Last weeks racing came from both ends and the middle of the spectrum with EDAC juniors taking part in the Edwards 5 Series at Antrim Forum on Thursday night, a venue which is not easy to reach or easy to get away from, judging by the late homecoming afterwards, some in the latest mountain madness on the same night and a few more of the seniors going slightly further in the Newry Half and Full marathons on Sunday. Nevertheless all can be reasonably pleased with their performances, Eimear Connor clocking 32.71 in the 200 metres and Ellen Erskine using the sprint as a warm up for the 3000 metres which was run as a combined Junior/Senior and Male/Female race. She recorded a splendid 12.02 being beaten by only 2 Senior ladies and was first Under 15. Aoife Cochrane showed signs of a return to form with 3.06 in the energy sapping 800 metres.
HILL AND DALE
Meanwhile several of the seniors were finding out the delights of Slieve Lough Shannagh in round 7 of the Hill and Dale series. This is the one I said “Never Again” to twice, the second time keeping my promise and judging by results my colleagues found it one to linger over too. Gavin Oakes was first East Down man home, followed by Barrie Atkinson, Brian Wilson, Michael Degan, Brian Hamilton and Denis McKay. Not perhaps the best team placing ever but just to finish this one is noteworthy enough.
NEWRY MARATHON
On Sunday James Magennis finished the Newry Half marathon comfortably in 1.38, continuing his steady climb back to full fitness, with Francis Tumelty and Michael McKeown rapidly becoming the Jedward of East Down with an identical 1.28 time – don't try the hairstyle lads! Michael Cultra was the only club representative in the full marathon and he did well to break the 4 hours, crossing the line in 3.56, no doubt still feeling the effects of the Belfast version less than a month ago.
OLYMPIC TORCH
The highlight this week will be the arrival of the Olympic Torch in Down District and everyone is encouraged to turn out early on Thursday morning. 8.01am in Downpatrick and 8.21am in Crossgar are just two of the times to be part of history but you are asked to be there half an hour before that as traffic restrictions and crowds will hinder access to the route. East Down members are asked to gather in Church St at Pillar Well Lane where the more romantic among them can look forward to the changeover “Kiss” after which Pat Power will take the flame to the end of town.
Joe Quinn
4 June 2012
