LARNE HALF MARATHON
The Larne Half Marathon on Saturday continued a heavy schedule of road races during the next 6 weeks and for those looking forward to marathons in London and Belfast, it was an opportunity to check out how the training is going, or not, as the case may be, writes Joe Quinn.
NIAMH NAILS IT
Only 5 from East Down took on the out and back route along by the North Antrim coast this time and were led superbly by Niamh Kellett, whose time of 1.27.27 and 95th position in a field of over 1750 runners, represented a new pb and must give her confidence a massive boost to inspire her to aim for 1.25! Clare Carson, clearly relishing the warmer conditions duly obliged with an even better time than her efforts in the Dune Half a month ago, her 1.47.51 improved her pb by a minute and a half.
James Magennis, while acknowledging the influence of his Murlough roots on his success was modestly pleased with his 1.40 timing, while the consistent Carmel Tumelty clocked 1.57 and was more than happy with the result.
CRAIC 10K
In the Craic 10K in Belfast on St Patrick’s morning Gareth Kelly improved his pb from 41.05 in Jimmy’s Ten to 40.32, while Raymond Milligan also improved his Jimmy’s Ten time from 40.58 to 40.38. Mick McCreesh, fresh from his pacing duties in Jimmy’s Ten on Sunday, upped his pace somewhat on Friday and recorded 42.31 comfortably. It was good to see Brendan Teer take to the start line in this relatively low key event and he finished a creditable 8th in 34.41. It will be even better when he attains full race fitness in the not too distant future. Good Luck Brendan, we’re all awaiting your return
GLENARIFFE MOUNTAIN RACE
A week earlier Neil Andrews made a significant return in the opening mountain race of the season, placing 18th in the Glenariffe Mountain Race, with Joanne Foster completing the tough course in just over the hour, recording 60.07.
McDONALD’S JUNIOR JIMMY’S
On St Patrick’s Day the Club again organised P3 to P7 Primary School races along Market St after the roads closed to await the arrival of the Festival parade. The turnout was disappointing this year, whether because of the cold, wet weather or because of alternative attractions but the Club will devote additional resources to this feature in 2018 to ensure its success. Nevertheless the kids all enjoyed the chance to perform in front of the crowds and a big Thank You and Well Done to all of them.
The event was sponsored by the local McDonald’s outlet who provided drinks, fruit packs and medals for all the children who participated and East Down Athletics Club is extremely grateful for all their support.
ULTRA MARATHONERS ETC.
I have received reports that the East Antrim Marathon Series held yet another of its Fun Days on Sunday and as ever several East Down runners were there for the “Fun”. Given that this usually involves running distances ranging from 13 to 50 miles I had a fair idea as to who might be involved. This one was called the 6 Hour Challenge and it didn’t mean just staying awake for that length of time, which in my case is something of an achievement nowadays. The target was to run as far as you could in 6 hours.
ANYTHING BUT THE TRUTH?
But I had been unable to find any results to confirm any of the following at the time of writing so my apologies if you actually took part and some of this is wrong, or worse if you didn’t and all of it is!
THE WHOLE TRUTH?
The word is that Declan Teague ran 39 miles, his first ultra, and then stopped because he has a marathon to run next Saturday while Linda Cunningham ran a marathon, her 60th, and kept going because she hasn’t!
AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH
The truth is that Declan ran 39 miles, Linda ran 30 miles, Michael Cultra 35 miles and took 7th place, Oonagh Brétéché ran 26.2, Phillip Vint ran 26.2 in 3.20, which was the 3rd fastest of the day, and Helen Vint 21 miles. Oh and Declan was 2nd in the Ultra race! All in all a long day but a very successful one for the East Down folk.
Footnotes:
1. I did find the results before I finished this so in fact it is all true, or as Donald Trump would say, it’s fake news!
2. The lap was allegedly 4.2 miles so that made Declan’s 9 equivalent to 37.8 and Linda’s 7 equal to 29.4 though I have it on good authority (Declan’s and Linda’s) that with judicious use of the bends and applying the principle of Archimurphy, which states that “My legs know best” that 39 and 30 are spot on. I’m not gonna argue with either of them even if they are exhausted. Well done everybody!
BALLYGALGET AC 5 AND 10K RACES
On Easter Sunday 16th April the Ballygalget 10K Road Race and 5K organised this year by the new, progressive Ballygalget AC is again the local event to look forward to and with free return transport from the ferry to the start many from this side of the Lough will no doubt take advantage to return the support given to many recent races by the Ballygalget runners and to sample the scenery and hospitality of our friends in the Peninsula. Race begins at 12 noon and online registration is open at:
and on the day in the Gaelic Club premises.
