Portaferry Gala Ten Mile Road race on Tuesday night as usual brought out the best in the weather and attracted a field of over 300 runners to the village. This race is becoming one of the most popular events on the running calendar and has begun to feature some of the best athletes from top clubs in Dublin.  Although last year's winner Simon Reede from Raheny did not travel this time a quartet of runners from his club made the journey northwards and were so pleased with the reception the scenic route and the post race refreshments that they have already promised to return next year with an even bigger squad.  Last year's runner up Keith Daly from Donore Harriers, just recovering from illness managed only 13th this time as Willowfield Harriers dominated, providing 3 of the top 4 finishers and the winning Relay team.

Although pre-race favourite Brian Campbell lived up to his billing, cruising home in 52.37, two minutes and 19 seconds faster than last year's winning time, it has to be the ageless Allan McCullough, now in the Over 45 category who took the honours, finishing second in 53.44 to put his younger rivals in their places.  There is no doubt that McCullough, on his day can give anyone a run for their money and his dedication and consistency over the years is an example to any aspiring youngster. Perhaps clubmate Ryan Holt, who participated in the relay last year in 59.43,  is following his example as he placed 4th this time in 54.26, a magnificent effort from a young man who is definitely going places.

East Down's in form Philip Vint also improved his time by just over a minute, clocking 63.04, just 4 seconds behind Newcastle's Alan Strachan after a ding dong battle.

First Lady home was North Belfast's Lisa Tracey just ahead of East Down's ever improving Mark McDowell, who posted 65.16 to indicate there is a lot more to come from him. Michael McKeown recorded a solid 69.18, his most encouraging result for a while.  But no one was more pleased than James Magennis whose 71.28 represented a personal best by over a minute, causing him to order drinks all round on the ferry back home. 72.47 represented a personal best too for Raymond Milligan, a deserved return for his continuing dedication to a hard training regime, with Gerard McAuley ducking below the 80 minute barrier in a welcome return to form, with Gavin Oakes less than a minute behind that.

Daryll Madine ran a steady race to record 85 minutes, a 5 minute improvement on 2009 as in gentlemanly fashion he overtook Helen Vint in the last few strides. However she has every reason to be delighted with her performance, as she ran a perfectly judged race to perfection, knocking 8 minutes off her last year's time and proving that there's no substitute for hard work in this game. Not far behind was Ross Denvir who had a highly enjoyable season in his first Hill and Dale series.

And a splendid effort by Linda Cunningham as she continues her comeback to full fitness with an inspirational 92.16, over a minute faster than last year.  A welcome return too for denis Mckay who ran the second leg of the relay and to Frank and Bernice McCann who both completed the full distance. Well done to all who improved their times, apart from yours truly who is rapidly proving that Zimmers are not built for speed.

By the time you read this the 32 Marathon Challenge will have taken place in Downpatrick, with the two central characters having completed their 24th consecutive marathon.  Full details next week.