East Down Runners Brave The Bad Weather To Participate in Events
Born 2 Run 10k and 5k Antrim Castle
Saturday morning saw the next race in the Born 2 Run series.
Antrim Castle gardens was the venue for the popular Run Forest Run series of races writes Martin Wilcox.
Runners made their way around the 400 year old gardens, with both races starting in the grounds of the gardens.
The 10k route takes in the ruins of Shanes Castle where runners will enjoy some fantastic views of Lough Neagh and then returning through the immaculately kept gardens and woods at Castle gardens.
The 5k is mainly in the gardens with a small section on the main road, so with a flat fast course and fresh conditions some good times were in the offing.
Anna Gardiner was the only EDAC athlete to make the trip to Antrim, and was taking on the 5k.
Anna has had an amazing season on the road, track and cross country trails so was in good form.Â
With 169 runners toeing the start line, they were off and Anna headed to the front where she stayed, putting in another strong performance.
She came in third position in the race and first Lady over the line in a time of 18 min 20 secs. We all need to remember that Anna is still a junior and is mixing it with senior athletes, an amazing effort.
Phillip Vint hits 90 at the Armagh marathon
Sunday morning saw EDACs marathon man Philip Vint make the trip to Armagh for the Run Armagh Marathon.
Philip, who is targeting a century of marathons, got his 90th done and dusted.
It was not a great day for a marathon with cold very windy conditions, which made parts of the course very hard work and Philip had to dig deep to cross the finish line in 2nd position with a time of 3 hrs 44 min, which is great going in difficult conditions.
Next on the calendar for Philip and only just a week away is the Woodburn Forest Rabbit Run Marathon, good luck to him and hope he gets the recovery he needs, some going.
NI and Ulster Intermediate and Masters Cross Country Championships
On Sunday afternoon was the next race in the cross Country league at the Billy Neill sports complex.
There are four races over the afternoon: Masters men, Intermediate Women, Masters Women & Male 65+ and and Intermediate Men.
In the Male 65+ race, Wayne Giles took on the muddy course and with the windy cold conditions was pleased with his run with a time of 23 min 53 sec for his 4k run.
In the intermediate mens race Daniel Giles had the harder task of four 2k muddy laps against a very strong field of athletes. Daniel found it tough going, but enjoyed the challenge and clocked a time of 34 min 43 sec.
Raheny 5 mile Road Race
On Sunday afternoon saw the 40th running of the Raheny Shamrocks Athletics club 5 mile road race.
This popular race has a number of junior, wheelchair and senior competitions, and always draws a big crowd and a high standard of athletes. EDAC had three runners on the start line.
Neil Curran was the first past the post in 97th position in a time 27 min 58 sec.
Catherine O Connor was next in, Catherine has had a great season and had a great run coming in 119th place, 8th Female in a time 28 min 08 sec.
Barrie Atkinson was the last red and yellow vest across the line in 538 spot in 31 min 42 sec, which was good going with over 4000 finishers.
