Where to start? Lake Garda or Armagh last Sunday, Stormont last Saturday or Dundrum this? Probably best to take them as they came. Stormont for the NI Masters Cross Country last Saturday saw good performances from Brendan Teer, 3rd in the Open race with Barrie Atkinson and Neil McCartan 21st and 24th respectively with Liam Keenan completing the Club quartet in 32..45 as he continues his build up towards the Seeley Cup.
Next day the quartet became a trio as Tony Brennan, Michael McKeown and James Magennis flew the colours in the Armagh 10 Mile Road race, acquitting themselves admirably in 65.48, 66.59 and 72.32 respectively.
That same morning I had taken part in the 15K option on Lake Garda marathon day, the other alternative to the full marathon being a 30K run. I was with some of my former NICSAC colleagues for the trip and it was indeed pleasant to move around in temperatures of 19 – 22 and eat outside in what we used to know as sunshine. The most obvious characteristic of the route from Torbole to Malcesine (the last 15k of the full marathon route) was that it was totally devoid of gravel. So what you might think, sounds ideal? Not when you have a lazy foot which depends on gravel or a wet surface to ease the sliding forward movement of said limb. While there was plenty of water in the lake there was none overhead or underfoot.
SPONSORED SIT-IN
On the subject of which I discovered earlier before the race started that it costs 30 cents to spend a penny in Torbole or to be precise 1 Euro, as the convenience accepted coins of all denominations but didn't give any change. I stayed in 3 times as long as I needed to just to get my money's worth and exited fully sanitised as it was one of those self cleaning and disinfecting kiosks that didn't take kindly to squatters – perhaps I should re-phrase that?
Given that the next customers did not have any change with them but looked in desperate need I sponsored them with another Euro and did like wise for two of my friends after I returned to the start area. Might be worth investing in a portable commode next time.
Anyway all three races began at 9.30am which meant that most of the shorter distance runners would be across the finish line before the marathon runners arrived. And so it proved, making it possible for me to have a shower and change before taking up spectating duties near the line.
The marathon route follows the lake side road from Limone, through road tunnels built during Mussolini's reign, through Riva to finish in Melcesine where one of the delights of the day was to see Downpatrick's own Shirley Telford cross the line in under 4 hours 30 minutes to set a new PB. Well Done to her.
But despite the spectacular Italian scenery Saturday's Gr8t Dundrum race in the shadow of the Mournes certainly can lay equal claim with Lake Garda to a stunning setting. In the truly majestic surroundings a record 700 plus runners effectively closed down Dundrum for a while. Are we not blessed in this part of the world with heavenly places to run?
THE RACE
Brendan Teer 44.47 retained the title he won last year, knocking 2 minutes off his time in the process and earning himself a handsome bonus into the bargain. Barrie Atkinson and Martin Willcox filled 8th and 9th places in 48.28 and 48.48 respectively with Declan Teague 4th East Down man home in 52.37 and the ever consistent Michael McKeown 55.22 making up the top quintet. James Magennis missed out by just 3 seconds on breaking the hour, clocking a splendid 60.02, his preparations hindered by some pre-race bad company, but nevertheless an indication that he is becoming a force to be reckoned with. Just 12 seconds but 10 places behind was Raymond Milligan 60.14 while Cheryl Denvir led the ladies squad home in 60 43.
Matthew Tumelty 62.36 then precipitated a virtual landslide of East Down finishers led by Denis McKay 62.44, Tom McClean 62.54, Brian Hamilton 64.33, Charlie Ataliotis 66.58, Mags Flynn 72.30, John Manley 72.19, Linda Cunningham 2 minutes quicker than last year in 72.33, alongside pacemaker extraordinaire Simon McGrattan. And then came the elite squad, the folks who stay out there to make sure no-one drops out or takes a short cut, the Sunset Strip (remember that?) trio of Carmel Tumelty, Tracey Teague and me, all on the 77 minute mark followed by Cathy Degan, a fine first effort at this distance and Shirley-Anne Thompson nailing down 80. Well done to all and to fledgling club Seaforde Rookies, picking up a category prize, to Anne Sandford running better than ever and taking the Over 45 prize just behind Lagan Valley teammate Hazel McLaughlin in 57.44, and to Ballydrain Harriers who are on the up again with new members and with a female presence for the first time that I can remember – Good Luck to them.
GRIDDLE RACE
Next local race is the Griddle 10k and 5K Fun Run on Sunday 25 November at 12 noon.
CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE
But before that the first of the 6 round Cross Country League begins on Saturday in the Bobby Rea Memorial race in Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor, after the Age Group Championships. Members are urged to take part in this exciting competition, with 4 men required to make up a team while only 3 needed for a ladies team. But points are also awarded for having up to 12 finishers so everyone is encouraged to take part. We may not be able to challenge the likes of Annadale and City of Derry for overall League victory but should be capable of giving Newcastle and Murlough a run for the local bragging rights. Unfortunately I will be unable to witness the best efforts of all as it's Q vs Q on Thursday and the Royal pardon doesn't kick in until Saturday night.
And finally good luck to all from the club who will be running the Dublin City Marathon next Monday.
Joe Quinn, 22 October 2012
