East Down duo tackle famous Great North Run

East Down duo tackle famous Great North Run

18 September 2024

TWO members from East Down AC were part of the 60,000 runners from across the world, who recently descended on the North East England for the biggest half marathon in the world, the Great North Run. 

The race starts in Newcastle taking in the Tyne bridge, Gateshead, South Tyneside and finishes on the seafront at South Shields. 

East Down AC’s Jonny Holmes has been quietly training away, putting in over 400 miles over the past few months. 

Jonny was running the 13.1 miles in memory of his mum, and to raise money for Marie Curie cancer charity. 

This great organisation helped Jonny’s mum and the family over the past few years, so this was the most important race of Jonny’s running career.

With wet and windy conditions at the starting line, Jonny was set and ready to go. 

After a strong run, Jonny crossed the finish line in 1:39:58 for 4,089th position. Jonny has raised over £2,300 for Marie Curie which is enough funds for over 100 hours of vital nursing care for someone living with a terminal illness.

East Down AC’s lady representative in the Great North Run was Leanne Spick, who also was training away quietly and getting the big miles in recently.

Leanne was also running for a great charity, the British Heart Foundation. Leanne had a great run, raising over £1,120 for the charity, crossing the line in 2:03:30 in 17,364th position. 

A great effort from both of these athletes for two very worthy charities. 

Philip Vint hits 98

On Saturday morning, 26 Extreme held the Causeway Coast Ultra, Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K. 

The course traverses the Causeway coastal path and takes in some of the best scenery and trail running Ireland has to offer. 

All event categories will take in a mix of terrain, from rocks, gravel and sand to mud, grass and seaweed. 

East Down AC’s marathon man Philip Vint is heading for his century, and the Causeway marathon was number 98. 

Philip took the opportunity to take in the amazing views and took a steady jog along a tough wee route. 

Philip finished in 4:41:34. Next up for him is the Dublin Marathon in October; good luck Philip.