The East Down AC Christmas Report 2025
Club Predicted Time Trial.
Leading up to Christmas East Down AC held its annual 5k predicted time trial. On a cold Thursday evening EDAC members gathered at the Downshire estate to test their pacing skills over 5k writes Martin Willcox.
The aim of the evening is for each athlete to say what time they will complete the 5k distance without the aid of a stop watch or any timing aids.
24 keen runners toed the start line to complete the three laps of the Downshire Hospital, and with coach Paul Burns and his team keeping a sharp eye that there is no cheating.
Once all the athletes completed the trial there was tea and buns laid on as the results were worked out. This year’s winner was Paddy Smith who had his pacing spot on to take the top prize.
Castlewellan Christmas Cracker.
Saturday saw the very popular Castlewellan Christmas Cracker Race hosted by Newcastle AC, this great event challenges teams of two runners over a course that covers 8.2 miles of roads, muddy fields and forest tracks and many hills.
The race starts in the centre of Castlewellan and finishes in the forest park. EDAC had 20 athletes entered, some with partners for other sporting clubs or family and friends.
With cool but dry conditions, and over 600 pairs of runners on the start line the race was on. EDACS Aaron McGrady and his partner Newcastle ACs Zak Hanna made their intentions clear from the start and did battle with the eventual winners Jared Martin and Thomas Renshaw with Aaron and Zak finishing a strong second.
Another East Down / Newcastle AC pairing was Gordy Graham and Neil McGeough, they will be pleased with their 11th position against some very strong pairings.
The next East Down AC team member across the line was Conaill McNabb and partner Niall Quinn in 68th spot. In 134th position was the dream team of Niamh Kellett and Barrie Atkinson and just one second behind them was another EDAC team of Eamon Kelly and James Cuffey.
The next mixed team was East Downs’ Kieran Keown and Carryduff’s Steven Cray in 153rd place. Old Hands James Magennis and Dermott Cahill came in 386th position with EDACs Ashley McGrady and running buddy Rachel Frew having a great run crossing the line in 425 spot.
Not too far behind Ashley was East Downs Lisa Laird and partner Frances Peel who enjoyed their runner coming home in 476th position.
20 seconds behind them was EDACs Declan Hampton and friend Aoife Burke in 488th spot. Maureen Kelly and Tom McClean who are no strangers to the Cracker will be happy with their 550th position, EDACs two little piggies Suzy Smith and Roisin Gaffney were not far behind in 552nd place.
East Downs Lesley Keown and partner Jenny Gray were next in breaking the tape in 627th place. Well done to all at this great annual event.
