The now established Darragh Cross charity Road Races attracted a total entry of 100 in fine conditions on Saturday afternoon with the Alzheimer's Society and Share Uganda the beneficiaries this year. Both races were run over new courses,with the emphasis on the safety of the runners, and the shorter race (someone remarked that with the abundance of hills it was incorrect to call it a Fun" Run!) began proceedings with the runners heading for Raffrey before taking the Carrickmannon and Darragh Roads back to the Football Club grounds. First home was Neil McCartan in a highly creditable time of 23.54 with Paul O'Callaghan (26.25) and Stephen ward (27.16) taking 2nd and 3rd places. Helen Murray retained her title with a 27.34 time, just 2 days after her Roman holiday with Louise Rattray 2nd and Anna Murray in third. The first Under 16 Boy home was Barry Ward with Claire Rattray completing a family double as first Under 16 Girl to finish. Making light of the hills though was the indefatigable John McKeag (Ballydrain Harriers) who clocked 42.10, not bad for an 87 year old, and only just behind his young 75 year old friend Jim Metcalfe.

Meantime the 6 Mile race headed off in the opposite direction towards Darragh Cross and turned onto the Barnamaghery Road en route for Raffrey where it connected with the 4 mile route. A strong field of 63 were led home by Aaron Stronge in a sparkling time of 33.46 with Philip Goss (North Belfast Harriers) second in 34.03.

First lady home was Donore Harrier's Fiona Mahon, in 3rd place overall, in a time of 36.54 with 3rd man Paul McIlwine in 37.03. Downpatrick's Barry Kelly produced another remarkable run, finishing 5th in 37.33 with East Down's Michael McKeown in 9th place. Declan Teague shook off the effects of 3 weeks detention on Lake Garda to post 41.22 with Stephen McCartan confirming his liking for hills by clocking 42.13.

Chris McLoughlin looked comfortable in 22nd place in 42.43 but wife Aurla took the family honours by clocking 56.14, a commendable time for an inexperienced runner. East Down's Helen Vint posted another positive result, finishing in 54.24, ahead of Sheena McKermitt in 55.11. Second lady home was Fionnuala McCourt with Rosie Daly in third place. Diane Watson, Paula O'Reilly and the eye catching Elsie Colmer took the Over 35, Over 45 and Over 50 prizes respectively, with Barry Kelly, Sean McIntyre and Norman Mawhinney taking the Male equivalent categories.

Next Friday the action moves to Killyleagh for the annual 5 Mile race, the final race in the Tour of the County Down series, starting at 7.30pm with registration in the Bridge Centre from 6.00pm. There will also be Juvenile races for Primary and 11 to 16 year olds with races starting at 6.30pm

Everyone welcome.

Joe Quinn

23 August 2009