from Athletics Northern Ireland It was a case of déjà vu at the Jimmy’s 10km in Downpatrick as Joe McAlister took victory for the fourth year in a row. The St Malachy’s runner continued his build up to the Hamburg marathon on April 26 with a time of 30:29, nine seconds outside the course record he set on his first victory in 2006.
For much of the race McAlister had Stephen Scullion for company. Scullion, just back from the British Inter-Counties Cross Country Championships where he finished 41st, kept with the pace until the 7 km mark when his challenge faded as McAlister set off in an attempt to lower his 2006 time.
A strong headwind forced McAlister to abandon the attempt but he was still delighted with the workout.
“This is the end of a 110 mile week,” said McAlister. “I haven’t done anything quicker than 5 minute mile pace in training, so to be able to come out and race at 4:50 pace is quite pleasing.”
A strong field turned out for the event which is named after the late Jimmy Murray – for years the driving force behind the host club East Down AC.
Scullion finished behind McAlister in a time of 31:09 with Northern Ireland Cross Country Champion Brian Campbell 3rd in 31:13. Campbell was followed home by his Willowfield club mates Alan McCullough (31:21) and Paul Rowan (31:35).
The ladies race was a closely fought affair with only six seconds separating the first three finishers.
North Belfast Harrier Cathy McCourt, second in the recent Between the Bridges 10km, went one better to take the honours in a time of 38:15. In the battle for second place, Julie Turley (38:19) just had the edge over her Dromore team mate Gillian Burns (38:21).
An impressive turnout of 550 runners helped the event celebrate its 10th anniversary.
By Niall O’Neill
Photo-Declan Roughan