Lauren takes major 5k title

8 January 2020

AT the fifth race in the Born2Run series at Tollymore Forest Park over the weekend the sun shone and the mood was good.

The 5k race left the car park area and headed down towards the main Tollymore entrance then turned up to the right taking the runners down gravel forest trails for most of the first 2k.

As to be expected in a forest park, there were then a few uphills followed by flatter parts and then one more incline coming up to the last 4k. After that it was straight towards the finish line on good ground allowing for fast finishes.

Lauren Madine maintained her winning streak in this series, with a spirited run, holding on to first place in 21.03 with Anna Gardiner, second female, a mere second behind.

Lily Rimmer, of Dromore, completed the ladies’ podium in 21.22.

Sharon Madine demonstrated that she hasn’t been slacking over the holiday either, coming fourth female in a respectable 22.45. Another good day out for the EDAC trio.

The rest of the club must have been in recovery — either from the exploits of the Cracker the week before or simply the aftermath of the festivities as no one else turned out to race over the weekend.

There were, however, a few notable performances in parkruns with Mackenzie Murray claiming the title of first finishing male in Castlewellan for the first time.

He finished in 18 minutes dead, slightly disappointed not to break that barrier, but the sub 18 is surely in the offing.

Oliver Robinson got the year off to a good start by breaching the 20 minute barrier on New Year’s Day and then further whittling his time to 19.15 on Saturday past, so plenty for him to aim for. Suzy Smith has also managed to PB on her first two runs at Castlewellan in January. At Victoria Park on Saturday Aaron McGrady was the first finisher in 16.11.

Loose ends

On New Year’s Day Paddy McDonald was the sole representative in the annual Race Across the Glens, in Glenariff Forest Park, which used to be on my ‘not to be missed list’ and he did well to complete the gruelling route in under the hour, clocking 59.21. Well done Paddy.

Also taking advantage of her Christmas visit to the locality was Hannah Somani, who was here to participate in the Cracker race, as she finally took possession of her Podium 4 Sport voucher prize, resulting from her efforts in the Seeley Cup race at the end of November, in which she was the third scoring member of the East Down AC female team which took second place overall.

Coming up

The calendar for the next few weeks offers plenty of cross country for juniors and seniors alike.

This weekend is the Mathieson Cup and Shield at Mallusk on Sunday with entries on the day. Details can be found at https://athleticsni.org/Fixtures/Mathieson-Cup-and-Shield-2020 while on Sunday, January 19, round four of this year’s McGrady’s Financial Services Junior Cross Country takes place in Delamont Country Park beginning at 1pm.

Jimmy’s Ten

It’s hard to believe that we’re talking about Jimmy’s Ten again, how time flies. Bt the online entry facility is already open at www.athleticsni.org and entries are flooding in.

This is your opportunity to take advantage of the attractive early bird entry rates which will be applicable until January 31. Not only that, but it will ensure your entry for what is regarded as one of the top 10k road races in the calendar.

10k early bird until January 31, costs £16 (reg) £18 (non reg) — thereafter £18/20 until close on Friday, March 6, or the cap of 800 is reached.

10k relay (teams of two) early bird until January 31, £20, thereafter £25 until close on Friday March, 6, or the cap of 50 teams is reached.

So, don’t say you haven’t been warned. Best wishes to all local runners for the coming season and indeed throughout the year.

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