What do sports writers write about when there's nothing on? Do they start a rumour, make something up, reminisce? As I don't know any runners called Robinson there is no possible spin on the latest headline grabbers either. But just because the official fixtures are postponed it doesn't mean runners have hibernated – well not proper runners anyway. East Down's hardy band of runners both young and old have been strapping on snow shoes, yak tracks and liniment in an effort to keep limbs moving and muscles aching in defiance of Mother Nature's Winter blast. Certainly the recent cold snap has not deterred most from clocking the miles on what for some is a novel, if treacherous, landscape. With several looking ahead to Spring marathons others are contemplating Ultra distances. Brian Hamilton and Brian Wilson have targeted the famous, or perhaps infamous, Comrades marathon in South Africa in May – a 56 mile stroll in the sun – while Ruth Francis is heading for the Two Oceans marathon over 56 kilometres, also in South Africa. For pain closer to home and available free on the NHS others are heading for Connemara in April where the options are Half, Full and Ultra marathon distances, though only up to 39 miles this time due to the recession.
For those more interested in the local scene here are some dates for the diaries – didn't you all get one for Christmas? diaries and recording your training details is an essential part of any runners life – and the most important one to note initially is the Rollercoaster Races which has been re-scheduled from 30 January because of postponements to other fixtures elsewhere. This event and all the others except Jimmy's Ten and the Portaferry 10 form this year's Tour of the County Down series. So there's plenty to look forward to on the roads locally without concerns over travel and weather. See you at some or all of them.
Saturday 20 February 2010 – Rollercoaster Races at Racecourse
Sunday 14 March 2010 – Jimmy's Ten
Saturday 26 June 2010 – Loughinisland GAC 5.05 Miles and Fun Run
Friday 9 July 2010 – Greyabbey 10K
Tuesday 20 July 2010 – Portaferry 10 and Relay
Wednesday 28 July 2010 – RGU 10K and Relay
Saturday 21 August 2010 - Darragh Cross 10K and Fun Run
Friday 27 August 2010 – Killyleagh 5
Sunday 26 November 2010 – Saul GAC Round the Griddle 10K
