THE seventh annual Sea 2 Sky took place in Newcastle on Friday evening.
The race, which was organised by Born2Run Events attracted over 800 runners and walkers, not to mention their supporters. Many of those who took part booked into local hotels, hostels and B&B’s and made a night of it.
The walkers started an hour ahead of the runners at 6.30pm in perfect weather conditions. The sun shone but a sea breeze ensured no-one would overheat on the night.
The 10K course is a multi-terrain mix of road, forest trail and a touch of open mountain for good measure, a challenging run by any standards. Runners took to their starting corals with the fastest runners ensured a clear run.
Both the 10K and 5K races kicked off simultaneously at 7.30pm with the 5K runners starting at the 10K half way point in Donard Forest.
The men’s 10K race was won by Mourne runner William McKee (34.40), who held a strong lead on runner-up Gordy Graham of East Down AC. Noel Kerr (unattached) finished in third place.
In the ladies’ race, Karen Wilton, of Jog Lisburn, certainly wasn’t jogging as she sprinted home in 39.34. Sarah Graham, of Mourne Runners, finished in second place followed by Newry AC’s Ciara Coffey in third.
In the 5K it was Ballydrain Harrier Kyle Ross who took the first place prize, finishing in a very impressive 18.16. In second place was Luke
Osborne, of Dromore AC, and Colin McDowell (unattached) was the third male across the finish line.
Derry Track Club’s Elaine Connor comfortably won the ladies’ race in 20.15. East Down AC junior Lauren Rose Madine showed fantastic promise to finish second, followed by Caitlyn Harvey, of Lagan Valley AC, in third position.
Nadine Graham, of Rebalance Sports Massage, and Jemma Kelly, Soft Tissue Therapist, were on hand to provide the much appreciated post race massage.
Runners enjoyed a post race BBQ hosted by O’Hare’s where Finnebrogue Artisan supplied the delicious hot dogs which were served on Hovis rolls.
Many of the runners partied on in O’Hare’s afterwards where they compared notes and enjoyed the post- race craic and banter.
Over 50 clubs were represented at the event as well as hundreds of unaffiliated runners. All finishers were rewarded with a beautiful commemorative bottle opening medal. Winners received vouchers for Pure Running in Belfast and BORN2RUN vouchers for free race entries.
Born2Run would like to thank all the marshals, including Newcastle Coastguard, PSNI , Newry Mourne and Down Council, North West Ambulance Service and the Forestry Service who helped to make this yet another great race in a great place.
All in all, a great evening’s sport was enjoyed by all those who took part. The carnival atmosphere and support along the promenade was fantastic and the organisers look forward to doing it all again next year when it promises to be even bigger and better.
Born2Run’s next local event is the Extern Dambusters race on August 18 in the Silent Valley. There will be a half marathon, a 10K, a 5K and a 10K walk. To enter go to www.born2runevents.com.