Bogusboy reports on the weekend’s racing

Newcastle AC were in action in a variety of races on the weekend of 8-9 October. Closest to home was the ever popular Gr8, organised superbly once again by our close friends, Murlough AC. The race has become a ‘must do’ for many in recent years and the eclectic blend of different terrains appears to have resonated well with the running community. There have been some great times in recent years, with Brendan Teer holding the course record in just under 45 minutes. Conditions were perfect; there was little wind to talk of, the sand was firmer than usual – unlike 2014 when the beach section became a survival of the bravest into a strong wind that created a ‘sandblasting’ effect. Dundrum was awash with colour as 855 athletes took to the line, all with a time and a target in mind. For David O’Flaherty the target was simple, get to the finish before anyone else. This he did, and with some considerable flair. He went out like the proverbial rocket and never relented, despite literally being in a different parish from his nearest challengers. His reward was an emphatic victory and a new course record; 44:12 for 8.16 miles that test every facet of a runner’s armoury. David’s armour was bulletproof as he romped home with an incredible 4 minute lead. He is now turning his attention to the Seeley Cup on 26 November, hoping to further reduce his already impressive 10k PB.

He wasn’t the only one to impress
David McKee of Mourne Runners was an impressive second – evidence that not all MR hibernate from the end of the Hill and Dale until WJB awakens their slumber to train in the mountains for the next Hill and Dale season. In a titanic tussle towards the tape Jack O‘Hare was ousted from third place by James Trainor. O’Hare recorded an incredible 49:09 and was delighted with 4th place in a time that has won the race in the past. Given that he is half the man he used to be, the expectation is that he will run twice as quick and he is living up to that billing at present. His time was more than good enough to secure top spot in the V40 category. Wonderwall was not that far behind in 17th place. Last year he was chomping at the bit to run and did all her could to find an impromptu babysitter and a pair of Asics! Twelve months later he turned in a stellar performance from gun to tape and was delighted with his performance, commenting “I’m delighted with my performance.” those who know him better will appreciate that there may have been a few other words in the sentence! The red and yellow vests came in thick and fast in the minutes that followed. Murdock was next and his record now reads 2/0! Lowry, King, Owens and McQuaid were all within a minute of each other and Patricia McKibbin produced one of her best race performances to date to finish 6th lady overall in a shade over 56 minutes, much to the chagrin of Joker Kelly who valiantly tried to reel her in, alas to no avail. Michael McDonald also had a fine run, comfortably breaking the 57 minute marker and finishing well inside the top 100. Barr, Duggan and Fitzpatrick finished in quick succession and Gary McIlhennon completed the scoring on his comeback trail, finishing well inside the top third of the field. Gary had brought his nephew to the race and young Brendan had a fine run, finishing 22nd, just outside 53 minutes. The soup, sandwiches and assorted confectionary proffered in the aftermath was enjoyed by all, though they may have been overshadowed by those trying on Gareth Brown’s big recovery boots!!! Ormeau runners were the last to leave as all had to have a go in them!!! One even asked if they would be suitable footwear for a night in the Errigal Inn!!!

Here, there and everywhere
Elsewhere over the weekend there were many fine performances. On Saturday evergreen, but not so green when it comes to racing, Jim Patterson finished first V65 at the Northern Ireland Masters’ Athletics Association race. Jim recorded 25:27 for the testing course. In the same event, but over a longer distance, erstwhile XC captain David McNeilly was 21st (28:59).

On Sunday David Hicks (37:27) was second to Shane Toner (34:41) in the Kileavey 10K, while Gerard McAuley ran 40:13 to finish 4th in the Glornamona 10K in West Belfast. Seamus Lynch produced an outstanding performance to finish second to paddy Hamilton in the Armagh 10 mile road race – one of the lesser mentioned events among certain NAC members. Lynch’s time of 53:19 equates to an average of 5:20 per mile throughout the race – some going! A little further afield Eoghan Totten produced one of his most notable performances to date. He recorded 67:51 for the Oxford Half Marathon, finishing second to Southend AC’s Paul Whittaker (67:18). The result is made more impressive by the fact that there were 7644 finishers.

Red High 10K
Downpatrick will be the only place to be next Saturday for the inaugural Red High 10K. Entries are available on line via the Athletics NI website or alternatively you can register on the day. In addition to the 10K, there will be a 2x5k team relay, which will whet the appetites of those looking for a shorter and faster workout.