“And so it proved yet again as with conditions well nigh perfect, the much maligned Duncrue Industrial Estate, which provides an unpopular section of the Belfast Marathon route, received a welcome boost to its reputation.
[caption id="attachment_20975" align="alignleft" width="400" caption="Marie Gallagher of Downe Travel presents holiday vouchers for the prize draw in Jimmy's Ten to Joe Quinn, Secretary East Down AC. Joe is wearing the special beanie hat which is this year's race memento."]
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“Brendan Teer was making one of his all too rare recent appearances, but showed he is in fine form ahead of next week’s Jimmy’s Ten, posting an excellent 26.50, as is Liam Keenan who ran sub 6’s to record an eyecatching 29.22. With Gary Flynn and Liam Venney also in fine form could this be the year for a local winner in the Club’s Blue Riband event?
“With over 400 entries already in and the closing date for online entries upon us, intending participants in the Jimmy’s Ten are asked to get their forms in now to avoid paying the increased rate on the day entry fee, provided of course that the limit of 600 hasn’t been reached before then.”
For further details contact Joe Quinn 028 44 614235 or 07933214894 or log on to www.spanglefish.com/eastdownac
Sponsors Back Jimmy’s Ten
“The race again offers every participant the opportunity to win a £700 holiday voucher in the free draw plus there are other prizes on offer thanks to Downe Travel and the generosity of main sponsors M B McGrady & Co. Chartered Accountants,” explained Joe.
“Prizes will only be awarded to finishers who are in the Downpatrick Leisure Centre when the draw is made, so don’t rush away. And everyone who has entered can collect their numbers and timing chips at Race Registration in the Down Leisure Centre on race day from 9.30am. Walkers are asked to assemble for the group start at 10.30am.”
Pacers
A novel feature this year is the introduction of pacers, who will attempt to bring home anyone who joins their group in the predicted time. The pace setters will target sub-40, 45, 48, 50 and 60 minute finishes so if you’re interested in achieving any of these times just look out for the clearly identified Pacer.
Special Guset
“Everyone who met Gerry Duffy last year when he completed leg 24 of his 32 Marathons in 32 days challenge in Downpatrick is looking forward to renewing acquaintances with him when he returns as a special guest of the Club.
“Gerry who hails from Mullingar has written a book about the marathon series which raised over half a million Euros for Autism charities in Ireland and will not only run the race but will present some of the prizes and be available for a chat afterwards. Gerry is certainly worth listening to and is a truly inspirational character,” said Joe.
Charities
Once again East Down is proud to donate the proceeds of the race to charities and among those to benefit this year include the Downpatrick Branch of Cancer Research N. Ireland, the Niall Mellon Township Trust, and the Neuro Surgical Ward at Belfast City Hospital.
So, even if you’re not taking part, you may know someone who is coming along to support the runners/walkers and give them encouragement around the route or at the finish in Market Street in Downpatrick.]]>
News In Brief
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