It's a Long Way to Londonderry goes the words of the old song, as sung by Tipperary residents anyway, but it's not much shorter from Downpatrick either. That was the venue, Gransha Park to be exact, on Saturday for the North West Cross Country Championships, doubling as Round 4 of the NI Cross Country League. Given the location and the time of year when so much else occupies the ordinary person's thinking, and even some dedicated runners heads too, courtesy mostly of wives, partners, and girlfriends admittedly, it's a big ask to sacrifice a day for the sake of a 6K run. But nevertheless East Down managed to field a competitive quartet to pick up at least 2 points. Thankfully it wasn't 3 or 5 who turned up to run, thus removing the need for me to make up a foursome or a sextet to glean an extra point, and free to concentrate on supporting and driving duties.
In a fast run race on flat soft parkland, Declan Reed of promoting club City of Derry Spartans was an easy winner ahead of Annadale's Dave Morwood, with Foyle valley's Scott Rankin confirming his Seeley Cup form in third. Mourne Runners Andrew Annett was a fast finishing 9th ahead of double Paralympic Gold Medallist Michael McKillop.
Neil McCartan was first of the East Down men home in 26th place with Declan Teague 76th, Michael Cultra in his first time over the grass in 102nd and Michael McKeown, fresh from a leisurely 3.29 in last weekend's Clonakilty Marathon, in 119th out of a massive entry of 225. So Well Done to them, there will be less excuse for a low club turnout in the next round at the International event at Greenmount on 26 January.
FAR FIELDS
Apart from Michael's trip to Clonakilty (in answer to your question buy an atlas) last weekend two other club members were on the road too. Simon and Eithne McGrattan were on early Santa practice, taking part in the Rudolph 10K Run in Eskra (look up the atlas you just bought) significant in that it was Eithne's first time over the distance and now opens up the way for a crack at Jimmy's Ten in March. Well Done to her.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to former Ballydrain Harrier Francis Boal, now with Lagan Valley, on completing his 65th race in 2012, which is his 65th year.
HANDICAP RACE
Next weekend is traditionally a blank one in running circles so members are invited to ease into Christmas in the annual Club handicap run at Tyrella beginning at 12 noon. After that and Christmas
if you still have a partner, or can persuade someone else's to accompany you, it's Christmas Cracker time in Castlewellan on Saturday 29th.
All Junior members are invited to the Christmas Party in Down Leisure Centre on Thursday night at 8.00pm.
Happy Christmas everybody.
Joe Quinn
17 December 2012
