Rollecoaster Races day at Downpatrick Racecourse dawned dull and cold  but the absence of any wind meant conditions were ideal for running. Certainly everyone who took part gave of their best, none more so than the 106 P4/5 Boys and Girls who competed in the first 2 races of the day, the numbers more than justifying East Down's  decision to include this age group for the first time.

The girls were a magnificent opening act with Carol Browne from the ever supportive Beechmount Harriers Club setting a blistering pace to lead from start to finish and crossing the line in 1.54, a magnificent time over what could be described as the toughest 500 metres in the country.  She was followed by Zoe Thompson from Kilmaine Primary School  and the  trio of Caoimhe Grace O'Donnell, Lidia Ballochi and Kiara Cairns from All Children's Integrated Primary School Newcastle with Aoife Toner from Legamaddy PS filling 6th place.

The P4/5 Boys race was similarly dominated from the start by what must be described as one of the most exciting talents in years. Caoilin Quinn is the name and he fairly rocketed from the start line and was never headed as he passed the winning post in an incredible 1.49 with Newcastle AC's Conor Murray and Josh Faulkner filling 2nd and 3rd places.  A special mention has to go to Noah Sheridan who showed he is intent in following in big brother Patrick's footsteps by running all the way to the post in a manner many horses would have been proud of.  Another one to watch for – 2028 Olympics perhaps?

Michaela Quinn, All Children's IPS, led home the P6/7 Girls in the 1,000 metres race in 4.01 ahead of Sarah Dougherty, St Mary's Newcastle, and Anna Rosa MacDonald from Loughview IPS. With Ciara Irvine and Sophia Gilmore taking 8th and 9th places and Catherine Stewart backing up in 14th place Loughview claimed the team prize and   won the John McKeag trophies.

St Patrick's Primary School Downpatrick fielded a strong team and reclaimed the Team Shield in the Boys P6/7 race, superbly led home by Ryan McKinney who was a massive 7 seconds ahead of Tim Prenter, Legamaddy with Scott Irwin, Kilmaine 3 seconds further back in 3rd place.  Ryan is another exciting prospect who could set the scene alight if he got involved on the athletics scene. East Down are ready to welcome you and indeed any of the runners who took part, irrespective of their placings. Other team scorers were Drew Barnes  in 5th, and C Logue and O Edwards in 14th and 15th respectively. 
A total of 102 boys and girls represented the P6/7 classes – magnificent!

In the Boys Under 13 race saw last year's P6/7 winner Beechmount's Conor Magee translate his form to the older age group with a convincing win ahead of 3 of his clubmates with the first Girl Janet Copeland also coming from the same stable. Ellen Erskine ran well to take 3rd over the gruelling 1500 metres distance and is coming along very nicely. And Niamh Burns again gave a lesson in dedication, finishing in 11th place, a great inspiration to all.

There were disappointing turnouts in the other Age Group races but Patrick Sheridan demonstrated his growing ability with a convincing win in the Under 15 Boys category while Elaine Burch showed she had recovered from her off day at Greenmount last week by easily winning the Girls race.

The senior 5K race over 2 and a quarter laps was again dominated by the local athletes and developed into a titanic struggle between Gary Flynn who was determined to improve on his two previous 4th places, ad Liam Venney from East Down.  Gary had opened up a considerable gap by the 3K mark but Liam then got working and had whittled it to 10 metres by the 2 furlong post and closed and closed as the uphill climb bit deep into their toiling legs..  Just when it looked like gary would be caught he conjured a sprint from somewhere to flash across the line 2 second clear of the brave Liam.  Gary was 26 seconds faster than last year with Liam 44 better, but having the consolation of picking up the John Cullen Cup for first East Down athlete home.

Patricia O' Hagan, St Peter's AC Lurgan retained her Ladies crown, clocking 19 minutes with North Down's Jessica Craig and Julie Balmer reversing their 2010 positions in 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Other to retain their titles from last year were Danny Skeffington, first Over 45,  Newcastle's Eamon McCrickard first Over 40,  Kim Surginor, Over 35 and Maureen Oliver, Over 55 with Davy Seaton successfully moving up to Over 65 status and  Conor McMullan  Annadale Striders taking the Over 35 prize.  Wendy Findlay, East Down won the Over 40 trophy with Mourne Runners taking the Over 45 title and Ann McCormick Over 50 winner. Neil McCartan from the host club and Rachel Gibson, City of Lisburn were Under 20 winners while first ever Jimmy's Ten winner Robert Wilson Willowfield took the Over 50 prize with Tom Dowey and Francis Boal  Over 55 and Over 60 category winners respectively.

Aside from the winners two recent recruits to East Down's growing band,  Maeve McDonald and Anita Redmond chose this event to make their debuts and should be proud to have completed a very tough baptism in under 31 minutes while John Oakes indicated he is well on course for breaking the hour in Jimmy's Ten with a sub 29 minute clocking.

Thanks to everyone who helped and especially to Toals Bookmakers whose sponsorship  for the third year running will enable a substantial donation to be made to a cancer charity.

And now it's all energies towards the fast approaching Jimmy's Ten which takes place this year on Sunday 13 March at 12.00 noon.. 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..  Championchip timing will be in use as last year so accurate times are assured. Entries will be limited to 600 this year and entries will only be taken on the day if this figure is not reached before then.  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
30 January 2011