This is a story that must be told, not only now, but for generations to come, about how history was made when the marathon came to Downpatrick on 25 Juky. Gerry Duffy and Ken Whitelaw visited the county town to complete the Co. Down leg of their 32 Marathon Challenge, aiming to run 32 marathons in 32 consecutive days across the 32 counties of Ireland. The pair had initially completed the first half dozen runs together in around 4 and a half hours but Ken then began to suffer badly with injuries and his times increased dramatically to over 8 hours as he had to resort to walking for long periods. However in the remarkable way that it does his body recovered and before they got to Co. Down they had been finishing together again in around 4.30. Downpatrick wa sto host marathon number 24 of the Challenge which saw them begin their superhuman effort on 2^nd July in Longford.

Raymond Milligan, Michael Degan, Liam Keenan and Kim Surginor had all entered the marathon with the intention of keeping the pair company throughout the race while Stephen Shannon, James Magennis, Paul Rogan and Garry McLoughlin had entered the half marathon, just to be part of the occasion. So off they went, sent on their way by TV & Radio Presenter, Gerry Kelly for the 4 laps of the Quoile area before returning to finish at the Leisure Centre.

From the start Raymond Milligan set the pace and quickly opened a lead on the rest of the field, accompanied by Stephen Shannon, who of course was only "planning" to run 13.1 miles. But when he reached that point, and feeling good he asked if he could continue for another lap, as you do, and as he's bigger than I am his wish was granted. Similar thoughts were also emerging in the minds of James and Paul as like latter day Forrest Gumps, they just kept running. The significant point to note of course is that all this bravado was based on an intensive training programme of a couple of weeks holidays, at least one hernia operation, an occasional 10 Miler, the odd half marathon, and 2 bananas on the morning of the race! And that was the combined total! Of course Kim had the added advantage of having several weeks rest due to a broken wrist so she came to the start line fresh! Not I must emphasise the recommended prepartion for a marathon.

Meanwhile Liam Keenan was enjoying the company of Gerry and Ken as they talked their way through the miles, cheered at every turn by the small army of marshals who gave such magnificent support throughout the day. This was Liam's first marathon for 27 years, indicative of his support for the purpose of the Challenge to raise as much money as possible for Autism NI and Irish Autism Action, and he hinted afterwards that there may not be such a gap before his next one!

Raymond and Stephen were first to cross the finish line, in 3 hours 50 minutes, a superb time in the warm humid conditions, and a magnificent first effort from Stephen, with Gerry, Ken and Liam just behind in 3.51. This was the duo's fastest time to date in the series though Gerry has since gone on to record a best ever 3.17 in Meath.

And what of the other brave souls? - Well Garry wisely succumbed to good advice and finished with about 18 miles on the clock while James was rapidly coming to the conclusion that he should have done the same. But when he gets an idea into his head it's hard to shift and with a doggedness to be proud of he kept going, crossing the line in 4.18. Paul too was plugging away and as he ticked off the miles, completing his first full marathon became more and more of a possibility. On his own he knew when he reached 20 miles that nothing would stop him and to say he was pleased to cross the line in 4hours 28 minutes would be the understatement of the year. And some 16 minutes later Michael Degan also finished – tremendous efforts by both men. Kim was still out there having suffered from cramps from just over halfway, but with the encouragement of her clubmates she refused to be beaten and crossed the line in 4.45. An unbelievable effort.

At this point it is necessary to acknowledge the tremendous support given by the PSNI officers who patrolled the route throughout on their bicycles and ensured the safe passage of all who took part, a point specifically mentioned by Gerry and Ken afterwards. They made a point of expressing sincere thanks to the staff of Down Leisure Centre and to everyone who helped marshal and support all the runners throughout the race. In an unprecedented move they presented one of the distinctive 32 Marathon Challenge medals, usually reserved for marathon finishers, to East Down AC in appreciation. And so they moved on – will we see their like again?

While it goes without saying that Gerry and Ken will be spoken about with reverence for years to come whenever the subject of running crops up, in acknowledgement of their historic heroics, it is also certain that the endeavours of the East Down runners who set off with the duo shortly after 10 o'clock on Sunday morning will enter the local folklore and will lose nothing in the telling as they regale their grandchildren with stories about in the years to come.

Meanwhile Norman Mawhinney was also having a good day as inspired by his first outing in the Club vest, he clocked a personal best 1.34 in the Cookstown Half Marathon, where Michael McKeown recorded 1.36.

On Wednesday night 130 runners took part in the RGU 10K and Relay and were led home by Portaferrry 3^rd place winner Stephen McGrory with his Annadale clubmate Paul Carroll 2^nd and last year's winner Martin Rea North Belfast in 3^rd. First Lady was North Down's Julie Balmer ahead of Claire Prenter and Karen Devlin. East Down's Ross Denvir and Eimear Degan combined to take the Mixed RelayT eam prize.

Notable entrants were Stephen Shannon, Kim Surginor and Michael Degan fresh from their marathon exploits taking to the roads again. Perhaps Sunday's event was just a warm up for this one with their times being 40.12, 51.21 and 58.04 respectively though admittedly this was after 2 full days rest!

Gavin Smyth made a rare appearance, recording 43.09, with several other members returning to action after the excesses of holidays abroad.

On Thursday night the Club are holding a stretching session, presented by a massage physiotherapist, in Down Leisure Centre at 8.00pm to which all runners are welcome.

Joe Quinn

1 August 2010