East Down’s finest are in superb form at Stormont

East Down’s finest are in superb form at Stormont

12 February 2025

SATURDAY saw the annual Stormont Cross Country organised by NI Civil Service Athletic Club.

There had been concerns that damage to the Stormont Estate caused by Storm Eowyn might have caused issues, but thankfully despite a swathe of huge trees felled by the winds, the course itself was relatively clear.

There was a carpet of twigs and branches, but the hardy volunteers did a great job of raking and sweeping to make a path for the runners. It was bitterly cold but thankfully dry and no wind to speak of.

Junior races

The first race of the day was for U-13 boys and girls. With 59 eager juniors from a vast array of clubs, it was a packed start line, but they got away cleanly, and the distance was 2,000m over a two-lap course.

Dillon Hynds was the sole male East Down AC runner and held his own to finish eighth in his category. Orlaith Keary had a strong run to come 14th overall and second U13 girl.

Taryn Smyth, Alesha Fegan, Isla Taylor and Alanna Fegan formed an EDAC train coming in 34th, 35th, 36th and 37th, with Ella Hynds and Faith Kellett not far behind. This is great experience for this age group and lets them see how their training is paying off.

There were four EDAC juniors in the U-15 and U-17 race. Thomas Magee took on the 3,000m race in a determined fashion and just missed a podium place as he was fourth in his category.

Cara Napier (U-17) was out for the win from the start. She looked very controlled as she held the lead to the finish line in a time of 12.04. Sarah Gilchrist, in 12.40, took the second prize in the same category and Aoife Gilchrist  (U-15) finished strongly, smiling as usual. 

Women

The trend of females outnumbering the men was not just restricted to East Down AC. There were 167 in the women’s race with 137 in the men’s.

East Down AC was well represented by a team of seven and Catherine O’Connor gave it a good go, heading off with the leaders from the gun. She was edged out of the win by Emily Morris, of Willowfield, but was pleased nonetheless with second place and felt she had performed to her current fitness.

She will now be focusing on Jimmy’s 10 as she is returning as last year’s winner in a bid to defend her title.

Deirdre Weatherall had a powerful run. She professes not to like cross country yet she turns out more often than not and never fails to put in a good effort. Finishing 30th overall in a field of that depth is an achievement.

Sharon Madine, who has been hampered with niggles and winter bugs, seemed to enjoy the course and finished 54th. Niamh Kellett, urged on by her daughter Fiadh who had run earlier, came 61st in 24.15.

Ashley McGrady and Maureen Kelly made the top 100 – 93rd and 99th – which left Alison Carroll to bring up the rear in 122nd place and delighted to get home inside 30 minutes.

Wayne Giles and the other O60 males ran the same race to allow them the shorter 3.3 mile course. He showed his usual grit to finish in 31.09.

Fab Four

East Down AC’s men were whittled from nine entries to a stalwart quartet on the line through injury and illness, but the four who took part were glad to be fit to do so.

Joe Napier is a regular at cross country and is well able for the grass and hills.

He paced it very evenly and was 43rd in 27.20 for the four laps (4.4 miles).

Eamon Kelly, legs strengthened by his recent ski trip, trotted round in 30.35. Stephen Heasley, once he had worked out which of the four vests in his kit bag was the most recent version, ran a steady race in 31.29.

John Hanna was making his cross country debut and was rightly cautious about going out too hard. He found a decent rhythm and finished 96th overall, saying that he would consider it again in the future. A good outcome for all. 

The attraction of cross country is running on a different terrain, the challenge of hills, being part of the outdoors, but more than that it is the camaraderie of being part of a team. The gazebo, the sandwiches and the post run analysis makes for a great day out. 

If you haven’t tried it, you don’t know what you are missing. Something to put in the diary for next season.

Barry Atkinson had a good excuse for not making the cross country – he had made the long journey to Tralee for a 10-miler. With a field of over 280, he performed well, coming 15th in one hour and three minutes. He said it was a scenic course and would recommend it to others. 

Jimmy’s 10

With only the championship cross country events left, the majority of runners are thinking about the road season which kicks off soon.

Entries for the 25th anniversary edition of the Jimmy’s 10K are well up on this time last year and there is a real possibility that it will sell out before the closing date.

The organisers have already had to up the order of bespoke long sleeve t-shirts from their original quota. Initially offered to the first 600 entrants, they raised that promise to 750 and with 700 shirts claimed it looks like some will be disappointed if they delay too long.

The race takes place on Sunday, March 16, starting in Market Street and finishing at the Ballydugan Estate. There is a relay option for those who want to take part, but are not 10K ready. The event is sponsored by Finnebrogue, who are supplying hotdogs for all at the finish.

The race is aimed at all abilities with the faster runners eyeing up the prize money, some looking to get a good time (aided by the club pacers) and others just wanting to take part in a mass event and enjoy a great day out.

Entries are available at https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/Jimmys10K2025 with all the details on the East Down website www.eastdownac.co.uk.

East Down AC assures you of a warm welcome.