James O' Hare took a splendid 3rd place in Wednesday's Queen's 5K in windy conditions around the Annadale and Stranmillis embankments, a spirited opening to his season.  A notable effort was Paul Rowan's 4th place as the recent Jimmy's Ten winner showed a clean pair of heels to several of the much younger hopefuls over far from his favourite distance.   Also in action were Liam Keenan 18.28,  with Neil McCartan, fresh from his 3rd  place in the Omagh 4 Mile race last weekend, also on that mark, Declan Teague on 19.48, a splendid effort from the big man who is deep in marathon training at present,  Michael McKeown  on 21 minutes and a noteworthy effort from Tracey Teague clocking 28.50 to ensure equal bragging rights in that household and a sterling performance from Colm McNeill in 26:51.  On Saturday past Stephen McCartan repeated his time in Larne a week earlier, clocking 1.36 for the Omagh Half Marathon  while Gavin Oakes made a morale boosting comeback from injury to record 1.52 and leave him well on track for a tilt at the Belfast Marathon in May.

Further afield and tackling over 11 times the Queen's distance in the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in Capetown, Ruth Francis made light of the 36 miles to record 5 hours and 38 minutes, using the run as a warm up for the Connemara Marathon next Sunday, just 2 days after her return – it should be a dawdle after South Africa, if in slightly cooler conditions. Well Done Ruth.

And speaking of which, several other club members are also heading West to tackle the delights of Connacht with the 40 mile Ultra the target for two of the more mature members, known as the “126 Club” - you'll have to work it out for yourselves – who have been recording more miles in training recently than their cars, probably because it's cheaper.  They are resting this week and letting their Zimmers cool down, secure in the knowledge that they don't have to face a long training run next Sunday!!

Interest is building in the 32 Marathon Challenge, with Downpatrick set to host this historic attempt by 2 men to run 32 marathons in 32 days in each of the counties of Ireland, to raise money for Autism NI and Irish Autism Action, and word has it that popular TV presenter and Down man Gerry Kelly has now lent his support to the event – more news on this front soon.


Joe Quinn

4 April 2010