Newcastle AC’s racing Robbie is first past the tape in latest instalment of Jimmy’s Ten

Newcastle AC’s racing Robbie is first past the tape in latest instalment of Jimmy’s Ten

13 March 2024

THE 24th edition of Jimmy’s Ten and Relay took place on Sunday bringing much excitement to the streets of Downpatrick. 

This popular race, the brainchild of Joe Quinn MBE, is an annual event which pays tribute to Jimmy Murray - an inspirational coach who was a founder member of East Down Athletics Club. 

The club is in a three-year partnership with local business Finnebrogue, who not only lend generous financial support to the event but supply copious amounts of some of their extensive range of products, namely sausages and bacon. 

The post race hot dogs flew out of the newly renovated Finnebrogue food truck like snow off a ditch.

Top prize fund

But less of the food and more of the racing - there was an enticing bonus of £200 for the winning male if his time was sub 31 minutes (and sub 34 minutes for females) which was on top of the already tempting £200 for the win. 

Robbie Hagen of Newcastle & District Athletic Club made no secret of his desire to go for bust. He was aware that Jimmy Sloan of Annadale Striders would be on the start line with a few other top runners and they would all be waiting to see if he went out too hard and suffered a ‘blow out’.

On the female front, East Down AC’s own Catherine O’Connor was in great shape and seemed a hot favourite for first female. 

The weather was not kind but runners are a hardy lot and while there were few minor grumbles as the pack was herded out of the cosy clubrooms onto the start line on Market Street, by the time they reached Irish Street there were smiles as they passed the spectators and the cheers began. 

Going for gold

Robbie was a man on a mission. He was out by a yard within seconds and just kept striding out increasing the gap, glancing at his watch and more or less disregarding the runners behind him.

By the War Memorial it became clear that the only thing Robbie was racing was the clock. 

His popularity was shown by the amount of times his name rang out from the sidelines and while the rest of the crowd were also well supported, it was the local man that they wanted to see on the podium. 

Robbie definitely paced it well; he had no bad patches or moments but the wet roads, the rise and fall of the breeze and the fact that he was solo from the gun meant that a sub 31 was not that likely. 

Nevertheless, he gave it all he had, even sprinting to the line. His time of 31.34 was not enough for the bonus but to see Robbie you would have thought he had won an Olympic Gold. 

He had confided pre-race how much winning this local premier event would mean to him and the waiting crowd were equally delighted to see him breech the finish tape as the winner of Jimmy’s Ten for 2024.

Huge congratulations and well deserved. The bonus awaits another year.

Catherine on top

Catherine O’Connor was also in a class of her own. She took off like a whippet and didn’t look back.

She ran a great race to finish in 36.53, almost two minutes ahead of second placed female Debbie McConnell of North Belfast Harriers. 

With no chaser it is no surprise that this was not a personal best by any means but Catherine was an impressive 17th overall and became the first EDAC female to claim top spot at this event for a second time. Her first came back in 2018, well done, Catherine. 

The final step on the rostrum was claimed by Joanne Campbell of Finn Valley in 41.55.

While the faster end of the field were catching their breath, the runners continued to stream across the finish. 

Soon the place was heaving with people and most were happy with their efforts.

Jimmy’s Ten has a wide appeal with some chasing times and prizes and others fulfilling a personal 

challenge while many just enjoy the day and the fun of taking part. 

It is a wonderful sight to see the town buzzing with activity and even the latter end of the race got cheered home.

East Down AC

Hosting the race is no mean feat and the majority of the club members were involved on the day with marshalling and catering so there were not that many taking part. 

Some had drafted in friends and family to do their jobs or been part of the set up team so that they could be released to run. 

Of the EDAC runners Adam Withers was the lead out, coming home in 12th place overall. He was happy enough with that performance. 

He was followed by Conaill MacNabb, Daniel Giles and Joe Napier, in that order, all breaking 40 minutes with ease. 

Adam Morgan, who has been training hard, was chuffed with 42.25 and Jonathan 

Holmes, who is getting back to fitness, took 42.35 as a solid base marker. 

Darryl Glenn one of the EDAC juniors was well able for the distance in 46.23. 

John Taylor had a super run to finish 150th overall.

Three game EDAC ladies battled it out with Aine Grant taking bragging rights in 53 minutes, followed by Clare 

Forster in 54 and Suzy Smith in 54.43. 

Kieran McMahon was satisfied with 56 minutes to come 342nd and Nuala Taylor was seen to be smiling throughout the course just hitting the hour for the 10K. 

More prizes

As well as the 10K there is a relay event where teams of two run half the distance each and their combined time is recorded. 

The first relay team home of the 24 taking part were a male combo - Ollie Hanna and Comac Leheny. They set a speedy time of 38.10 between them. 

An all female team was second overall - Erin Han and Olivia McCusker (40.27).

There was a prize for each of these categories and also one for a mixed team. 

This was won by Luke Braniff and Willow Farrington of Scrabo Striders. It is a great way to take part in the event if not quite 10K ready. 

EDAC juniors entered two teams with Sarah Gilchrist and Cara Napier (45.21) placing second female team and Dillon Hynds and William Taylor (50.21) taking second all male.

There was a team award based on the fastest four men in one club and Newcastle & District AC took that with relative ease by dint of the efforts of 

Robbie Hagen, Lindsay Gordon, David McNeill and Lindsay Crutchley. 

Ballydrain Harriers snatched the ladies’ team prize for the top three in one club - Kirsty Bogle, Amanda Jackson and Debbie Mingout. 

Thanks for support

Without the support of sponsor Finnebrogue, the event could not take place so it is important to record thanks for their commitment not just to the club but to the community. 

They have embraced the feel-good factor of the race and indeed there was a large number of Finnebrogue representatives who took part. 

EDAC would also like to give a shout out to Plus2print and Wrap & Roll. These two local businesses have been linked with Jimmy’s Ten for well over a decade but are still more than happy to help out. 

Finally, EDAC would like to express appreciation for the support that was shown regarding the short but necessary traffic management on race day. 

They apologise for any inconvenience caused due to ensuing the safety of the participants. Until next year, that is a wrap.