East Down Athletic Club Est. 1987 Bye Joe Quinn :
Who would have thought given the weather over the last few weeks that there could have been a golden Sunday in Downpatrick? Perhaps it was the presence of 1969 European and 1970ee Commonwealth Marathon Gold medalist and our own Golden Girl, Dame Mary Peters, heroine of the 1972 Munich Olympics but whatever the reason there was certainly an aura of excitement over Jimmy’s Ten race at the weekend. The sun shone brightly, the numbers participating exceeded all expectations and all previous years and the crowds came out in force to turn the streets of Downpatrick into an arena of sporting excellence.
Almost 400 runners and over 100 walkers took on the challenge on completing the 6.2 miles around the historic streets and breathtakingly scenic countryside through the Quoile Pondage area. The race this year was less about the contest for the big prizes at the front of the field and more about the obvious desire of so many to display new found fitness and ability. Nevertheless the contest was keen between old adversaries Joe McAlister (St Malachy’s) the defending champion, and 4 times former winner Paul Rowan (Willowfield) who though now in the veteran category is a tough opponent for anyone. They formed part of the leading four from the start, together with East Antrim Harriers Iain Bailie and East Down’s big hope Brendan Teer. But it was McAlister’s unrelenting turn of foot which burnt off the opposition and as he turned into view at the top of Market St he was clear of Rowan, with Bailie further back in third. And that’s the way it stayed with the race record of 30.20 never under threat. Brendan Teer, though finishing out of the money, was well satisfied with his finishing time of 32.16 and has better to come.
The Ladies race was won in convincing style by North Belfast’s Breege Connolly, 35.52 from clubmate Louise McClean 36.50 and Lagan Valley’s Rona Harkens 37.48.
But it will be hard to wipe the smiles off the East Down contingent’s faces for weeks to come after a number of personal best performances. Second clubman home after Brendan Teer was Emil Danis, benefiting from an injury free spell and perhaps some good company on Sunday mornings, recording34.37 in 14th place foolwed by the rejuvenated Gregory Deegan, 27th overall in 35.59 ahead of the as yet untapped talent that is Stephen Shannon – a splendid 37.02 in 38th place.
But performance of the day has to be Mark Quinn’s thrashing of the 40 minute barrier, romping home in 37.40 in 47th place, testimony to the hard Winter training regime and a new found confidence.
And then the quartet of Henry Curran, Nigel Martin, Liam Keenan and Gavin Smyth separated by less than a minute and a half. Good to see Hanky 39.11 back in the groove again, while Nigel 39.19 and Liam 39.22 have reason to celebrate remarkable personal best times following a week or two of doubts about whether training was paying off – it sure is! Gavin, in his first outing for the Club, prepared for his afternoon shift in the Leisure Centre with a controlled 40.24, just ahead of the long awaited return of Aaron McGrady, 40.32 who can and will do much better in the months ahead. Just 6 places behind, in 100th position was Philip Vint, suffering in the sun from an over optimistic start, but hanging on bravely for 41.06 in his first outing over the distance, and suggesting he will hammer the 40 minute barrier soon.
And proud new father Chris McLoughlin could afford to smile as he approached the clock showing 42.00 – something to tell his son with pride.. Seamus Murphy too has cause to be pleased coming in at 42.40 in what is his first recorded outing since Dublin last October – he has obviously wintered well. And where did James Magennis find 43.26 off a single long run every week? Well done to him. Declan Teague, another Club debutant, maintained the Rossglass standard with 43.42 while Raymond Milligan stormed home in 47.42, which must be a great confidence booster and a just reward for perseverance. Another delighted finisher was Peter Bohill also recording a personal best 50.01, just behind the legendary Ron Hill who was delighted to return 49.51, his best for the distance for some time. This from a man who broke Emil Zatopek’s records at 15 miles and 25K and who held the world record for 10 miles at 46.44 in 1968 – so none of you guys out there even think about giving up – he’s 69 now and still going strong!
The Ladies were well represented too with Helen Murray running the second leg of the Relay and clocking 41.50 between them. Meanwhile Linda Cunningham 54.50 and sister Sheena McKermitt 56.37 showed no ill effects from their efforts in Barcelona and Deirdre Mount looked comfortable in clocking 55.13. Helen Vint in her first competitive run of any description was delighted to finish in 56.37 with Heather Lindsay and Bernice McCann enjoying the occasion in the sun.
So farewell to Ron, a true phenomenon and legend of the running world but quiet and unassuming man who enjoyed his short stay in the County town and may well return at a future date. Thanks too to the lovely Dame Mary Paters who brought such a lovely presence and created an electric atmosphere as children and grown ups alike crowded around her for a glimpse of the coveted Gold medal. Thanks are extended to all the event sponsors and to all those who helped make it such a successful day – the question is how do you top that next year?
