East Down AC star in Dundrum run

East Down AC star in Dundrum run

19 October 2022

DUNDRUM was awash with colour as runners from near and far gathered ready for the anticipated GR8 event on Saturday. 

The GR8 Dundrum Run, hosted by Murlough AC, is a test of stamina, due in part to the distance which is eight plus miles but mainly because of the mixed terrain. 

Runners start on the road but before long they are faced with undulating dune trails, sand and pebbles along the shoreline and sections of boardwalk.

Add in a strong blustery headwind for the two-mile beach section and it is a game changer for anyone who wants to run a fast time. 

Most are happy to pace themselves and enjoy the scenery as it is certainly worth a look but the eventual winner, Gary Crummy of Newry AC, wasn’t hanging around and practically skipped across the line in 45.28 – a full two and a half minutes ahead of the next runner. 

The top five, including local man Robbie Hagan (fifth in 49.11), all broke the 50 minutes for the distance which came up as 8.2 miles on most GPS watches. 

Aislinn Crossey (51.43) made it a double win for Newry AC as she was the first female home.

EDAC in the mix

East Down AC was well represented in the field of 939 finishers. Paul Burns was quick off the mark when the hooter went and he wisely tagged on to a bunch of similar pace for a bit of shelter along the shore. 

He came over the line in a time of 52.21 in 13th place which is impressive.

Phillip Vint, who normally reserves his efforts for much longer races, made a point of turning out for this one as he enjoys the challenge of this event. 

He broke the hour in 59.49 which ranked him 65th overall. Sharon Madine had a characteristically strong run and finished 132nd (14th female) in 1.04.01. 

Leanne Spick was heard saying that it was the most challenging run for her to date but she was still smiling as she crossed the line in 1.08.10. 

Aoife Cochrane (1.09.55) was also pleased with how she handled it. Maureen Kelly (1.12.40) came in ahead of her brother Eamon (1.14.09) but given that he had done multiple miles before he made it to the start line and then went on to add a few more to his tally, it is hard to say who deserves the family bragging rights on this occasion. 

Roisin Gaffney was celebrating her 30th wedding anniversary by taking part. Her husband (and biggest fan) Kieran was on hand as usual to offer support and take photos clearly demonstrating that the secret of a happy marriage is teamwork all the way. 

Congratulations to them both on this significant milestone.

Another pair of siblings, Patrick (1.15.34) and Suzy Smith (1.17.44), were next in the EDAC line up. 

Patrick had started off at the back of the pack and steadily worked his way through while Suzy as per usual had gritted her teeth and got through the bad patches. 

Marguerite Robinson finished strongly to break the 1.20 mark in 1.19.24. 

Alison Carroll and Aine Grant were just a minute or so apart in 1.20.22 and 1.21.27. Both found it tough on the beach but with a few walk breaks they battled to the road for home. 

Helen McGinley, who has only recently resumed consistent run training, was chuffed to finish well up the field (with 230 runners behind her) in a time of 1.25.34. 

While none of them found it easy, they were all glad that they had taken part. The smiling faces in the post race photos are very inspiring. As they say, “the only run you ever regret is the one that you didn’t do.”

The 3.5 mile race

Amelia Spick entered the shorter distance to make good use of her time while her mum Leanne was racing the main event. 

Judging by the photo of her flying feet and beaming grin, she had a ball. She finished 107th overall in 50 odd minutes. Well done, Amelia.

Neil in the news

Neil McCartan made it on to the list of the ten fastest parkrun times in the whole of the UK by running 15.12 at Victoria Park on Saturday. 

He was ranked sixth quickest in this week’s rankings. While this is not a personal best for him, it is fairly swift for a blustery non track run and it shows that he is in good shape as we head into the cross country season. 

What lies ahead?

Speaking of cross country, the season is underway and the club will be out in force with 26 juniors and a dozen or more seniors in Comber this weekend. 

It is the NI & Ulster Even Age Group Championships, the International XC and the Bobby Rea Memorial all in one day. A feast of racing with plenty for all to see. If you are not racing, you might want to get down to see some of the action.