Relentless Eve podiums at The Dub
There seems to be no such thing as too much muck and gutters for one season. Without fail, this has to be the most challenging season with regards the ground conditions underfoot and we’re only nearing the middle of the cross country season. Every route has held onto the water like a saturated sponge and it doesn’t matter what course you embrace or where abouts on the island you toe the line, it’s going to produce plenty of washing but also plenty of memories to boot.
This weekend, there were flashes of yellow and red found at the Dub Playing Fields, for the Malcolm Cup hosted by Annadale Striders. Although not an overly undulating course, maintain balance and maneuvering over broken and muddy ground at every turn became a tough task.
The relentless drive and determination of the Newcastle Juniors was clear in the U13 Boys and Girls race. Although it is her first full cross country season, Eve McNamara has taken to the challenges and demands of the Cross Country circuit with gusto and barely misses a weekend to build on her race experience and it is paying off dividends. This weekend she took 3rd place over the 1600m course in 6.36. A phenomenal run from this young firecracker and another great race under her belt against some of Northern Irelands finest.
Though not far behind her was a young Emily Kerr, 2 years Eves junior. Using this race as a welcomed celebration after completing the SEAG test the day before. Running for fun seemingly suits this Glassdrumman native. Obviously it still wasn’t mucky enough but after getting caught up in the startline madness and sustaining an eye injury, she engaged her one good working eye and locked it on her club mate in front, refusing to let her out of her sight. This ensured that she crossed the line in 10th place in 7.06.
In the same mixed race, Fionn McEvoy showed that his recent race experience is paying off and he put in a strong run to finish 47th boy. Proving that with training and perfecting his race strategy will result in stronger and more controlled runs with positive outcomes.
The U15/U17 mixed race was a competitive fight, right to the end for all involved. However that did not faze Euan McIntosh, who found that extra gear in the closing stages for a phenomenal finish to secure 10th place in 12.25.
With mud now drying hard and dust falling off the spikes, it will not be long before many of the Newcastle Junior Squad will lace up and toe the line again and continue to turn out unforgettable race moments. With the National Cross Country Championships in Navan this coming weekend, there will surely be memories and maybe history made.
Emily mid race as she powers through the field leaving runners two years her senior, eating her dust.
Eve delighted with her performance to achieve 3rd place in u13 girls