East Down AC Weekly Report For 2nd February 2025

East Down AC Weekly Report on different competitions members have participated in

Raheny 5 Mile Run

East Downs Barrie Atkinson and John Taylor after the Raheny 5 mile road race.

After the big storm two East Down athletes made their way down to North Dublin to take on the popular Raheny 5 mile run organised by Raheny Shamrock Athletics Club, this race always attracts a big crowd.

The race starts in All Saints Park, due to the storm the course was slightly changed from previous years for safety reasons, the course was still generally flat with a few short undulations, with the route running through local estates and parks.

Barrie Atkinson and John Taylor were the two brave racers who joined the 3754 other athletes on the start line. Barrie crossed the line first in a time of 33 min 11 sec in 996th position, John broke the tap in 37 min 12 sec in 1559 spot. A great effort from the guys, and a great and well run event.

Trim 10 Mile Race

EDACs Dee Murray and Neil Curran on the podium at the Trim 10 mile road race.

On Sunday morning two more East Down men took the trip to Co Meath for the Trim 10 mile road race. This flat course always gets a big turn out from local athletes and with nearly 2000 runners on the start line, some PBs were in the offering. Neil Curran who is always in great form was first across the line for EDAC in 38th position with a great time of 57 min 39 sec. East Down stalwart Dee Murray will be happy with his race finishing in 219th place in a time of 1 hr 04 min 48 sec, an amazing day’s racing for these two athletes.

Adam Withers, Daniel Giles and Adam Morgan at the Malcolm Cup.

Malcolm Cup X Country

Sunday afternoon saw local athletics clubs descend on Ormau Park for this year’s Malcolm Cup Cross Country Race. This is a new venue for this event hosted by Annadale Striders AC.

With a number of Junior and senior races it was going to be a great afternoon of racing. First up was the Vets men’s race, this was a short, sharp 3 mile race.

East Down had Joe Napier and Kieran Keown taking on this challenge, with a strong field Joe had a strong run finishing in 11th position out of 54 in a time of 17 min 18 sec, with Kieran coming home in 31st spot in a time of 20 min 16 sec.

Next up was the senior men’s race; EDAC had three runners in this 4 mile event, again with a very strong field of 131 athletes. Daniel Giles will be pleased with his efforts coming home in 41st position clocking 23 min 31 sec for the 4 miles.

Adam Withers was next in 25 min 34 sec 74th position. Adam Morgan brought the club home, and had a great run. Well done to all.

Joe Napier (213) and Kieran Keown (214) and young Oscar Keown (212) before their run in the Malcolm Cup XC.