Brendan retains his Three Lakes crown

Brendan retains his Three Lakes crown

18 May 2016

BRENDAN Teer ran away with the plaudits at the Three Lakes 15k on Saturday when he spreadeagled a strong field.

The scene at the Lakeside Inn was idyllic before the race and the East Down flyer, who has been noticeably absent from the racing scene of late, due to the after effects of the Dublin Marathon, a series of niggling injuries and, more recently, the sudden passing of his father, was in a class of his own. 

As the only winner of the Three Lakes 15k in its three-year history, it was anticipated in some quarters that he might choose Saturday’s renewal as the platform for his comeback. 

And so it proved, though the appearance of former Jimmy’s Ten winner David Simpson,  now with Newcastle AC, meant it would not necessarily be an easy morning for the East Down man. 

In the event, he won fairly comfortably in 51.59, over two minutes ahead of  Simpson with Paul Burns (57.26) marking a return to form in third place. 

Just behind  Paul was Michael Cultra (59.20) with the ever improving Jonny Kelly (63.29) in 10th.

Following her success on Thursday night Niamh Kellett (63.41) won the ladies’ race, giving the lie to those who say that two races in three days is impossible, thus putting to shame many of her fellow runners who turned out in neither. 

Ballydrain’s Amanda Jackson and Claire Ingram were second and third respectively. All the East Down ladies — Clare Carson, Alison Carroll,  Sinead Kinsella and Cathy Burke — confessed to enjoying the scenery around the course and also set excellent times.

A special word of praise and congratulations for Eithne McGrattan and Bernice McCann who took part in the race and enjoyed themselves hugely in the process. Not only that, but they are worth their weight in gold for the inspiration they provide to everyone wherever they go.

If ever a club deserved a prizewinner it is Ballydrain for they are the most supportive team anywhere, and with 26 runners in the race on Saturday they were the best represented club. Club stalwart Norman Mawhinney, despite running in the Les Jones 10k on Friday in which he won the over 50 category in 38.25, not only turned out again, but also won the over 50 category and then ran 38.14 in the NI 10k Track Championship race on Sunday.

East Down’s juniors totally dominated the 7k Fun Run with eight of the top 10 and 13 of the top 20 runners coming from the club.  

Daniel Atkinson (25.57) took the honours this year with Lagan Valley’s Callum McCabe last year’s third, second in 26.28 and Matthew McGrattan (28.33) a commendable and hard fought third.  

Edie Carroll (fifth overall) won the ladies’ race from Kirsty Foster and Virginia Ervine. 

Below are the East Down placings in the 7k Fun Run, with notable runs from mother and daughter Carol and Aimee McCloy.

Fruit and water were on offer afterwards and with this year’s nominated charity, the Downs Syndrome Association, providing water bottles and running vests to all 15k participants everyone had reason to be satisfied with their day.  

Downpatrick Lions Club wish to thank all those who took part in the races, East Down AC officials, everyone who helped at registration, all the marshals, the PSNI, and anyone who helped make the race such a success. 

A special word of thanks to Margaret and Geoffrey Ferguson, the ever welcoming and helpful hosts at the Lakeside Inn, who put the premises and their facilities at the disposal of the race organisers and the runners. 

Pam Brown, recently elected president of Athletics NI was the special guest and was fulsome in her praise of the scenic beauty of the area on her first visit to Ballydugan.