It may have been short and relatively low key but the Crawforsburn 5K Trail Race on Wednesday night was an event of considerable significance not only to East Down AC but to the running fraternity in general as it saw the return to competitive action of Brendan Teer after an all too long absence due to illness.  The sport needs its top class performers more than ever and Brendan numbers in that elite group who can bring a buzz to any race and can be relied upon to put in a genuine performance.  While he did not make the podium (they haven't got one anyway) positions his time of 18.56 and 11th place overall was a more than satisfactory comeback. Hopefully he will continue a steady build up to full fitness in the coming weeks and is likely to be a force to be reckoned with in the RGU 10K in Downpatrick on 12 August. Disappointed though at the same event was Liam Keenan who misjudged  the start while completing his warm up, the equivalent of starting from the pit lane, and had to work his way through the field in treacherous underfoot conditions. Nevertheless his time of 20.41 is not to be sniffed at and many of his Club colleagues would give an arm (though not a leg for obvious reasons) to get anywhere within sniffing distance of it. Making up the trio from the Club was recent recruit Catherine Woods, recording 35 minutes as she prepares for Tuesday's 10K in Warrenpoint.

Saturday saw participation in the Mourne Seven Sevens race over a 19 mile route encompassing 8700 feet of climbing over 7 mountains – an ideal way to spend your day off! Another East Down trio was in action this time in the persons of Anna Stamp, Ruth Francis and Michael Degan.  Anna completed in 6 hours 53 minutes and while Ruth and Michael finished I haven't as yet got their times but well done to all three for attempting, never mind finishing, such a daunting challenge. But as they did it in preference to the Sunday morning long run perhaps it's not so difficult after all!

Meantime interest is building in the RGU 10K on 12 August at 19:30(Registration from 18:00 at RGU Clubhouse) which will be run over a slightly different route this year, starting on Ardglass Rd, lapping the Downshire Hospital on the Highway to Health circuit before heading down past St Mary's High School to meet the Killough Rd and climb to McKeown's Corner to connect with Ballynoe Rd and Old Course Rd to the finish at the RGU Clubhouse where refreshments will be provided. All proceeds are in aid of Action Cancer and with a 2 leg relay option available it is hoped that as many as possible novice runners will take part. Contact 07933214894 or 07807086131 for further information. 10 days later, on Saturday 22 August at 2.30pm, the next Tour of the County Down race will be staged in Darragh Cross, when a new, flatter 6 mile route is on offer with a 4 mile Fun Run for the younger or less serious runner.  All welcome with proceeds to a selected charity.


2 August 2009