburn's Judith Lowry, also completed the double, winning in 38.53 from Up & Runners Fiona Johnston and Murlough's Laura Devlin in third. It was a night for PBs from the East Down ladies though with Tracey McDowell 45.28 continuing her recent excellent form to take the Over 35 prize and Oonagh Breteche and Lisa Milligan breaking 50 minutes for the first time too. Kim Surginor continued her fight back to fitness with an encouraging 50.07 and there were new bests for Helen Vint 50.49, Paula Savage 54.22, Sharon Carew 56.33 while Carmel Tumelty's 58.03 was four minutes faster than last year, over what is a fairly challenging rote, set off this year with an eycatching and foot wetting water feature.
Another local Briege Turley was first Over 45 Lady and ever present Maureen Oliver Dub Runners took the Over 55 prize.
The relay was poorly supported this time but first team home was Taylor Louden and Ciaran Hampton from the host club, showing good example and 2 clean pairs of heels to their older club mates.
OVER 40'S CLUB
I'm not sure if Colum Surginor's 50.48 was a PB or not but it was the best he'll ever do now in the sub 40 years category, having crossed that particular line in fine style on Friday night. The competition is much tougher in the under 45s!
The race was again well attended by Murlough and Newcastle AC runners and their support is greatly appreciated.
DARRAGH CROSS
Meantime the Darragh Cross 6 Mile Race and Mile Fun Run on Thursday 16 August is the next East Down open promotion. The route will be the opposite way to previous years to take advantage of the “downhill” stretches and should be much more runnable than before. Race will start at 7.30pm.
KILLYLEAGH FIVE
The Killyleagh 5 Mile Race will take place on Friday 31 August at 7.30pm with Junior Races at 6.30pm
Entries for both these events will be taken on the day.
HANDICAP
Members are reminded that the 3rd handicap run will be held on Friday 3 August at 7.30p at Tyrella. Catch me if you can!!
Joe Quinn
30 July 2012
