Patterson still going strong

NAC notes by Bogusboy

They say age should not be a barrier to achieving one’s ambitions. Having passed the 70 mark, evergreen Jim Patterson continues to enjoy his racing. In fact he was the only Newcastle member to make the trip to Ballyclare for the McConnell Shield, the latest fixture of the cross country calendar. Jim was rewarded for his efforts as he finished first V70 in 20:18 for the three miles and third overall in the V60+ behind equally evergreen Matt Shields (18:29) and Eric Montgomery (20:08)

 

Leeds Abbey Dash

Near perfect conditions greeted athletes for one of the most prestigious races of the year; there was a slight breeze the temperature was around 7 degrees. The course itself is mostly flat beginning at the city centre of Leeds and heading out to the half way turn around at Abbey then back into town. It’s a must do on the English road race calendar with almost 9000 people taking part. The men’s race was won in a swift 29:13 by Sam Stabler (Paul Pollock 7 seconds adrift in 2nd place) and the women’s race was won in  32:06 by Eilish McColgan, daughter of Liz. Newcastle’s Brendan Donnelly and Emma Burgess made the trip from London and were rewarded with PBs; 36:32 for Emma and 35:34 for Brendan. Donnelly was more than concerned when Emma was still in front of him well into the 2nd mile! He was also worried the energy expended in completing his first sub-3 hour marathon in Abingdon marathon 14 days earlier had taken the speed out of his legs. However, he felt good after half way and pressed on for a negative split for the very first time. This is a fitting way to round off a season that has shown marked progress for the NAC athlete.

 

Run 4 Rescue 10 Mile & 10k 2017
On Saturday 4 November 2017, a mix of road and mountain runners gathered in Annalong for the annual Running4Rescue 10 mile and 10k races.  The events, which are organised as a fundraiser for the much valued Mourne Mountain Rescue Team, were organised by Mourne Runners. The 10 mile race kicked off proceedings, with athletes completing a loop of the village and coastal trail before climbing away from the shoreline to Dinnywater Wood. From the gun in the 10 mile race, local favourite Andrew Annett (North Belfast Harriers) and defending champion William McKee (Mourne Runners) moved clear, followed by Justin Maxwell (East Coast AC) and Mourne Runners pair Richard Bell and Richard Hanna, who led the chasing pack.  As the athletes moved onto the scenic coastal path, Andrew began to extend what was initially a small gap, whilst William remained clear of Justin.  Hazel McLaughlin (Lagan Valley AC) led the ladies early on, with Joanne Graham (Mourne Runners) and Donna Daly (Newcastle AC) contesting second place.

At the turning point (6.5 miles) the placings hadn’t changed and ultimately didn’t on the fast downhill finish, with Annett crossing the line first in an impressive 55:40.  McKee was second (59:40) and Maxwell secured the final podium place in (1:01:33).It was a similar story in the ladies race, with early leader Hazel McLaughlin excelling.  The Lagan Valley AC athlete extended her lead as the race progressed, taking victory in 1:16:30 (1st place).  In a close finish between Donna and Joanne, it was Daly who edged what was an excellent race – the Newcastle AC athlete took 2nd place in 1:18:39, followed by Graham, the narrow margin of 17 seconds adrift. This was a great reward for Daly, who has been training hard and impressing in club speed sessions. Newcastle was also successful in the categories with Catherine McIntosh running strongly to win the LV40 in the 10K category and Bronagh McInerney equally impressive in winning the LV45 category in the 10 mile race. Eamon Mallon avoided low flying telescopes to win the V50 category in the 10k!

Racing ahead

There is still plenty of racing in the month ahead with the King (and Queen!) of Gullion to be crowned, the half, full and ultra-marathon in Tollymore, the Co. Down 5k Championships in Downpatrick before the Seeley Cup, one of the signature races of the year on Saturday 25 November – there are already almost 30 NAC athletes registered, so be prepared for a bumper report!!!