Despite the threatening rain forecasted the EDAC squad presented an impressive show with 10 juniors and 20 seniors. The East Down juniors set the bar for the seniors with all those performing personal bests over the mile. The 10k was won by Joe McAllister who undoubtedly is on a winning streak. First lady was Julie Turley who led the race from the start and glided over the finishing lines.
However what is more impressive is the comeback demonstrated by Neil McCartan, who clocked an amazing time of 36.21, welcome back Neil. 2nd East Down Member home was the improving Barrie Atkinson with an impressive 39.10. Francis Tumelty and Michael McKeown showed true to form, achieving 41.02 and 41.11 respectively. The East Down squad then achieved five more runners under the 45 target with Simon McGrattan slightly over. Though the quote of the day was Simon’s daughter Amy, who, as we waited patiently for Simon to appear said “Oh no, Daddy found someone to pace again!” Charlie Ataliotis and Lisa Milligan beat that infamous 50 and Linda Cunningham who was only going for a gentle jog managed to race a 50:08, two minutes off her PB, the future looks bright for her Belfast marathon race.
Yet despite all these achievements, the ladies of East Down won the most praise with their outstanding performances. Oonagh Bretche ran a comfortable 50:57, Emer Moore never stopped smiling after the race having smashed her PB by achieving 51:32, Paula Savage who has only just embarked on her running career achieved a very commendable 54:20 and Sharon Crew knocked four minutes off her Jimmy's Ten time by running a 54:47. A fantastic day for all East Down runners!
