A magnificent turnout of over 150 runners in Wednesday's RGU 10K in Downpatrick was testimony to Colm McNeill's hard work in promoting and publicising the race.  Not only did it attract many of the novice runners it was specifically aimed at but a fair smattering of quality athletes from all parts of the country.  The race was won by North Belfast's Martin Rea in 33.52 from Aaron Stronge, 34.47, and Jim Benson, 35.15.  Last year's winner, East Down's Brendan Teer was an encouraging fourth IN 35.23 as he continues his comeback from illness. Local man Liam Venney posted an excellent 36.22 in 7th place, just ahead of East Down's 2nd placed finisher, Liam Keenan in 37.20 who showed that his recent holiday break from training had not lost him much of his edge, as this new route is a testing course which demands concentration all the way to set a personal best. And meeting this demand in commendable fashion to break the 40 minute barrier were East Down's Gerry Burns and Michael McKeown who recorded 39.08 and 39.14 respectively and are still smiling.

A notable run too from another ex RGU player Barry Kelly, 38.43, which would suggest he has loads of potential. Stephen Shannon too returned from a recent lay off with 40.09 and Declan Teague returned from 3 weeks warm weather training on Lake Garda – did he know what we were going to get here? - with a fine 41.02, while recently joined clubman Kristoffer Fegan, clocked an excellent 42.34.  Brian Wilson too was pleased with 42.43 as he continues his return to full training. A welcome continuation of his Portaferry form for Chris McLoughlin too, 43.15, and a morale boosting 44.18 for Raymond Milligan. Another best for Simon McGrattan, 46.24 as he improves by the week with Colum Surginor and Peter Morgan setting targets for the future.

The Ladies too were busy snapping up prizes with Kim Surginor and Ruth Francis taking the the Over 35 and Over 40 trophies respectively, well supported by  Emer Moore, in her first outing for the Club, Helen Vint, Deirdre Mount, Linda Cunningham, Bernice McCann, Sheena McKermitt and Catherine Woods, a sign of the blossoming membership in both male and female sections.

On Saturday the Club mounted assaults on 2 very separate venues, with mixed squads taking part in 10 Mile races in Dublin and Ballyclare.  The Frank Duffy Memorial  race was held in Phoenix Park where full use is made of the Furry Glen hills to test stamina to the full.

But they made not the slightest impression on Philip Vint who tamed the windy conditions in a blistering 64 minutes, only a few seconds quicker than Portaferry but with the scalps of his two Raheny Shamrocks conquerors in his belt.  He confessed to having more trouble overcoming the Carrickdale's Banoffee on the way home, though that task was taken at a much slower pace.

Michael McKeown continued his remarkable season just 3 days after his exploits in Downpatrick with a time of 69.07.  The Ladies travelled well to and Helen reminded Philip he's not the only fast mover in the house, posting 93 minutes ahead of Sheena and Linda with the inseparable duo of Bernice and Frank McCann happily breaking 2 hours.

Nearer home, on the anniversary of last year's Westlink flooding, a quartet comprising Brian Hamilton, Brian Wilson, Joe Quinn and Ruth Francis met on the banks of the Sixmilewater River in Ballyclare where similar hilly, windy conditions existed.  Brian Hamilton led the squad home, posting 71 minutes to take the Over 60 prize, followed by the other Brian in 72, Joe in 73 and Ruth in 78, taking the Over 40 Ladies prize in the process.

Next weekend the venue is Darragh Cross where a 6 Mile Race, start at 14:30, over a substantially new course and a 4 Mile Fun Run is on offer with the proceeds going to charities.  Everyone welcome.

Joe Quinn

16 August 2009