Laganside 10K last weekend saw Barrie Atkinson set a new PB for the distance, 36.39 to be precise, to signify he will be a threat to many in the coming season. Michael Cultra too weighed in with 40.26 with Raymond Milligan on a fairly rare competitive outing clocking 43.06. On Monday night all eyes were on Castlewellan for the annual Mill Hill Mile and the big question on everybody's lips was could Liam Venney defend the title he had held for the past 2 years or would his clubmate Brendan Teer wrest back his crown? Well actually the more common question being asked was where have all these people come from as dozens of eager men, women and children descended on the hard pressed registrars. In what was undoubtedly the biggest ever entry, 139 runners of all shapes, sizes and ages made their ways to the bottom of the Hill and on the dot of 7.00pm began to ask themselves another very pertinent question – what have I let myself in for? or, in more technical terminology Am I right in the head?
From the off Brendan Teer made his intentions clear as he set a cracking pace which initially threatened to blow the opposition away. But Venney had not claimed 2 titles by giving in and as they reached the three quarter point he was starting to close the gap. But suddenly, with only 150 metres to go Teer inexplicably stopped and by the time he had deposited the contents of his stomach on the road, Venney and Newcastle's Iain Bailey were past with Liam completing his hat trick in 5.33, followed home by Bailey in 6.03 and the some what lighter Teer resuming to take 3rd in 6.17. He later said that his legs just stopped moving. Mine tend to as well when I run at just over 5 minute mile pace though it's a while since they had the chance. Anyway battle will re-commence next year.
As Liam was crossing the line I was just at halfway, having taken my advice to all the youngsters earlier to take it easy and not to go off to fast and out of respect for their elders to stay behind me. But of course they were out of earshot by the time I gasped out, “Wait for me” and ignored that request as well. I did have the uplifting company of East Down's debutant Domingos Ferreira 11.11, and Grace Surginor and Newcastle's Molly Rose McAlinden the latter two of whom skipped up the final hill leaving me trailing in their wake. Yes the highlight of the night was the huge number of children who took part, many in the company of their parents, who were left gasping in awe at the performances of their offspring – Well I think it was in awe, most were unable to voice an alternative explanation!
Making an impressive Club debut was Chris O'Connor, who was first 12 year old boy to finish, posting a splendid 7.55 with Matthew McGrattan 8.13 and Daniel Atkinson 8.17 next to finish. Owen Edwards came next in 8.37 and Andrew McGrattan 9.02 the first 10 year old boy. James Byrne abandoned his parents to take the first 9 year old Boys slot in 9.49 with Padraig Rogan crossing the line in 10.25. A battling performance too from Adam Morgan 11.51 to just pip his Dad.
The East Down girls too were out in force too and were led home by Laura Green 8.57 with Aoife Cochrane just behind on 8.59 and followed by Natasha Savage 9.36 Elisha Surginor 9.42 and Eimear Connor on 9.48. Grace Surginor finished in 10.40 and Mary Jo Tumelty ran her Dad into the ground clocking 11.46 and Isabella Ferreira just 8 years old cantering home in 12.20.
But fast or slow every one of the finishers were roared across the line by the huge crowd of spectators who lined the road half way down the Hill and while some of it could be termed abuse of the elderly it was nonetheless welcome and there was a tremendous buzz about the place the likes of which I have not experienced before The challenge now is to double the numbers, both participating and spectating next year.
A huge Well Done to all of them – this really is an event which everyone should try. All who did it are part of a select group and having set their marks can and will come back year on year to improve on them.
Then on Saturday it was the Silent Valley for the first ever Dambusters event, the first road race to be run in the magnificent heart of the Mournes – how blessed we are to have such spectacular surroundings to run in. The first of the 2 races to set off was the 93 runner 10 Miles which began outside the Park before ascending to the Ben Crom reservoir wall and back with a trip across he Silent Valley wall for an off road section before re-joining the road to finish in the shadow of the dam wall. The race was led from start to finish by Brendan Teer who eased to victory in 56.06 with North Belfast's Marty Rea 58.27 in second and Seamus Lynch 61.32 taking third. Declan Teague 64.38 was unlucky to miss out on his category prize, just being overtaken inside the last mile by the unattached Andrew Burns 64.19. James Magennis continued recent good form with a 74.43 clocking and Linda Cunningham was over the moon with her 88.29 and a strong finish.
I was equally in lunar orbit just to finish the 10k in a reasonable demonstration of running, in the company of Colette McBride, a recent addition to Murlough's ever growing band of talented runners. It's good to be back – Well half back perhaps.
A record crowd of over 1300 runners took part in the Waterside Half Marathon on Sunday in driving rain and wind. Just 2 runners from East Down made the journey and were rewarded with excellent times in spite of the conditions. Francis Tumelty completed the full set in the Half Marathon series of 8 and set a new PB of 1.28.02 to boot. Credited with the same time was Michael McKeown who continues to be the most prolific of participants.
Next weekend East Down runners will be in Dublin for the Half Marathon in Phoenix Park and in Newcastle upon Tyne for the Great North Run. Good luck to them.
Joe Quinn
10 September 2012
