Rain and more rain seemed to be destined for the Lisburn 10k and Half Marathon on Wednesday 20th June but despite all predictions the sun shone brightly on the East Down runners. However when questioning the runners at the end of the race, many of them had privately wished for a little bit or rain as the clammy conditions were an extra challenge. The crowds were in mass with nearly 3000 runners for both events and that doesn’t include all the parents and children who turned out for the fun run. The Half Marathon was the first race to start with East Down fielding eight runners. First to appear at the finish line in 21st place was Barrie Atkinson, who will certainly be delighted with his remarkable time of 1:25. He is certainly one to watch in the near future. Declan Teague and Michael McKeown maintain their form by clocking 1:27 and 1: 30 respectively. Francis Tumelty’s injury played havoc and he was happy to complete it within 1:40. Next came the ladies and Kim Surginor continued her comeback with a 1:52, yet the biggest congratulations goes to Sharon Carew completing her first Half Marathon, achieving 2:06. The two coaches, Roisin Gaffney and Deirdre Mount, cruised in at 2:07.
Next came the 10k and from the start it was a close battle. The race was won by Joe McAllister in 31:30 but East Down’s Brendan Teer never fails to disappoint and ran a superb race of 32.16, coming in 4th place. Mark McDowell cruised in at 39.12, there were rumours that he was carrying a tyre, which he strongly denies but I have no doubt that this time will be smashed soon. In the 45min bracket were Peter Morgan and Tracey McDowell, both maintaining strong performances. The ladies then came in force with Helen Vint leading the field clocking an excellent 51.39, all those speed sessions are certainly paying off! Oonagh Bretche 52.03 and Paula Savage 55.59 were next to follow with John Oakes completing the field with 58.59. It was a great night of running and a splendid turn out from East Down AC. Next event is the Loughinisland 5.05 mile run on Wednesday 27th at 7:30pm, see you there.
Hill & Dale - Meel's
After all the pushing & selfishness of wednesday nights antics of the east down crew....lol No one could be blamed if they didnt appear in the summer weather that was last thursday night, wet windy and mist closing in to the valley between the 2 meels was gonna make it very tuff for all competitors, Andrew Annett won the race as expected, 1st of East Down crew home was Gavin Oakes, followed by Michael Degan, Denis (Rocky) McKay and the ever present Paul Rogan who has to be applauded for sticking it out in his 1st tuff full year of the Hill & Dale Series.
The final race in the series is this friday night Donard Forrest.
Gaelforce & Glenarm
A special mention to the 2 warriors that are Brian 'Hammy' Hamilton on his Gaelforce North Adventure Race and to Colum Surginor completing his 1st triathlon with an open water swim.
