RGU 10K ROAD RACE 2013
Was it a case of deja vu, or status quo, or as you were, or same again on Wednesday night’s renewal of the annual RGU 10K and Relay or is it just someone trying to show off their limited knowledge of 3 different languages? Whatever Brendan Teer duly completed his hat trick and overall 4th victory in the tough, though popular race. Given the temperature and lack of pressure his time of 33.17 was highly impressive and just 44 seconds slower than last year writes Joe Quinn.
Annadale’s Paul Carroll 34.53 took second place with Brian Young 35.36, unattached, in third. Newcastle’s Mark Kendall was 4th overall and collected the Over 35 prize. Winner of the Over 45 trophy was Colin Stevenson from the resurgent Ballydrain Harriers club who fielded a magnificent 20 runners, a figure only exceeded by East Down’s 36 representatives, with clubmate Norman Mawhinney taking the Over 55 prize.
Barrie Atkinson was 2nd East Down man home followed closely by Mark McDowell who was having a break from baby sitting duties. Congratulations and Best Wishes to Mark and Tracey from all at East Down AC on the arrival of Conail (hope I got the spelling right?).
A not fully fit Liam Keenan nevertheless again ducked below 40 minutes though James Savage seemed out of sorts, posting 40.45 but Roger Byrne 49.40 showed no sign of fatigue only a week after his first foray into double figures when he completed the Portaferry 10 in a splendid 85 minutes
LADIES NIGHT
The Ladies title was won by Lagan Valley’s Catriona McCorkell who is in splendid form at present, with East Down’s Cheryl Denvir taking 2nd spot ahead of Cheryl Cardwell all the way from Sperrin Harriers. Lisa Milligan improving her 2012 time by over a minute took the Over 35 prize with Alison Carroll picking up the Over 45 trophy to ensure husband Paul, 2nd overall, did not have all the bragging rights to himself in their household. Helen Vint 50.46 improved last year’s time by 3 seconds and Arlene McMullan recorded a pb of 50.26.
RELAY
The relay was better supported this time with 8 teams and was won by Eoin Darragh and Kieran Hamilton with Caitlin Stewart and Elisha Surginor first female team.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
Due to holidays and injuries East Down fielded a somewhat depleted squad at the Mary Peters Track on Saturday for the 4th and final round of the Youth Development League. Conditions were ideal for spectating, apart from the odd shower of coffee, but much too hot for competing, though all 13 of the team delivered heart warming performances. Impressive first timer was Cameron Herron in the 80 metres hurdles and 300 metres sprint with good comeback efforts from Daniel Atkinson in the 200 and 1500 metres races. Owen Edwards as always competed strongly in 3 events and set a PB in the shot Putt with 5.30m.
The Girls had greater numbers with participants in both the Under 13 and Under 15 categories and had 2nd and 3rd places from Charis Gibson and Katharien Magwood in the High Jump, a splendid 2nd in the 70 metres hurdles from Katharine and 3rd in a super 800 metres race from Charis, only just failing to take 2nd spot on the line. Edie Carroll meantime was taking 3rd in the 75 metres sprint before also excelling with an intelligently run 800 metres.
In the older age group, Aoife Cohrane and Elisha Surginor brought the supporters to their feet with battling performances in the heat of the day, both setting new PBs of 5.48 and 5.43 respectively in the 1500 metres. Laura Gardiner having had a long and tiring journey back from Tullamore at the weekend opted for the 800 metres and ran well behind a classy performance from the City of Lisburn athlete. Emily Forte and Eimear Connor contributed valuable points in the 100 and 200m sprints and Long Jump and Olivia Mooney cleared 1.25 metres in the High Jump. Ella Carroll gave promise of things to come with a heartening 800m run but by the time the 4 x 100 metres relays came round most were thinking more of a visit to McDonald’s – and very well deserved it was too. The Club thanks all who participated in the four rounds, the parents who delivered and collected them at training and to the venues and are hopeful of a greater uptake of the places in next year’s League. The next competition will be on 15 August in the final round of the Super 5 Power series followed by the NI and Ulster Track Relay Championships at Templemore on Sunday 1 September.
DARRAGH CROSS
The Darragh Cross 6 Mile Race and 4 Mile Fun Run on Thursday 15 August is the next East Down promotion. The new route proved popular last year and a good turnout is anticipated. Race will start at 7.30pm.
KILLOUGH “THE SHORE” 10K
Interest is building in this new event on the local fixture list, which will give runners the chance to see not only the location for the award winning film, “The Shore”, but to run along some of the most stunning scenery the East Down coastline can offer. The racce is being organised on behalf of the local Bunscoil and as promoted by Brendan Teer is expected to attract a sizeable field. The race will start at 11.00am on Saturday 17 August – one not to miss!
KILLYLEAGH FIVE
The Killyleagh 5 Mile Race will take place on Friday 30 August at 7.30pm with Junior Races at 6.30pm
While online entry is currently available and recommended for ALL these events at www.athleticsni.org on the day entries will also be taken.
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