East Down's athletes took on the clock at 3 widely separated venues at the weekend. The largest group descended on Dublin's Phoenix Park for the Half Marathon "warm up" for the full distance in 4 weeks time, a total of 15, with 11 heading to Bangor for the Classic 10K and and Brian Hamilton leading a one man invasion of Italy to endure the hardships of the scenic Lake Garda marathon.

The once popular song "What a difference a day makes" came to mind when the post mortems on the Dublin finishing times were held though it was seconds rather than days which were the topic. This was best illustrated by Stephen McCartan's transformation from relative gloom to deep joy on hearing his actual time for the 13.1 mile distance was 3 seconds faster than his clock(elapsed) time, enabling him to claim1hour 38 minutes instead of 1.39 for the race – and this despite the fact he had already knocked 6 minutes of last year's time! But such is the pursuit of excellence.

Nor was he the only one setting new best times for the distance with the ever improving Philip Vint leading the squad home with a superb 1.24, followed by Michael McKeown, 1.28 (new PB), Gerry Burns 1.31 (new PB) and most heart warming of all Raymond Milligan, clocking 1.35 (new PB), a richly deserved reward for perseverance in the face of injuries. No smile was wider than his afterwards – Stephen had to wait until Sunday for confirmation of his achievement - and as far as I know they're both still smiling!

I was next man home, in 1.36, not a PB this time, in fact 20 seconds slower than the Waterside race 2 weeks ago, but then the legs were 2 weeks older, though scraping into 2^nd place in the Over 60 category, albeit about 7 minutes behind the guy in 1^st place – must get some of what he's on, apart from the pension!

Simon McGrattan again carved minutes off his previous best, clocking 1.45 and if he ever decides to leave his Garmin at home he'll do even better! In between Ruth Francis was first of the East Down Ladies to finish, in 1.43, a fine effort as she battled stomach cramps throughout. And then came the really big smiles as Kim Surginor and Gavin Oakes annihilated the 2 hour barrier with a remarkable 1.55, while close behind came Kim's husband Colum, philosophical that having to answer a call of Nature had prevented him from joining the sub 120 club too. Just ignore it in future Colum, what does Nature know about long distance running? And what did She say that caused you to stop?

Gavin and Kim's time convinced them that they should enter the Dublin Marathon next month and they will do well in their first attempt at the distance. Michael Degan finished just ahead of Colum on the 2.01 mark, despite a persistent foot injury and should be well pleased with his efforts. Sheena McKermitt was a little disappointed with her 2.06 time, but should take comfort from a splendid effort in spite of recent disruptions in training as should Frank and Bernice McCann who battled injury to finish in 2.31 – ahead of thousands of other runners. So while not everyone was initially pleased with their times – show me a runner who ever is – all should remember that they did their best on the day and you can't do any better than that.

Nearer home James O'Hare took 5^th place in the high quality Bangor race in a time of 32.59 in very warm conditions, a race won by Joe McAllister, with Rosglass's Liam Venney recording a magnificent 36.28. Third East Down man home was Liam Keenan in 37.53, a time he may be disappointed with, but which was 43 seconds faster than last year. Kristoffer Fegan, Brian Wilson, Gary McLoughlin, Gerard McAuley, Peter Morgan, Kieran Fitzsimons, Catherine Woods and Paul Rogan completed the East Down contingent.

And what of Brian Hamilton, ploughing a lone furrow on foreign shores? – he cruised to the welcoming vino and spaghetti across the finish line in 3 hours 45 minutes, despite near Irish temperatures, to complete another 26.2 mile journey, though in Italian it's 42.1 kilometres, which sounds even more impressive.

Well done to all, enjoy your achievements and no doubt you'll all be chasing down those elusive seconds again at the first opportunity.

Joe Quinn

28 Sept 2009