It was one of those weekends when an overabundance of top class sporting events left spectators and supporters in a on the ropes as the Grand National, FA Cup semi-finals, Formula 1 racing and the occasional programme on the Titanic centenary competed for their attention. Nearer to home it was the Born2Run Half Marathon and 10K Races set in the magnificent surroundings of the Castleward Estate on a sunny but bitterly cold Saturday morning which took centre stage. With a total of over 250 runners between the 2 races it was clear that not everyone had opted for a passive observational role and the opportunity to run in such an idyllic setting had touched a chord with the running fraternity.
The Half Marathon was won in convincing style by our own Brendan Teer, finishing what was a tough test in 1 hour 17 minutes, almost 8 minutes ahead of 2nd placed Don Travers from Newry City Runners with Paul Blaney in 3rd. Teer was 4 minutes clear at 7 miles and though Travers then held 3rd position and subsequently caught Blaney, the winner's position was never in doubt.
The Ladies contest was much closer as both Gillian Cordner, Seapark AC and Donna McCusker, Murlough were together at 7 miles but the Seapark athlete proved the stronger over the 2nd half to win in 1.41, just under 3 minutes ahead, but Donna was well pleased with her run.
Michael Cultra continued his recent good form with a time of 1.38 to take 12th place and certainly keeps the club's colours prominent – or at least he would do if he ever decides to wear a club vest! Fresh from his midwifery duties the previous night, or perhaps fresh is not the right word, came James Magennis, proving how tough the route really was by finishing in 1.54, almost 15 minutes slower than his Larne time of 2 weeks previous.
Charlie Ataliotis, despite giving everyone else a head start, still completed in 2.05 finishing in 90th position.
In the 10K the club had 3 representatives, with Gareth Kimpton ducking under the hour, as did Carmel Tumelty, a splendid result, and Sheena Quinn recording 1.15 as she guided her friend Lisa Curran round her first ever 10K.
Anne Sandford claimed the Ladies first prize just less than 2 days after picking up the prize for her category in the first of the Hill and Dale series - great running.
HILL and DALE
Which brings me neatly back to Thursday night when in Castlewellan Park the first of this year's Hill and Dale races took place. Best placed East Down man was Martin Willcox in 22nd and I believe he will become a force to be reckoned with when he gets the hang of things. Francis Tumelty and Jim Erskine were separated by a mere 12 seconds, while Barrie Atkinson was another who made a promising debut. John Findlay, still on cloud nine after his exertions in Connemara, was next, with Denis McKay and the elusive Brian Wilson not far behind.
Darryl Madine had every reason to be there though what Paul Rogan was doing taking part in the rough and tumble that is H & D after several weeks absence through injury had almost scuppered his participation in next weekend's London Marathon, only God knows. Will he be there again this week? My tapering prior to marathons was always more horizontal than that!
Several of our youngsters took part in the Junior trail races held just before the seniors got under way with Natasha savage and Johnny Erskine best of the Primary School entrants and Laura Green and Paddy Erskine best of the older members.
Pride of place however this week has to go to Wendy Findlay and Brian Hamilton who in spite of the dreaded DNF notation after their names have emerged as the Heroes of Slievenaslat. On coming upon fellow East Down runner Megan Wilson injured and in distress they both stopped to assist and await the arrival of help – the resultant delay meant they were timed out and not permitted to finish. “The rules is the rules” is the rule I suppose but could not this piece of chivalry be rewarded? An honorary finish time or a knighthood perhaps?
You'll have noticed that all this activity did not include any account of my participation in any of these events. The reason is of course that there hasn't been any. In horse racing parlance I have gone from being an also ran to a non-runner but will be literally on course in London next weekend to see if my spectating training has paid off. Best wishes are sent to Declan Teague, Paul Rogan, Colm Surginor and Bernice McCann who will be carrying the club colours in the Olympic city and indeed to everyone from Down District who is taking part.
5 MILE FAMILY RUN
And all local runners, especially novices, are invited to take part in the Mainstay DRP Family 5 Mile Run on Sunday 29 April from Down Leisure Centre. All entries taken on the day so come along and support this worthy charity who have to raise millions for their major construction project.
Joe Quinn
16 April 2012
