Last Friday in August means it must be Killyleagh 5 time again. Has it really been a year? With morning and afternoon rain threatening to leave part of the course flooded organisers were pleased when the evening brought more pleasant conditions. While it had turned relatively dry by the time the races were to get under way there was an unfulfilled threat of more rain throughout the race. In the event the last runner was safely back in the Bridge Centre before darkness fell.
The race was won in fine style by Willowfield's Ryan Holt in 27.18 from East Down's Neil McCartan 28.53 with Paul Jenkins, North Belfast 29.34 taking 3rd spot. The Women's race was won convincingly by North Down's Debbie Matchett 32.49 from Catherine O' Connor 33.45 and Cheryl Denvir 35.41.
There was a good turnout of East Down runners with 13 going to post but overall numbers were down on last year, no doubt influenced by the proximity of the Laganside 10K on Sunday. Declan Teague was 5th overall, just missing out on the Over 40 prize with a strong 31.01 time and was followed by Michael Cultra relishing his return to shorter distances 9th in 31.37 and Francis Tumelty 11th in 31.45. A good return to form and a pb from Paul Buns 32.09 on a night when almost half the field including James Magennis 34.08 broke 35 minutes for the scenic but testing route.
First of the East Down Ladies was Cheryl Denvir 35.41 with Kim Surginor delighted at setting a new pb in 38.09 and no doubt inspired by the efforts of Grace and Elisha earlier in the junior races. Sharon Carew 44.41 continues to improve with every outing and the Degan sisters Eimear and Cathy enjoyed the occasion at around 10 minute mile pace.
Earlier St Mary's Newcastle Primary School girl Sarah Dougherty held on gamely to win the 1 mile race around the streets of the town in 6.47 from Brooklands Dylan McBride and local boy Matthew Lynch. Natasha Savage ran very well and was first of the east Down contingent, closely followed by Grace Surginor and the battling Conor Findlay. Great efforts by all and the promise of things to come.
The Secondary school race was dominated by the Bamisile brother, wearing the Willowfield colours, with the elder Amando prevailing over Desire. Behind that East Down's Chris O'Connor and Daniel Atkinson slugged it out in a personal battle with Chris just shading things on the last of the 5 laps. In the girls race it was another head to head between the front running Tara Findlay and the slow burner Elisha Surginor with the tape coming just in time for Tara in what was a riveting contest. Eimear Connor battled strongly to get the better of Down High's Ella Carroll – but where were all the others who promised they would be there?
Unfortunately no word or results available on the Laganside 10K on Sunday at the time of writing
Joe Quinn
3 September 2012
