OMAGH HALF MARATHON
Last year four East Down men made the trip to Omagh for the annual Half marathon but this year that number doubled to eight plus one in the 5K and the team was strengthened considerably by the addition of Niamh Kellett who has recovered quickly from the injury sustained in Jimmy’s Ten 2 weeks ago writes Joe Quinn.
In what could only be described as inauspicious conditions the prospects for recording pbs were not good. But conversely, every one of them posted either first time records or new bests. Gerard McAuley certainly loves Omagh as once again he made light of the blustery conditions, to record a superb pb of 1.27.48. Next home was Niamh in 1.31.33, another pb which leaves her within touching distance of the 90 minute barrier.
Michael McKeown was next across the line, having recovered from his exertions in Barcelona 2 weeks ago clocking 1.34.19. David Smith then led the Three Mustgeteeres comprising himself, Raymond Milligan and Gareth Kelly home , finishing en masse in 1.34.23/24 and 25 respectively, comfortably in the top 250 in a field of almost 1500 runners.
Kieran McMahon too had his best run to date posting 1.44.42 while Tom McClean ran a good steady race to clock 1.50.36, a good marker as he builds up to his first Marathon in Belfast in May. Mark Johnston to had cause to celebrate as he came home just inside the 2 hour mark, clocking 1.59.40.
East Down’s 10th performer on the day was Gareth Fegan who ran in the 5K, recording 21.35 and taking 33rd place overall in a field of almost 1300 runners.
BALLYGALGET 10K ROAD RACE
There was a record turnout for the annual Ballygalget 10k road race on Easter Sunday with over 200 participants in the 5K fun run/walk and 10K road race.
Barrie Atkinson from East Down AC retained his winning form clinching first place with an impressive time of 36:28 in tough windy conditions. Alex Boyd (unattached) also retained second place position finishing in 36:40 improving on his 2015 time. Glen Taylor from Ballydrain Harriers secured third place finishing in 37:14.
There were some eyecatching performances from the female athletes. Heather Foley (unattached) stormed to victory coming third overall and claiming first female prize with an excellent time of 36:49. Kirsty Sharratt (unattached) claimed second position in 43:04 and was closely followed by Joanne Foster from East Down AC who finished third in 43:38.
CATEGORY PRIZES
The event has grown year on year since it began in 2012. New for 2016 was the addition of age category prizes. Over 35 male prize went to Paul Burns (East Down AC) who finished fifth overall in 37:43. Raymond Stanex and Norman Mawhinney of Ballydrain Harriers claimed the over 45 and over 55 prizes respectively. In the female age category prizes, Shanon Clegg (unattached) claimed the over 35 prize finishing in 45:35, Heather Stanex of Ballydrain Harriers picked up the over 45 prize and Joan Gilmore of Ballygalget’s Biggest Losers won the over 55 prize.
EAST DOWN OTHERS
Matthew McGrattan who ran extremely well in Jimmy’s Ten and set himself a pb of 44 minutes dead was looking to improve on that but found the undulating course and strong winds very much against his ambitions. Nevertheless his time of 46.27 was an excellent return on the day and enabled him to finish ahead of his dad Simon 49.39, who admittedly, had run 20 miles the day before! Clare Carson 49.29 and Janine Murray 52.06 also showed themselves in fine form ahead of the Hill and Dale series which begins on 14 April.
Caolan Atkinson too could be well pleased with his 39.52 timing as he makes a steady return to full fitness again. Everyone breaking 40 minutes on this particular course deserves the highest praise.
5K FUN RUN
East Down also did well in the 5K run with Mackenzie Murray winning and Aoife Cochrane in 3rd overall and first female finisher.
COME AND DO IT IN 2017
I ran the 10K for the first time, having only driven round it about 4 years ago when the race was being organised for the first time and in spite of comments over the years about the toughness of the route, I found it a great wee course, challenging enough Yes, but scenic and with some surprising but very welcome pockets of support en route. I really enjoyed it. I suppose some might say well if you took 62 minutes to get round you could afford to take in the views and probably walked most of it anyway but the truth is that I didn’t, it’s just more difficult to get my legs from start to finish nowadays than if they were 20 years younger. But if I can do it?
I would recommend all of you to put it on your Must Do List – Easter Sunday 2017 – and as an added incentive, the post race refreshments, the craic and the atmosphere are superb.
THANKS
The event is sponsored by Centra Cloughey and Portaferry Credit Union and thanks are extended to them.
Ballygalget’s Biggest Losers were also out in force on the route with many of them doing 10k for the first time. Ballygalget GAC would like to thank all the volunteers who helped make the event such a great success.
LIONS 3 LAKES 15K ROAD RACE and 7K FUN RUN
The fourth running of this increasingly popular event organised by the Downpatrick Lions Club to raise funds this year for the Down’s Syndrome Association is aiming to attract a good turnout from local clubs on Saturday 14 May the race and Fun Run is supported and promoted by East Down Athletics Club and their target is to put 100 pairs of feet on the scenic roads around the Down Lakeland. All participants will receive a running vest and a special water bottle. With an 11.00am start time everyone will be finished in time for family activities on Saturday afternoon.
Please give it your support.
