MARY PETERS TRACK RE-OPENS
Almost 40 years after its birth the Mary Peters Track finally came of age on Tuesday past as athletes of all ages from across the UK, Ireland and further afield celebrated the re-opening of the newly refurbished venue with many athletes recording personal best performances on the new 8 lane surface. With a new 400 seater stand alongside what was formerly the back straight the stadium finally qualifies to host international meetings and it was fitting that Dame Mary herself should perform the opening ceremony, with a little help from double Olympic champion and London Olympics supremo Lord Sebastian Coe. He had made special arrangements to attend to pay honour to the much loved 1972 pentathlon Gold medalist, acknowledging that she had been his team manager during the 2 Olympics when he conquered the world.
County Down high hurdler Ben Reynolds produced a sensational performance when he smashed his own NI record of 13.71 secs set only 2 days previously. His new record of 13.49 secs is a world championship qualifying time and ranks the Windsor athlete 2nd on the Irish All Time list. He paid the ultimate compliment concerning the new Mary Peters track by saying it was on a par with the Olympic stadium in London.
LOCAL INTEREST
In addition to the Senior International competition, Juvenile athletes, Primary School children and Special Olympics Clubs from across Northern Ireland took part in a variety of events throughout the meet. Several East Down athletes including Andrew McGrattan, Chloe Galloway, James Byrne, Ellen O'Hare and Caoimhe Grace O'Donnell were among those lucky enough to be there to be part of the historic occasion. It was a wonderful opportunity for children to experience using the new facility in front of a packed arena and legends of the athletics world and both Dame Mary and Lord Coe were incredibly amenable for the numerous photograph and autograph opportunities which are guaranteed to hold pride of place among their sporting souvenirs.
CLEAN SWEEP
My contribution to proceedings and a never to be forgotten moment? I am happy to report that I feel I may have finally found my true vocation in the running world. Being at a loose end about an hour before the formalities began I offered my services to do anything that was needed. Thus it was that I came to brush the steps to the stand, not just any old steps mind you, but the steps to the VIP section. What Luck!! While there were no VIPs present while I performed this task and while it was not mentioned in any of the subsequent speeches I think I made a pretty good job of it. I can now say without fear of contradiction that I Cleaned up at an international athletics meeting!
LOUGHINISLAND
Next night the venue was Loughinisland and a record turnout for the annual 5.05 mile race over a new course, reputedly much flatter than the original, but avoiding last year's unpopular 2 lap trial. The jury is still out on the verdict but I think it's best just to accept that Loughinisland doesn't do flat.
There was an international flavour to proceedings with the inclusion of South African Ross Grant all the way from Ballywalter, in the field and he picked up the Over 35 category prize in overll 5th place. The winner yet again was East Down's Brendan Teer in 28.35, ahead of Newcastle's David McNeilly with Richard Coey in 3rd. Splendid runs too from locals James Savage and Paul Burns 5th and 6th respectively and both in the from of their lives.The ladies prize was taken by East Down's Cheryl Denvir in 34.44 with clubmate Catherine O'Connor 35.21 in 2nd and Athanasia Sevastaki in 3rd.
Helen Vint posted a new pb of 40.33 for the distance and there were notable comebacks from George and Noreen Kerr among the 28 strong contingent from the east Down club. A special mention too for Kieran McMahon who finished in 38.06, over 6 and a half minute faster than last year. Well done to him and to all who took part, Loughinisland GAC pass on their thanks to all who supported the races and invite you back next year on thelast Wednesday in June.
In the Fun Run Laura Gardiner took the Girls Under 16 prize with local lad Dean McLaughlin the overall winner in 18.00 taking the Boys Under 16 trophy.
ARDS HALF MARATHON
After the energy sapping efforts at the annual Junior Club BBQ on Thursday night it was off to the relatively sedate setting of Newtownards on Friday night for the Ards Half Marathon.
With Brendan Teer posting a mystifying 1.34.59 compared to last year's 2nd place in 1.12, Barrie Atkinson was first East Down man to finish, showing that his season on the track has not affected his endurance, posting a time of 1.21.13 with ever improving Michael Cultra clocking a pb 1.28.19.
The ever consistent Michael McKeown weighed in with 1.32. I'm told that Gerard McAuley set a new pb of 1.34.59 but in the absence of his name in the results there must be doubts about whether this can actually be ratified. Cheryl Denvir, obviously benefiting from her pipe opener in Loughinisland led the East Down ladies home with a pb 1.37. Linda Cunningham and Oonagh Breteche both broke the 2 hour barrier with Mark Johnston right on it and Charlie Ataliotis just behind.
HILL and DALE
Paul Burns completed a great first season in the Hill and Dale Series with a 21st place finish in the final race of the series on Friday night with Brian Hamilton taking first place in the Over 65 category. Tom McMeekin also took a fine 3rd place overall in the Male Junior category to round off a great season for him too.
WHAT'S NEXT
So what's to do this weekend? Well on Friday night there is the Greyabbey 10K and 5K Fun Run at 7.40pm, with the BK10K on Sunday 7th at 1.00pm. This is a very interesting addition to the local running scene with most of the route off road, along the shores of Dundrum Bay with the stunning backdrop of the Mournes for company. Online entry is available until Thursday evening at www.athleticsni.org
Joe Quinn
1 July 2013
