Junior Jimmy's Fun Run  takes place on next Sunday morning in the Car Park at ASDA as a preliminary to the senior 10K which begins at 11.00am.

There will be 3 Junior races, for P3/4 Girls and Boys, P5/6 Girls and Boys and P7 and above Girls and Boys. Anyone whose children are interested in taking part should send their names and ages to www.ftumelty@hotmail.com and be at the start area by 9.00am on Sunday. Entry fees of £2 per child and can be paid on the day. Every entrant will receive a goody bag, courtesy of ASDA, and a special T-shirt.

EARLY REGIISTRATION RECOMMENDED

All who have entered Jimmy's Ten, particularly local runners, are asked to collect their running numbers and chips at Down Leisure Centre on Friday 15th between 4 and 6.00pm or on Saturday 16th between 12.00 noon and 2.00pm.  This will greatly assist the organisers on race day.

PLEA TO MOTORISTS

Motorists are asked to avoid the town centre, particularly Church St and Market St between 11.30am and 12 noon on 17th as delays will be inevitable while the runners return to the town. The recommendation is to come in early before 11.00am to feel the Buzz, support the runners and get the day off to an exciting start, then stay to watch the Festival parade and enjoy the other programme of events.

BIG EFFORT FROM LAURA AT UUJ

It was a relatively quiet weekend, running wise as most rested their muscles ahead of next weekend's anticipated heroics in the county town.  Michael Cultra will be pleased with his form, placing 8th in the Addiction 10K in Ormeau Park, breaking 40 minutes in the process with Gavin Oakes 42.20 cruising home in 20th place. Colm McNeill would also be pleased with ducking under 55 minutes as he builds up to full fitness again.

But top billing goes to Laura Gardiner  who acquitted herself well in the Aviva Irish School's Junior Girls Cross Country Championships in the wind, rain and mud at Jordanstown on Saturday.  She took a splendid 31st place in a high class field of almost 100 runners and should be proud of her efforts.

Joe Quinn
10 March 2013