Last Saturday's Rollecoaster races at Downpatrick Racecourse took place in almost identical conditions to last year, a cold, crisp morning with light frost giving way to bright sunshine in what was an idyllic setting with the snow capped Mournes providing a magnificent backdrop. By the time the first race was due spectators and participants were enjoying some pleasant warmth from the sun, surely an omen for the imminent arrival of Spring – no matter that 6 inches of snow on Sunday might have shaken that belief!

On Saturday however all things were perfect as 58 Primary School Girls assembled at the start line on the far side of the course for their assault on the 1K run to the winning post, a daunting prospect for many a horse never mindP6/7 children.  But what a magnificent opening act they proved to be, with Cumran pupil and East Down member Ellen Erskine took the lead from the off and fairly stormed to the tape, never faltering as she tamed the steep climb to the finish in a heart warming display, clocking 3.54 ahead of second placed clubmate Laura Gardiner, representing Convent of Mercy, with Emma Neill from Kilmaine Primary School taking 3rd spot and paving the way for her school to take the Team prize. With Lucy Irwin, Paige Gibbons and Alexandra Boyd filling 7th, 11th and 14th positions their total of 35 points ensured a new  name on the Shield. Other Club members representing their schools to feature strongly were Aoife Cochrane 15th, D'arcey Campbell 18th , Maria McAuley 22nd, Kate McMahon 23rd, Blaithnaid Evans 27th, Mary Jo Tumelty 40th, Aisling McMahon 42nd, Beth McKeever 47th and Emma Campbell 48th.  Several of the girls were making their racing debuts and can take heart from stirring displays over a demanding course.

Next off was the 86 strong Primary School Boys race which was dominated by Conor Magee from a strong Beechmount contingent, in a time of 3.20, ahead of this teammate Conor Irving with Chris Pierpoint taking 3rd for Kilmaine Primary School. And with Steven Donaldson in 4th, Jack Yourston 6th and Scott Irwin 9th Kilmaine completed a magnificent double Team victory pipping Beechmount by just 5 points. This enabled Peter Thompson to pick up the John McKeag Shield and trophies from the man himself to add to the Girls award.
Double Congratulations to Kilmaine and a profound thanks from the organisers for fielding over 30 runners between both races.

Ross McCrickard, just  2 days after turning 10, showed he has inherited his father's competitive spirit and speed by leading the East Down squad home in 17th place with younger brother Dean taking 68th , just behind Padraig Rogan. Johnny Erskine maintained the family honour in 44th  place. Ryan Shaw and Zak Dalton made impressive debuts in 27th and 46th places respectively, while Carl Keenan's battling run for 59th place was a warning that Dad Liam had better look to his laurels. You can do it Carl!

There were disappointing turnouts in the Age Group races with a total of just 28 runners in what amounted to 6 events. The highlight performance was Arthur Morgan's start to finish victory in the Under 15 Boys category, ahead of clubmate Mark McGrady, making a welcome return to competition. In the Girls Under 13 race Shauna Browne gave Beechmount  a winning start to their day ahead of Julia Maginn Assumption and Sarah Lambert from St Peter's AC.

The senior 5K race over 2 and a quarter laps saw the home club's Brendan Teer dominate as he kept his foot to the pedal all the way and never gave North Belfast's consistent Philip Goss the chance to head him with Fionnbharr Toolan  from Balmoral Harriers in 3rd . Brendan also picked up the John Cullen Cup for first East Down athlete to finish surely a morale boosting bonus after a struggle to regain his form of 2008. Gary Flynn improved his time by 29 seconds on last year but still found himself in 4th place with Danny Skeffington, first Over 45, and Liam Venney in 5th and 6th places respectively for the home club. Newcastle's Eamon McCrickard took the Over 40 title while Liam Keenan won his battle with old adversary Michael McKnight, shaving 25 seconds off last year's time in the process.

An eyecatching performance came from St Peter's AC, Lurgan athlete Patricia O'Hagan who took 15th place overall to win the Ladies race in a splendid 18.45 ahead of North Down's Julie Balmer and Jessica Craig, who also picked up the trophy for first female under 20 with the male equivalent going to Neil McCartan, a local runner who shows considerable promise. Tony Wall, Gary Swenarton and Davy Seaton completed a very successful day for the North Down club by taking the Over 50 , over 55 and Over 60 titles respectively. Kim Surginor claimed the Over 35 title for East Down, improving her time by over 3 minutes from last year  with Murlough's Carol McMenamin taking the Over 45 trophy. A notable feature of the day was the improved times recorded by most of those who had competed in the first event last year, a sure sign that hard work leads to overnight success! Several recent recruits to the East Down club made their debuts in the red and yellow colours, among them Mark Carson, a comeback debut,   Kieran McMahon, Kieran Fitzsimons, Paul Rogan, Oonagh Breteche, Ross Denvir, another comeback man,  Emer Moore , Nicola Rogan and Karen McFall – which taken with the upwards of 20 other members who were involved on the day with the delivery of the event is an indication of the current strength and well being of the club.  Thanks to all for their help and especially to Toals Bookmakers whose sponsorship  for the second year running will enable a substantial donation to be made from th proceeds to Autism NI to assist in the local community.

And now it's all energies towards the fast approaching Jimmy's Ten which takes place this year on Sunday 14 March at 12.00 noon – it's Mother's Day this year and all mothers running will receive a special gift. And of course as well as the usual top prizes on offer all finishers will be included in a draw for a £700 holiday voucher, thanks to the continued sponsorship of MB McGrady & Co, Chartered Accountants..  This year also the Championchip timing device will be in use as numbers continue to increase and an entry limit will be in operation. Online entry is now available on www.niathletics.org  and the recommendation is get in early to avoid disappointment.

For further details contact Joe Quinn 02844614235 or 07933214894 or log on to www.spanglefish.com/eastdownac

Joe Quinn
21 February 2010