East Down AC’s Caroline wins Feile 10K race

East Down AC’s Caroline wins Feile 10K race

7 August 2024

WEDNESDAY saw the Ardglass 5k and 10k road races take place as part of the local festival. 

This is a great event which attracts many local runners. The course is undulating to say the least so personal bests would be few and far between, and with warm conditions it would be a tough outing.

In the 5K race, East Down AC had six athletes on the start line. Adam Morgan was the first across the line in 19:58 and next in was Dillion Hynds, who has had some great results as of late and will be happy with his time of 21:24. 

Club stalwart Tom McLean was next home in 24:48. Another junior that took on the challenge was Alice Taylor, finishing in 25:38 with mum Nuala in the same time. Alice picked up the junior prize. 

Aine Grant was the final red and yellow vest across the line in the 5K. Aine is an old hand at this event and finished in 28:00.

In the 10K event, another six EDAC runners took on the challenge. Barrie Atkinson was the first of this group home in a time of 41:36 and grabbed his age group category. 

Deirdre Weatherhall was first EDAC lady across the line and third lady overall in a time of 42:49.

Eamon Kelly was next to break the tape in 43:31, another great run from Eamon. 

The only Taylor in the 10K was John and he had a steady run in 46:28. 

Journeyman Paddy Smith was closer to home this week and will be happy with his time of 54:19. 

Wayne Giles brought the club home in 59:25, a great outing for the club and a great local event.

Carlingford 5K Road Race

On Friday evening runners from all over Ireland made their way to Carlingford for the annual 5K road race hosted by Glenmore AC. 

This event starts just outside the town and makes its way along the back roads and country lanes, finishing in the main street of this picturesque part of the Cooley Peninsula, with a flat fast course and good conditions some fast times were on the cards. 

Two East Down AC athletes took on the challenge; Gordy Graham had a great run placing in 27th in a time of 16:20 up against some top runners. 

Finishing in 89th spot was Paul Burns and he will be happy with his time of 18:01. The race was won by Kieran Kelly of Raheny Shamrock AC in an amazing time of 14:49.

Mourne Seven Sevens

The Mourne Seven Sevens is an 18 mile, 8,500ft test of endurance and mountain skills. 

The objective is to climb all seven peaks in the Mourne mountains that are over 700 metres high above sea level, so the race takes in Slieve Donard, Commedagh, Bernagh, Meelmore, Meelbeg, Binian and Lamagan. 

EDAC mountain man Niall Gibney has taken on this challenge before and was looking for a good time covering the route in an anti-clockwise direction. 

Niall came in 13th of 61 athletes in a time of five hours 11 minutes. Niall was hoping for a quicker time on the day but overall was happy with his efforts.

Feile an Phobail 10K

Sunday morning in Belfast saw the Feile an Phobail 5 and 10k road race. These races are part of the local community arts festival and always draw a big crowd for both races. 

The race starts at Malone College and heads out across West Belfast before turning back at Hugo Street to the finish at Malone College. 

With cool, damp conditions the dynamic duo of Caroline MacNabb and Deirdre Weatherall made the trip into Belfast for this 10K challenge. 

With 926 runners on the start line, from the off Caroline MacNabb headed to the front and stayed there, putting in another great run to finish in seventh position overall and as first lady across the line in a time of 37:31 – a great result for Caroline. 

Deirdre, after her third place in the ladies race at Ardglass in mid week, was looking for another strong run and will be happy to just beat her time from Ardglass. 

She finished in 40th position in a time of 42:35, a great morning’s work from both of these ladies.