Catherine wins Mallusk event

Catherine wins Mallusk event

17 January 2024

SUNDAY morning saw a hardy band of East Down AC athletes make the trip to the Mallusk playing fields for the Mathieson Cup and Shield Cross Country organised by Mallusk Harriers.

The competition is named after Megs Mathieson, who is a good friend to East Down Athletics Club. 

In bright but very cold conditions, the course was in good condition. The course was firm with the odd muddy bit with a number of short, sharp inclines to break up the route.

The ladies and 60 plus men were first up, with three 2K laps to complete converting to almost four miles in old money. 

From the gun, Catherine O’Connor hit the front of the pack and stayed there for the whole race, looking comfortable and controlling the pace. 

Catherine, who has had a great last 12 months both on and off the road, placed first in 22:23 to take the trophy. 

The second EDAC lady home was Sharon Madine, who is just back from injury. She was pleased with her efforts on her first cross country for some time, finishing in 59th position in a time of 27:33.

In the male vets category, Wayne Giles was the only runner for East Down AC and he put in a great effort with a time of 31:58.

The senior men were up next and with four 2K laps to complete and a top quality field, this was always going to be a fast race. 

There were four East Down AC men on the start line and Adam Withers put in a strong performance to finish in 27th spot in a time of 28:27. 

Joe Napier was next in with another great run in 30:09, followed closely by Daniel Giles in 30:38 in 66th position. 

Bringing the team home was club coach Paul Burns in 122nd spot in a time of 33:16. Great running from all of the East Down AC runners.