East Down AC runners turn up for the popular Stormont XC run
Stormont XC
Saturday 8th February was the annual Stormont Cross Country event organised by NI Civil Service Athletic Club.
There had been concerns that damage to the Stormont Estate caused by Storm Eowyn might have caused issues but thankfully despite a swathe of huge trees felled by the winds, the course itself was relatively clear writes Martin Willcox.
There was a carpet of twigs and branches but the hardy volunteers did a great job of raking and sweeping to make a path for the runners. It was bitterly cold but thankfully dry and no wind to speak of.
Junior XC Races At Stormont
The first race of the day was U13 Boys and Girls. With 59 eager juniors from a vast array of clubs, it was a packed start line but they got away cleanly.
The distance was 2000m on the 2 lap course. Dillon Hynds was the sole male EDAC runner and held his own finishing 8th in his category.
Orlaith Keary had a strong run to come 14th overall and 2nd U13 Girl. Taryn Smyth, Alesha Fegan, Isla Taylor and Alanna Fegan formed an EDAC train coming in 34th, 35th, 36th and 37th.
Ella Hynds and Faith Kellett were not far behind. This is great experience for this age group and lets them see how their training is paying off.
There were 4 EDAC juniors in the U15/17 race. Thomas Magee took on the 3000m 4 lap race in a determined fashion and just missed a podium place as he was 4th in his category.
Cara Napier (U17) was out for the win from the start. She looked very controlled as she held the lead to the finish line in a time of 12.04. Sarah Gilchristxa0 in 12.40 took the second prize in the same category. Aoife Gilchristxa0 (U15) finishedxa0 strongly, smiling as usual.
Catherine takes second spot in the Stormont women’s race
The trend of females outnumbering the men was not just restricted to East Down AC. There were 167 in the Women’s Race with 137 in the Men’s. East Down AC was well represented by a team ofxa0 seven.
Catherine O’Connor gave it a good go, heading off with the leaders from the gun. She was edged out of the win by Emily Morris of Willowfield but was pleased nonetheless with taking 2nd place and felt she had performed to her current fitness.
She will now be focussing on Jimmy’s 10 as she is returning as last year’s winner in a bid to defend her title. Deirdre Weatherall had a powerful run.
Catherine professes not to like cross country yet she turns out more often than not and never fails to put in a good effort.
30th overall in a field of that depth is an achievement. Sharon Madine who has been hampered with niggles and winter bugs seemed to enjoy the course coming in 54th.
Niamh Kellett, urged on by her daughter Fiadh who had run earlier came 61st in 24.15.
Ashley McGrady and Maureen Kelly made the top 100 – 93rd and 99th which left Alison Carroll to bring up the rear in 122nd place and delighted to get home inside 30 minutes.
Wayne Giles along with the other 60 males ran the same race to allow them the shorter 3.3 mile course. He showed his usual grit to complete in 31.09.
The Fab Four
EDAC Men were whittled from 9 entries to a stalwart 4 on the line through injury and illness but the four who took part were glad to be fit to do so. Joe Napier is a regular at cross country and is well able for the grass and hills.
He paced it very evenly and was 43rd in 27.20 for the 4 laps (4.4 miles). Eamon Kelly, legs strengthened by his recent ski trip, trotted round in 30.35. Stephen Heasley once he had worked out which of the 4 vests in his kit bag was the most recent version ran a steady race in 31.29.
John Hanna was making his cross country debut and was rightly cautious about going out too hard. He found a decent rhythm and finished 96th overall saying that he would consider it again in the future. A good outcome for all.
The attraction of cross country is running on a different terrain, the challenge of hills, being part of the outdoors but more than that it is the camaraderie of being part of a team.
The gazebo and the sandwiches and the post run analysis makes for a great day out. If you haven’t tried it, you don’t know what you are missing! Something to put in the diary for next season.
Barry Atkinson had a good excuse for not making the cross country – he had made the long journey to Tralee for a 10 miler. With a field of over 280, he performed well coming 15th in 1 hour 3 minutes. He said it was a scenic course and would recommend it to others.
Jimmy’s 10 numbers are well up
With only the championship XC events left, the majority of runners are thinking about the road season which kicks off soon.
Entries for the 25th Anniversary edition of Jimmy’s 10K are well up on this time last year and there is a real possibility that it will sell out before the closing date.
The organisers have already had to up the order of bespoke long sleeve t-shirts from their original quota.
Initially offered to the first 600 entrants they raised that promise to 750 and with 700 shirts claimed it looks like some will be disappointed if they delay too long.
The race takes place on Sunday 16th March starting on Market Street and finishing in the Ballydugan Estate.
There is a relay option for those who want to take part but are not 10K ready.
The event is sponsored by Finnebrogue who are supplying hotdogs for all at the finish.
The race is aimed at all abilities with the faster runners eyeing up the prize money, some looking to get a good time (aided by the club pacers) and others just wanting to take part in a mass event and enjoy a great day out.
Entries are available at:
https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/Jimmys10K2025
with all the details on the East Down website .
EDAC assures you of a warm welcome!
