26 and counting - the number of East Down athletes who descended on Phoenix Park on Saturday for the annual Dublin Half Marathon, now almost a traditional feeder for the full distance at the end of October. The weather was dull, dry, fairly calm and with a light breeze – ideal in fact for running 13.1 miles before lunch. With over 6,000 entrants there was certainly plenty to beat and that's what the group proceeded to do in no uncertain terms. Because of the numbers the race was started in waves, with the fastest going off first followed some minutes later by those targeting under 2 hours and finally by those anticipating an over 2 hour journey.
WARM UPS
It was noticeable when the first of the runners came through at around 4 and a half miles that even the fastest and most experienced amongst them were looking more under pressure than I would have expected. On the other hand by mile 7 most appeared to be running relatively comfortably. Feedback afterwards indicated that a strong headwind at around 3 miles had taken its toll but I have a different theory. Before most races runners have the opportunity to warm up properly with short sprints ad recoveries to get the heart rate up and blood circulating. Then it's to the line and off. But in large participation events like Saturday's where runners are herded into pens up to 45 minutes before the race begins, a proper warm up is not possible or has lost its effect by the time the starting pistol sounds. The result? Runners at all levels start “cold” and naturally struggle to reach and maintain their race pace while their bodies try to adjust. Hence it can be 4/5 miles before they are “in the groove”. Trying to avoid this early race difficulty on Saturday cost the “winner” the race. As he completed his pre-race warm up session and headed back to the start line he was met by a wall of runners and had to turn and join with them without crossing the start line, to avoid being trampled underfoot.. The result was disqualification, handing the race to St Malachy's Joe McAllister in 70.08. So to all of you who complained about how hard it was to get going take heed, if you can't get a proper warm up beforehand then start a bit slower and build it up.
THE TOUGH GET GOING
Nevertheless when they got going they really got going. Barrie Atkinson led the charge, completing a memorable run in 1.21 to knock 5 minutes off his previous best over the distance for a top100 finish, just a short distance behind the prolific Mark Kendall from Newcastle AC. Philip Vint was 2nd of the squad, happy with 1.24.55 on a challenging route and Declan Teague, another to struggle early on, compensated with a new PB 1.25.59. Mark McDowell however seemed to have got his pace right from the start and looked comfortable and in control all the way finishing in1.26.52 to complete a formidable foursome. Michael McKeown was another to dip under the 90 minute barrier before the quartet of Tony Brennan, Raymond Milligan, Gavin Oakes and Stephen McCartan posted sub 1.40 PBs.
LADIES TO THE FORE
Enter the ladies, led by Tracey McDowell an assured looking 1.40.12, Cheryl Denvir 1.40.50, Kim Surginor 1.46.35 and Oonagh Breteche 1.49.12 and then after his midnight swim in Camlough, Colum Surginor recorded 1.50 while just behind that Helen Vint was clocking up another PB, 1.51 this time and Lisa Milligan took it all in her stride on her debut in 1.51.33 as did Aurla McLoughlin in 1.56.13.
Tracey Teague and Suzanne Trainor also made commendable debuts in 2.05 and 2.06 respectively with Elaine Byrne upholding the family honour in 2.06.17.
So which was the outstanding performance? Impossible to adjudicate on this one. Certainly for tenacity Oonagh Cochrane on her build up to Dublin and Shirley Anne Thompson deserve mention and Sharon Carew and Roger Byrne battled as hard as anyone while Bernice McCann was never going to be beaten. Though times and places are irrelevant it's worth noting that there were still thousands behind even the last of our finishers and finishing is what it's all about. I'd have given anything to have been on 2 feet instead of 2 wheels so be thankful. Next year I'm coming to get you!
JUNIOR CROSS COUNTRY
A disappointing number of Juniors took part in the first round of the McGrady's Financial Services Junior Cross Country Series on Saturday morning in Castlewellan and some serious questions will be asked about their commitment before the next round.
Next Saturday sees the fourth and Final Club Handicap race it Tyrella starting at 1.00pm. Refreshments and prizegiving afterwards in Minerstown Tavern. The following week 29th the Club will celebrate its 25th Anniversary with a Gala Dinner and entertainment in La Mon House Hotel. Anyone still wishing to attend, including any from neighbouring clubs should contact James Magennis on 07752320350 or any Club officer.
Joe Quinn
Times
Barrie Atkinson 1.21.06
Philip Vint 1.24.55
Declan Teague 1.25.59
Mark McDowell 1.26.52
Michael McKeown 1.29.56
Tony Brennan 1.31.18
Raymond Milligan 1.36.10
Gavin Oakes 1.36.18
Stephen McCartan 1.37.47
Tarcey McDowell 1.40.12
Cheryl Denvir 1.40.50
Kim Surginor 1.46.35
Oonagh Breteche 1.49.12
Colum Surginor 1.50.00
Helen Vint 1.51.00
Lisa Milligan 1.51.33
Adrian Magee 1.55.52
Aurla McLoughlin 1.56.13
Ciara Magee 2.02.13
John Manley 2.02.29
Tracey Teague 2.05.01
Suzanne Trainor 2.06.09
Elaine Byrne 2.06.17
Shirley Anne Thompson 2.07.36
Sharon Carew 2.09.45
Oonagh Cochrane 2.09.59
Roger Byrne 2.10.36
Bernice McCann 2.38.00
