Anna collects gold as first lady in Sea2Sky

Anna collects gold as first lady in Sea2Sky

24 July 2024

LAST Tuesday evening saw East Down AC athletes head to the Ards peninsula for the Portaferry ten mile road race, which is part of the local summer gala.

The conditions were warm and the rain had held off. 

The route covers the coastal roads and country lanes of the local area and there are some good flat sections of the course, but also a number of hills of different ascents and distances that can take the edge off a runner’s pace. 

With 223 runners in the ten mile race and 70 relay teams on the start line, the event was set. 

From the gun East Down ACs Caroline MacNabb headed to the front where she stayed. Caroline has been in great form as of late and ran a strong race, crossing the finish line as first lady and 13th overall in a time of 1:01:37. 

Not too far behind her was Neil Curran. Neil has run this course many times and enjoyed his time, placing in 18th spot and clocking 1:03:33. 

Dee Murray was the next red and yellow vest over the line; he also knows this event very well and will be happy with his 30th position in 1:05:58.

Barrie Atkinson was the next finisher with a strong run of 1:08:22. 

Sharon Madine was the final East Down AC athlete to cross the line. Sharon takes on any challenge and as ever put in a strong run, finishing in 123rd position in a time of 1:20:55. 

Some great results and a great local event, well done all.

Born2Run Sea2Sky

Friday evening saw the 12th running of the Born2Run Sea2Sky 5K and 10K races. 

This event boasts an awesome route starting on the promenade in Newcastle and includes a mix of road and track before heading up through the foothills of the Mournes, where the runners will be rewarded by the stunning views over Newcastle and beyond before descending to the finish on the promenade. 

A total of 841 runners from across Northern Ireland toed the start line for the 10K event, and with dry conditions East Down AC had one athlete taking on this challenge. 

Anna Gardiner has had an amazing couple of years on the track and in the cross country leagues and is currently in great form. 

She carried this onto the road and trails in this event. From the gun Anna stayed with the front pack and that’s where she remained for the duration of the race, crossing the finish line in fourth position and as first lady in an amazing time of 40:06 – great running from this young lady, good luck to Anna in her future ventures.

Galbally five mile and 5K race

On Sunday morning, the Galbally five mile and 5K events, which are based in the heart of Tyrone, took place. 

It is one of the local highlights in the road racing calendar with over 500 participants and continues to grow year on year.

The races begin and end at Galbally Community Centre, where runners are treated to some of the local hospitality and live entertainment that this event has become renowned for.

The course has rolling hills which means some climbs mixed with some extremely fast downhill sections. 

East Down AC had the nomadic running team of Suzy and Patrick Smith with Eamon Kelly to keep them company. 

Patrick and Eamon were taking on the five mile race and were pleased with their races with Eamon placing in 76th position out of 275 runners in a time of 37:24 while Patrick was not far behind in 158th spot clocking 44:11. 

Suzy took on the shorter distance and put in a great run, crossing the line in 28:18 for 54th position out of 134 runners. 

This is a great social event and is one for the diary for next year, however, please remember to bring both your running and dancing shoes along with you.