GR8 runners enjoy testing Dundrum run

GR8 runners enjoy testing Dundrum run

22 October 2014

DESPITE Newcastle hosting the Skyline/Granite Trail race on Saturday, a total of 741 runners took part in the fifth annual GR8 Run in Dundrum.

The race has become a firm favourite among running enthusiasts in recent years attracting a mix of experienced club runners and fun runners alike.

Almost every club in Northern Ireland was represented at the race. The village was abuzz from mid-morning as runners started arriving in their droves. A number of clubs even arrived by the bus load.

Pamela Ballantine of UTV was on hand again this year to welcome runners and provided her own unique style of jovial commentary for the duration of the race.

Singing trio Saffyre entertained runners as they arrived. Adam Mitten of Go Figure in Newcastle made sure that all those taking part were well warmed up before the gun went off.

The race started at 1pm and the sight of hundreds of runners making their way up the main street was something to behold. Runners then headed out towards the Twelve Arches via the Old Road.

Once across the main road, they made their way along the shingle trail known locally as The Cut. This section of the course can be challenging enough, but for Tony Barclay of Seapark AC it proved an even bigger challenge.

Tony is blind and was running along with his guide Karen Waring. Tony only took up running in January of this year at the age of 55 and is an inspiration to all.

From there runners entered the Murlough Nature reserve from where they accessed the beach after a short scenic stretch along the boardwalk.

This is where the race got interesting. Runners were met head on by a gale force wind as soon as they turned on to the beach.

Competitors were delighted when they were finally able to come off the beach to the welcome shelter on the boardwalk. The sound of the African Drummers from Assumption Grammar School in Ballynahinch heralded the home straight and runners were glad of the tail wind back into the village.

There was a new winner this year in Mark McKinstry of North Belfast Harriers who completed the race in 47.06, which was impressive given the conditions.

This was not a year for records, but Newcastle AC’s David O’Flaherty was a close second in 47.14. Brendan Grew, also of NBH, finished in third place in 49.33.

Murlough AC’s Alan Johnston did the host club proud finishing in fourth place overall narrowly missing a place on the podium but winning his age category.

Karen Alexander of Acorns AC was the comfortable winner of the women’s race for the third year in succession finishing in 54.29.

Karen holds the female record over this course, but this year she was three minutes slower than her record time indicating just how tough conditions were on Saturday.

Once again Lagan Valley’s Julie Murphy came second in 57.39 and Diane Watson of Lisburn AC came third in 59.06.

After all the runners had crossed the line it was back to the parish hall for the prizegiving and refreshments where runners enjoyed soup by Alison Crothers of The Bucks Head and great hospitality.

Murlough AC committee would like to acknowledge their sponsors: Brennan’s, Graham Construction and Gilroy’s Bar & Lounge. They would also like to acknowledge Dundrum GAA, Parish committee, The Order of Malta, McCalls, David Thompson of The National Trust, Keenan’s Tyres, The PSNI, Aqua Luna, Dr. Greer, The Sacred Heart Primary School, U105 and Patrick Kielty.

On Friday evening MAC runners Catherine McIntosh and Liam Smyth took part in the Mourne Skyline MTR, Granite Trail Race, which was two miles mainly of a very steep uphill from Newcastle to the Quarry at the top of the Granite Trail.

It was extremely wet. In this sort of race times become irrelevant, but Catherine pipped Liam by three small puddles.