Ballygalget 10k proves a huge hit with East Down AC runners

8 April 2015

I ALWAYS enjoy the Ballygalget 10k, perhaps it’s because it’s not your ordinary, run of the mill event, as it requires a bit more planning than just hopping in the car and driving off.

For those of us on this side of the Lough it involves a sea crossing and on a fine sunny Easter Sunday morning what could be more attractive? In fact for scenic content alone the Lecale area far surpasses many of the far flung attractions we pay hundreds of pounds to visit.

Not only that but to be met at the other side by a free minibus service to Ballygalget and back again is a service above and beyond the call of duty. Add to that an excellent post race refreshment spread and the whole thing becomes even more attractive.

It is then a pity that the race has never really caught the imagination of the many runners from clubs in the Newry, Mourne and Down area although numbers this year were noticeably up on last and almost topped the 100 for the first time. However, there were only a handful from “this side”.

Maybe it’s the timing that puts people off — Easter Sunday at 12 noon may not appeal to all, especially those with kids who have to be accommodated, and who might prefer an earlier start time to leave more of the day free for post midday activities. I still think you should try it and see next year

There were only two from East Down and two from Newcastle AC who made the trip and both returned more than satisfied with the outcome.

Barrie Atkinson, just putting the finishing touches to his preparations for the London Marathon, reasoned that doing a stiff 10k instead of a hard session on his own, would be just as rewarding. In fact given that he duly won the race in 33.53, thus picking up the top prize in the process, it was a doubly rewarding experience for him.

And a hint here for anyone training for a marathon — if you cannot find anyone to train with and to share your aversion to the hard interval sessions, necessary to give you the best return on the “big” day, then run a few five mile or 10k races built into your schedule instead, as everyone puts that little bit more into races

The other East Down runner, Mags Flynn, was more than happy having set a new PB over what is a challenging course, so she for one will be recommending the venue for next year.

In the 88-strong field the Newcastle duo, father and daughter Declan and Dearbhla Magee, left equally satisfied with their efforts Declan clocking 43.20 for first over 45 finisher and Dearbhla taking the second place in the Ladies race in 45.53.

On Saturday, April 25, there is a multi terrain five-and-a-half mile run in Peatlands Park, Dungannon, beginning at 1pm, in aid of the work of Guide Dogs in Northern Ireland for which I earnestly ask for the support of all local runners. The Peatlands Park is well worth a visit and all who take part will help contribute to the massive costs of maintaining this absolutely essential charity. Online entry is open at www.athleticsni.org and entries will also be taken on the day.

Just three weeks later, on Saturday, May 16, Downpatrick Lions Club will be staging their annual 3 Lakes Challenge, comprising a 14k race and a 7k Fun Run and Walk in aid of the Downs Syndrome Association and again I’m appealing to all my friends in the running fraternity and indeed all my enemies too, to come and support this wonderful charity. The Runs begin at 11am and encompass some of our beautiful local scenery.

So come and enjoy a pre-lunch run/walk and still be home in time to do or ignore the chores which have been piling up. Online entry is open at www.athleticsni.org and entries will be taken on the day from 9.00am onwards in the Lakeside Inn.

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