Who should get top billing this week for their heroics in last Monday's Belfast Marathon? How about Liam Keenan for his superb and inspirational 2.59 to celebrate his first half century? He's developing a habit of running a sub 3 hour marathon every 30 years or so.
Or Declan Teague's 3.11, a new PB for him if he hadn't already clocked 3.07 a week previously in Madrid, or the prolific Michael McKeown's 3.22.04 just seconds ahead of Michael Cultra's 3.22.40, an outstanding 17 minutes faster than last year?
And what about Gerard McAuley, breaking the 3.30 barrier for the first time with 3.29.56, thus knocking 12 minutes off last year's time?
And, leading the ladies challenge, Cheryl Denvir, ecstatic with 3.33 and getting her photo in the paper next day too!
Or Stephen Heasley's 3.41, a massive 37 minutes quicker than 2012. Raymond Milligan attracted the attention too with a 3.43 clocking having given up chips en route having enjoyed the London challenge 2 weeks ago.
Simon McGrattan having recovered from his tummy bug of 2 weeks ago, came home in 3.51, over an hour inside his London experience and Gavin Oakes another fresh from his London exertions, paced the 4 hour group which included a very happy Paul Rogan to an enviable PB 3.58. John Findlay, training for another long distance event was perfectly satisfied with 4.09.
So who to pick? My considered opinion? HEROES ALL – doing a marathon is a tremendous feat in itself and the joys of crossing that line a victory to everyone who does it. Well Done to everyone.
LIONS and ROAD RUNNERS HELP GUIDE DOGS
Fast forward a mere 5 days and several of the marathon heroes were racing again, this time in the brand new 3 Lakes Challenge over14K and 7K promoted by the Downpatrick Lions Club with all proceeds donated to the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association to help train a guide dog.
3 LAKES 14K
The longer event attracted a good quality field of 60 runners with some 20 taking on the 7K route. The weather was changeable to say the least, with sunshine, wind and squally showers in equal measure. However there is no doubt that participants were treated to some of the most picturesque scenery that this or indeed any other part of County Down can offer. It's no exaggeration to say that we are blessed with outstanding natural beauty on our doorsteps, should we take the tme to savour it. Not of course that runners usually hang around long enough to take it all in but more than one of Saturday's field was impressed by the sights on display as the route wound past the 3 Lakes of Ballydugan, Magheraleggan and Loughinisland.
Starting form the Lakeside Inn at 11.00am Brendan Teer was first back just over 45 minutes later to sample the generous hospitality of genial hosts Geoffrey and Margaret Ferguson. As the runners returned the sun came out and warmed the enthusiastic spectators who gave great vocal welcomes to all the finishers. After Brendan came Annadale's Paul Carroll followed by East Down's Martin Willcox with Murlough's Alan Johnston and Dundrum South Dublin's Pat McCavana dead heating in a tremendous surge to the line but picking up the Over 40 and Over 50 trophies respectively.
Gavin Oakes, Raymond Milligan and Simon McGrattan all showed no after effects from Monday's marathon and indeed looked like they could have gone round again.
HOW THE LADIES FARED
The Ladies too was a quality contest with top Fell and Mountain runner Karen Alexander from Sperrin Harriers taking first place ahead of East Down's Catherine O'Connor with Alison Carroll in 3rd showing husband Paul that the talent is shared in their house. Linda Cunningham took the Over 40 trophy and Murlough's Anne George the Over 50 crown.
Sandra Hassan 31.26 from Seaforde Rookies was an impressive winner on the 7K run with East Down junior Chris O'Connor taking the Male trophy in a time of 32.10.
THANKS
Downpatrick Lions Club wish to thank all those who took part in the races, East Down AC officials, everyone who helped at registration, all the marshals, the PSNI, Linwoods Dairy Products and the Lakeside Inn for making the race such a success. It is their intention to make this a permanent fixture on the running calendar and are confident that as word spreads it will become even more popular next year.
WELL DONE JAMES
A notable contribution came from East Down's 10 year old James Byrne in his first outing as a finish line official. His clear figure work on the finish order sheets was of great assistance in the prompt production of the results, a special word of thanks to him.
SL1EVE DONARD RACE
A little later in the day 138 hardy souls left the centre of Newcastle en route for the top of Slieve Donard, where by all accounts there is still snow lying, the mud is shin deep and the hailstones razor edged – and not a brass monkey in sight. This year marked a first for Mark McDowell, and from the look in his eyes possibly a last as well, but haven't we all felt the same? He finished in a very creditable1.23, followed 10 minutes later by Brian Wilson the only other competitor to sport the East Down colours. Had the others heard better weather forecasts? Whatever well done to both and all for their courage.
NEXT WEEKEND
A big turnout of local runners is requested next Saturday morning in the Stormont Estate for the Charity Steeplechase races in aid of Action Mental Health. Although a novelty and mainly fun event a good entry is anticipated from this area given its historic connections with the treatment and rehabilitation of sufferers from this particularly debilitating illness. Races begin at 11.00am and entry to the estate by car is via the Massey Ave entrance only.
Joe Quinn
13 May 2013
