East Down Athletic Club   
DUBLIN MARATHON REPORT

What do you call someone who says they’re going to run a marathon? Mad? Deluded? Stupid?  So what would you call someone who made the same statement while suffering from a stress fracture in the foot and heavy cold symptoms? Suicidal? Foolhardy? Brave? Maybe parts of all these adjectives are appropriate but for me the word which best fits the bill is Inspirational.
The man in question had trained harder than ever this year when injury and illness struck in the week before the Dublin classic on Monday 27th and he would have been justified in opting out - after all 26.2 miles is not a dander in the park, even when in full fitness.  But having been promised substantial sponsorship for the Tuberous Sclerosis Association on the back of his completing the distance he felt obliged to make the effort, rather than let his charity down. And not only did he start but he completed the distance, minus his breakfast, in an incredible 4 hours and 1 minute.  Do you not feel inspired by this man’s heroics?

His name? James Magennis and he is still open to offers of more sponsorship - something which his efforts merit in a substantial way. Although, like most of us, he said “Never again” as he crossed the line, he was back at work next day and is by now probably planning his next assault on the distance.
He can be contacted on 02844615979 or 07752320350 or pledges can be made also to Joe Quinn on 44614235 or 07933214894 or by email joemarathon50@btinternet.com

Of course James was not alone in tackling the streets of the Fair City - indeed the biggest squad of East Down AC athletes ever to set off in a single marathon were there as the gun sent over 8,000 runners off on a bright, sunny but very cold morning. Most were suffering from some ailment or another and there was a suggestion that the Club should be re-named Hypocondri AC but, whether real or imagined, they were not serious enough to prevent many “personal bests” on the day.

The first Club man over the finish line was the redoubtable Brian Hamilton, a best ever 3.24 only 2 weeks after he completed the Chicago Marathon in 3.38 in sweltering conditions.  Not only that but he was 3rd in Over 60 category in the Irish National Marathon Championships for which he will pick up a Bronze medal.  Close behind and also in personal best times were Philip Vint and Nigel Martin separated by only 2 seconds on the 3.25 mark - both had taken their pace from Brian and laid to rest the demons of previous years. First time in Club colours proved lucky too for Gerard Burns as he completed his first trouble free marathon in a commendable 3.28, proof if it was needed that staying injury free and doing the hard work in training pay off. Next in was Joe Quinn, delighted with 3.30, his best for several years followed by another personal best from Declan Teague, recovering from an early twisted ankle, in 3.38.
And what of the Ladies - another incredible run from Linda Cunningham, clocking 4.16 and knocking an incredible 18 minutes off her previous best - the result of more hard work - and sister Sheena McKermitt recording 4.34 as she successfully brought her breakfast to the finish line.  Heather Lindsay wasn’t far behind, clocking 4.38 as she continues to defy the odds from an enforced maximum of 16 mile long runs. A highly satisfactory debut performance too from Rachel Wilson, coming home in 4.30 and retaining the family honour in husband Brian’s enforced role of supporter/spectator, one he carried with commendable gusto. And finally, the other member of the group who invaded  Howth on Sunday night and also a debutant, was Simon McGrattan, coming home in 4.25 after hitting the wall at 21 miles.
It’s safe to say that many of those mentioned “graduated” in running terms on Monday and are no longer novices.  These results should be the perfect confidence booster for the future. On the subject of which congratulations are also sent to former East Down stalwart Joe Byrne who also graduated, obtaining his Masters degree at university in America.

Well done to everyone, feet can now be put up, placed in mouths or turned into yards without fear of injury while you contemplate the NEXT ONE.  .

AGE GROUP CHAMPIONSHIPS and BOBBY REA MEMORIAL

Meanwhile, in much softer conditions on Saturday, East Down was well represented in the NI and Ulster Even Age Group Championships at UUJ campus and there were several noteworthy performances. Pick of the day has to be Joanne Mills Gold Medal winning performance in the Under 18 Girls race when, after being with the leaders from the start, she appeared to be consigned to 2nd place as Lagan Valley’s Rachel Campbell opened a ten metre gap with just 500 metres to go.  But the sight of her rival tiring gave her renewed vigour and she mounted a last challenge to surge past and cross the line 3 seconds ahead to claim the title. In the Boys Under 12 race Patrick Sheridan exceeded the Club’s expectations with a splendid 3rd place just  a second behind the second placed athlete and qualifies for the All Ireland finals in Tramore. Callum Millar also ran well in the same race taking 29th place in the 88 runner field.  In the Under 14 Boys race Mark McGrady did well to hang on for 32nd place after running with the leaders before fading on the final lap.

The Under 16 Girls race saw two East Down runners in the line up and Elaine Burch ran a canny race to take 10th place and qualify for Tramore also with Caroline O’Hare taking a useful 41st place, though not far behind.  And making his debut in the yellow sash was Aaron Hickland who ran strongly and steadily  in the worsening conditions to take 40th place in a strong field.

Brendan Teer made a welcome return from injury in the Bobby Rea Memorial senior race and should be happy with 9th place in a high quality competitive field while Stevie Shannon clocked 32.27 as he becomes ever more attuned to the demands of cross country running. Liam Keenan too did well to post 33.14 in conditions even worse underfoot than Comber a week ago.  But it's all part of the joy of Winter running and is used mainly as a strength builder for the next Road and Track racing seasons.

The good news is that there are no races this weekend – activities resume on 8 November with the McConnell Shield races in Ballyclare – just time to get the gear dried out.

29 October 2008