Murlough aces shine brightly at Extreme 26

21 February 2018

FRIDAY night saw four Murlough AC members take on the last and ever-popular 10k night race series organised by 26 Extreme.

Gerard Rowe, Laura Lynch and Sarah McKay completed all three night races which ended in Tollymore on Friday night, for which they received the much coveted night edition T-shirts. Carol McMenamin, who missed out on the Kilbroney race, was accompanied by her sister, Cora, who was visiting for the weekend.

Gerard and Laura finished together with seconds difference on the official clock after Laura spent the first four miles chasing Gerard.

She finally caught him and was greeted with great encouragement from Gerard and a fantastic joint sprint finish (51.22 and 51.34).

Carol (57.42) was next followed by Sarah (62.39), who recovered well after a little tumble in the woods — thankfully it was her pride that was dented more than her hand.

Saturday morning saw Dave, Dave and Colm take part in the NIMRA Donard Wood five-mile trail, a tough, short course which saw them take on the Granite trail and on to the mast before descending back into Donard Park.

The dynamic duo of Jacqueline Moore and Paula McKibbin with Linda Cunningham, of East Down, in tow, crossed the border for yet another marathon, this time in Lusk, County Dublin.

It’s only the third week in February and I have already lost count of how many marathons these ladies have done. Amazing women.

For those who are not familiar with the concept of last one standing, it’s a 4.2mile loop endurance race which starts on the hour, every hour until literally the last one is standing.

Five mad MACs took on the challenge and duly signed up for the race a few months ago with one MAC being entered under false pretences — it’s all Sean Looby’s fault.

And so with food prepared, lots of extra gear packed and sanity intact, the five members rocked up to Castleward to get themselves settled into the Murlough tent, their home for the next how ever many hours complete with toilet roll holder — essential tools for the job.

Ninety-eight runners started at midday on Saturday to see how far their bodies and minds could take them.

Eddie Murnin, Sean Looby, Michael Neeson, Declan McCormick and Judith Robinson set off with great camaraderie to represent MAC with Eddie’s wife Clare keeping everyone posted with hourly updates.

Then it was tag-team time. Clare left for a couple of hours with Facebook texts of food required. Cue Brendan and Norah at 6pm with Dominos pizza (even a gluten free option) and Mrs Doyle just before 7pm with the usual tea/coffee/chocolate and a military operation was in full flow each time the runners appeared after the 4.2mile loop.

Joe McCann and Michael McKenna, from NAC, popped their heads in with great wishes of support and assistance and next to appear was Anne McCormick on the night shift.

Clare reappeared with more pizza and Brendan at intervals with chips to fuel their bodies. Little by little the field dwindled throughout the day and by lap 10 and a whopping 42 miles later Judith’s body told her enough was enough and she gracefully bowed out.

The bodies were weary and the feet were sore, but the boys stuck it out and went for a few more laps. Michael threw in the towel at lap 12 (50.4 miles, target complete and two medals), but Sean had it in his head that he wanted one more and essentially a double marathon.

And so at 1am and 13 laps completed (54.6 miles) it was a wrap for Sean, Eddie and Declan. Ecstatic with themselves and their feat, they gladly accepted the DNF medals along with their 50 mile medal and it was time for home.

The boys and Judith are hugely grateful for the support they received throughout the day and night and I have to mention Selena, Emma Fitzpatrick, who I missed, Emma Looby and the three kids who are huge supporters of daddy Sean and to members of East Down who all lent their support.

Sunday was spent walking backwards down the stairs and long Epsom salt baths. The winner of the event was Peter Cromie of Roe Valley Cycles who completed 35 laps, that’s 147 miles folks. It’s amazing what the body and mind can do.

The Born2Run 10k and 5k Gosford Park event was rescheduled from a few weeks ago due to bad weather and on a soggy Sunday MAC were out in force.

The three amigos — Diane, Marty and Joe — were joined by Tony and forest virgin Barry Poland as they squeezed into Marty’s car for the craic on the journey and set off for Gosford.

Once in Gosford the usual questions of what to wear ensued, long shorts or capri pants, long sleeve or short sleeve and even two bras or one came into question.

Race packs were collected the obligatory photo shoot with Dave, Charisse and Donna took place and it was ready for the off.

First home in the 10k was Dave Fulcher — does he ever stop running? — followed by Marty, Joe, Barry, Tony and finally Diane.

Charisse and Donna chose the 5k route. It was great to see Charisse and Barry doing their first races for the club and here’s to many more.

The club would like to wish Ann McAlarney and Paula McKibbin the very best of luck as they set off this week to take part in the Tokyo Marathon in Japan which is one of the big six marathon races.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think this will be five out of the six completed with only Boston left.

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