It began in Carlingford on 5 August when Brendan Teer confirmed his return to form a week after winning the RGU 10K in Downpatrick by taking 2^nd place in the Carlingford 5K race in a time of 15.32, closely followed by Neil McCartan in a new pb of 16.55 and Liam Keenan happy with 18.35 given his present state of fitness.

 

Then it was on to the Lurig Challenge in Cushendall, a mere 3.75 miles but with a climb of 375 metres in the middle, though an easy slide down the same distance, softened by the regular treatment of sheep, on the way back. The East Down participants had swollen to 5 for this one and leading the way was Megan Wilson who was 2^nd female overall and first U20, in a splendid time of 39.39 with dad Brian just behind on 40.52, Peter Morgan 42.22 and Brian Hamilton 43.55. However pride of place on this occasion must go to Maeve McDonald who achieved a lifetime ambition to take part in her hometown event and crossed the line in 67.01. Well done to her though I hear she has gone off lamb chops!

 

On that same day, Saturday 13 August far away in remotest Connemara, Clifden to be exact, Brian Donnelly was about to undertake the biggest challenge of his life. Simply named the Connemara 100 it might seem at first glance that a 100 metre dash or a 100 kilometre slog through some of the wildest scenery known to man might not be all that noteworthy but this was 100 MILES! Brian had trained long and hard for this event and had probably become an expert in eating as he taught his body how to cope with consuming huge amounts of food and drink, though this was not the most difficult of the tasks in his build up. So accompanied by myself and his brother Gareth as support crew, we made our way to John Findlay's holiday cottage in deepest Ballyconneely to relax on the eve of race. It was indicative of Brian's confidence that he proceeded to beat both of us soundly at draughts, ignoring the fact that he would be totally dependent on us for survival next day. It's around 50 years since I last played the game so I believe he made up the rules, in his favour, as he went along but my memory is not what it was so I had to give him the benefit of the doubt.

 

But to Saturday morning, a 3.45 alarm made sure we were well fed and awake by the time we hit the start line at 6.00am in a cool, damp and largely silent Clifden. Brian's aim, or so he told us, was to run at 12 minute mile pace to complete the distance in 20 hours. 15 runners set off, all content to ease their way into the first few miles, on what were deserted, traffic free roads. Brian was soon into his stride and eased through 8 miles in 81 minutes, despite our advice to slow down and it became clear that his agenda was to run closer to 10 minute mile pace to build up some time ahead of the clock. But it doesn't work like that in ultra distances! Time gained can be quickly lost and with compound interest. However he continued to clip along nicely, with food and fluids intake every five miles going to plan. And 20 miles were reached in 3 ours 35 minutes. At around 22 miles there is a lovely wayside church, sitting in splendid isolation, with a large sign imploring passers by to STOP and PRAY! Brian underwent a Pauline conversion to religion and duly obeyed, even to going down on his knees, reckoning he would need all the divine help he could get before his day ended. On hissecond passing of the church some 40 miles and 8 hours later he didn't risk stopping, never mind kneeling, he just prayed and kept going.

 

At 45 miles he was 45 minutes ahead of schedule and going well but starting to feel the strain a little. I joined him on the road while Gareth drove the food laden van behind and I said i'd keep him company to Leenane where the 2^nd checkpoint awaited at 55 miles. The pace suited me fine as it was a mixture of running/walking over what can best be described as hilly terrain. The scenery was stunning and with frequent feeding stops I was staring to put on weight – and Brian was still remarkably cheerful and confident. Leenane came and went. I stayed with Brian on the long haul up the shores of Killary harbour and we passed through 60 miles in 11.37. The going got really tough for Brian around the 63 mile point and it was a hard struggle to Checkpoint 3 at around 68 miles. But he made it and kept going and so did I. Through 71 in 14 hours he was still 12 minutes ahead of his 20 hour target. I decided to drop out at his scheduled stop at 75 miles but he needed a change of footwear and clothing before that so called the stop at 73. I was happy to be back in the van again, having completed an unplanned 28 miles, while Brian had another 27 still to do! And this is when mental strength comes into play. He was physically exhausted, despite his intake of isotonic fluids, creamed rice, cereal bars, cuppa soups, nuts and apples. Initially what still kept him going was the thought that John Findlay was going to join him for the last 25 miles, that plus knowing he was within touching distance of his goal. So on he went, progress slower now, amid news that several others had already dropped out and he was holding 7^th place. He reached Checkpoint 4 in Roundstone at around 11.30pm and received a well deserved if inebriated cheer from the onlookers as they came out of the pubs to watch. Just 18 to go! Through 87 in19.15 and all he had left to do was a half marathon, 13.1 miles! The next 4 miles took 90 minutes but when they reached the sign which read 9Km to Clifden Brian was rejuvenated and was soon back to steady pace again, walking less until the lights of Clifden, the few that were still on, appeared. Even though he knew there were 3 laps of the town to do he knew he had made it and incredibly he ran the last mile in under 9 minutes to break the 23 and a half hour time, 7^th of the 9 finishers. Never was ground more fervently kissed as with a mixture of exhaustion, relief and euphoria Brian once again went down on his knees. The entire crowd, all 4 of us, (it was 5.30am after all) congratulated and applauded this magnificent achievement. This was indeed a tremendous feat of endurance by any standard all the more so considering the inhospitable nature of the terrain through which the race passed and Brian rightly deserves every praise and accolade.

 

He could be forgiven for uttering with heartfelt sincerity those words long beloved of long distance runners on crossing the line – Never, Never, Never, Ever Again! I did however venture to suggest that by Wednesday he might already have an eye towards next year and how he could improve his performance.

 

For now Brian just bask in the glory.

 

And take a bow brother Gareth who drove the whole way behind him, rarely getting out of first gear, and who proved that stamina and perseverance runs in the Donnelly family, a truly Herculean effort.

 

I am delighted to have been there to witness the endeavour, the pain and the glory first hand and will not forget the experience, that and finding out from this visit to Connemara that I can't play draughts either!

 

 

 

On Wednesday Megan Wilson was again top east Down finisher in the Crawfordstown 5K trail race timing 22.02, just ahead of Newcastle's Anne Sandford, with dad coming home in 23.20, his end of term surely reads “must do better”. Congratulation to Megan on her acceptance for Cambridge University, not only fast but smart too.

 

Saturday's 6 mile race and Fun Run in Darragh Cross drew a disappointing 46 runners but resulted in a splendid race with Richard Johnson from Antrim coming home in 32.24 11 seconds ahead of East Down's Liam Venney with Steven Dineen in 3^rd. Ladies winner was the ever improving Cheryl Denvir, 42.18 from City of Lisburn's Diane Watson.

 

This weekend the action switches to Killyleagh on Friday night for the popular 5 Mile race around the scenic course. The race starts at 7.30pm with registration beforehand in the Bridge Centre. The Primary School race begins at 6.30pm in front of the castle, with 1^st Year and above boys and girls immediately after that. Come along and enjoy a great start to the weekend.