KILMORE REC FC CROSS COMMUNITY RACE The third running of the Kilmore Rec and Crossgar Community Association promoted 5 mile race saw the best turnout yet, with a move to a Monday night and a new route proving not only popular  but much faster than the original. But perhaps it was also a case of improved fitness levels that saw East Down’s in-form Barrie Atkinson repeat his win of 2 years ago over 4 minutes faster and his 26.57 an amazing 3 minutes quicker than his 4th place timing from last year. Just by way of a warm up for the All Ireland Masters Championships in Tullamore on Sunday where he reportedly came 5th – a highly commendable effort.
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Owen Edwards, Laura Green, Aoife Cochrane, Ella Carroll and Laura Gardiner at Thursday night’s Super 5 meeting at Mary Peters Track[/caption]
It was also good to welcome back Liam Venney to the competitive scene, and although not yet race fit he finished a commendable 4th in 28.09. Perhaps he has eyes on another tilt at the Mill Hill Mile on 3 September? Barrie’s son Caolan 29.59 was a splendid 9th place overall and first Junior. His sub 30 minute time showed he is following in Dad’s footsteps. Martin Willcox took the Over 35 prize with Dee Murray first Over 45 and Ballydrain’s Norman Mawhinney breaking the East Down stranglehold by claiming the first Over 55 prize. Mick McCreesh turned in another superb effort, clocking 34 minutes dead, just behind Dermot Cahill, 33.43.
THE LADIES RACE Lagan Valley’s Catriona Donaldson 31.49 won the Ladies race folllowed by Fiona Johnston Ballydrain Harriers and North Down’s Lynne Kerr in 3rd. Isabel Porter Up & Runners took the Over 35 prize and Nicky McKeag kept the Ballydrain colours flying by claiming the Over 45 prize. Only 2 of East Down Ladies took part Lisa Burke 40.14 and Janine Murray 42.06 and both should be pleased with their continuing improvement.
A notable feature of the race was the large number of runners from the recently formed Crossgar Harriers, an indication of the continuing upsurge in the interest in running generally and a very encouraging sign on the local scene.
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East Down runners at Crossgar on Monday night. L to R George Kerr, James Savage, Dee Murray, Caolan Atkinson, Dermot Cahill, Barrie Atkinson, Francis Tumelty, Martin Willcox and Janine Murray.[/caption]
Afterwards participants and officials were treated to very welcome refreshments in the Corner Inn and thanks are extended to the owner and staff there, to PSNI officers who saw to the safety of the runners and to everyone who helped make the event a success. A special word of thanks to the staff of Tobar Mhuire Monastery for the use of their beautiful grounds which proved an ideal setting for the start and finish of the race.
SUPER 5 SERIES On Thursday night several juniors travelled to Mary Peters Track to take part in the Super 5 series, a good re-introduction to training after the Summer break. Several performances were noteworthy, Laura Gardiner winning her 1500 metres race in fine style but the one who caught the eye and showed she has not spent the past month lazing around was Aoife Cochrane. She ran a superb 1500 metres and although she only just lost out in the final run to the line she displayed a new found strength, confidence and tactical awareness which comes from perseverance and dedication – and a lot of hard work too!!
TRIATHLONE SHADOWMAN IRONMAN Colm Surginor has been working his socks of recently in the multi discipline world of triathlon training and this too paid off last weekend when he completed the Triathlone Shadowman full Ironman event near Athlone in a time of 15 hours 22 minutes. A superb achievement for the 3.8K Swim, 180K Cycle and 42K (full marathon) Run. I feel tired after just reading that! Well Done Colm.
COMING THIS WEEK On  Thursday the annual Darragh Cross Charity 6 Mile race and 4 mile Fun Run take place with registration from 6.00pm in the GAC Club. On Sunday 17th Bright Community Hall is the venue for a new 10K Road Race and 5K Fun Run with Registration from 12.00 noon and a 1.00 pm start.
Everyone welcome to both events.
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