Rowe leads the way at Dervock

Rowe leads the way at Dervock

26 July 2017

LAST Saturday saw three of Murlough’s finest headed up the north coast to Dervock to take part in the Kennedy Kane McAuthur Half Marathon.

Part of this undulating course takes you through the Dark Hedges which has now become a must-do tourist destination, having been famously featured in Game of thrones.

First of the Murlough trio to cross the line was Gerard Rowe with a time of 1:51:44. Michael Power and Judith Robinson, having made a pact early into the race, crossed the line together in a time of 2:01:33. 

On one of the hottest evenings of the year, Murlough runners made the annual journey across the sea — OK, Strangford Lough — to take part in the Portaferry Gala 10-miler.

With blue cloudless skies, high temperatures and a perfectly tranquil Lough, it felt like we were on the Mediterranean. 

 This must be one of the most picturesque 10-mile fixtures in this area.

The race starts just outside the town centre and proceeds along the lough shore before turning inland at Barhall and crossing the peninsula to Ballyquintin.

From there it’s back to the town centre along a series of hilly country roads.

It also has one of the best finishing lines of the local races, with what appears to be the entire population of the town turning out to cheer and provide encouragement to runners on the home straight.

However runners are like farmers — never happy with the weather.

At this time of the year, if dry and sunny it’s too hot to run comfortably and in winter we complain about the wind and rain. 

Wisely the organisers of the Portaferry event had put in place extra water stops which were not just welcome but essential with temperatures still in the mid-20s when the race started. 

Most of the Murlough contingent opted for the 10-mile race but Shauna — minus a relay partner — ran the second five miles just for the ‘craic’.

Declan McCormick was the first MAC man home, with a great time of 1.14 hrs, but was disappointed not to have added to his string of recent age category wins.

Next home was Pauline McEvoy; this was the longest distance that Pauline had run since joining MAC a few months ago and despite finding the going tough due to the heat, she finished strongly.

Gerald Rowe was not far behind and was followed in by Carol McMenamin and Ann McAlarney.

Disappointment for Anne McCormick who suffered a hamstring sprain three miles into the 10-miler and was gutted to have to pull out at the half way mark.

Still, Anne and Declan there is always next year to attempt a McCormick double at F55 and M55.

The event was as expected, well organised with plenty of post-race refreshments back at the leisure centre where the presentations were made. This year, the Mugs returned which was welcomed by those who have built up a collection of Portaferry mugs over the years. 

Conditions were perfect for the Ford 5k on Saturday and four MAC runners made the short trip to Bryansford GAC.

First home was Declan McCormick in 20:23, followed by Niamh O’Connell in 20:26.

Stephen McMahon had a great run, finishing in 28 minutes, and was followed home by Cindy Rush in 31:29. The fantastic post-race refreshments were enjoyed by all.

Sunday saw several of Murlough AC’s ladies take part in the Newry & Mourne Women’s Mini Marathon which is a 10Km distance race event for women, designed by women.

This years race finished in Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor with over 250 finishers on what Aoife McVeigh described as a challenging course with very warm conditions but a great atmosphere.

First home was Nicola Mathers with a top ten finish in ninth place with a personal best time of 47:15, followed swiftly by Leah Calvert in 18th Place with another personal best in the club. Leah finished the 10K and her first sub-50 in 49:49.

Michelle McCann, third MAC lady, finished in 50:05, Laura McCartan in 50:47, Aoife McVeigh in 55:13, Jillian Blue in 58:01, Siobhan Grant in 1:06:43, Caitriona Carr in 01:12:51 & Brenda Durkin in 1:14:50.

Fantastic running from all of the MAC ladies.