Dillon stars at festival event

Dillon stars at festival event

6 August 2025

LOCAL runners headed to Ardglass last Wednesday for a midweek road race with charm, atmosphere and a salty breeze.

The Ardglass Festival 5k and 10k is just the ticket. Hosted by Atlas running, the race started and finished outside the local primary school, with chip timing, prizes, and that all important post run cuppa lined up.

Both distances took runners out along the peaceful country roads and lanes surrounding Ardglass – scenic, rolling, and just the right side of challenging – and with every finisher getting a medal, what’s not to like?

In the 5k East Down AC had two runners joining the field of 112 athletes. Dillion Hynds, who has been in great form of late, had a strong run and finished fourth in a time of 21 min 37 secs.

Crossing the line in 49th place in a time of 27 min 52 secs was Aine Grant, who was taking on her favourite distance.

The 10k had 130 runners on the start line and East Down had five athletes joining them for the longer distance.

From the gun Matt Bezzant headed to the front and after a battle with Ballydrain’s Gareth Brown he crossed the line in second place with a great time of 36 min 28 sec.

The second East Down AC runner to break the tape was Eamon Kelly in 29th position, clocking 46 min 57 sec.

Mark O Connor was the next red and yellow vest over the finish line with a strong run in 47 min 43 sec, just behind Mark was Sharon Madine in 38th spot in 47 min 54 sec.

Joanne Carson was next in and will be happy with her efforts in a solid time of 54 min 38 sec. A couple of places behind Joanne was Paddy Smyth in 80th position, clocking 54 min 59 sec.

Well done to all the runners and everyone involved in the festival.