East Down AC annual awards and time trial

East Down AC annual awards and time trial

3 January 2024

ON the Thursday before Christmas, East Down AC held their annual club predicted time trial at the Downshire Estate. 

This is a 5K run where each runner predicts what time they will complete the distance and is completed without the aid of a watch or GPS. 

The route is three long laps of the Downshire Hospital. 

The conditions were cold and very breezy and with a great turn out and a final inspection that no time pieces were being worn or carried, the athletes were set off. 

On a predicted time trial it’s not who runs the fastest, it’s who can pace their run closet to the time they wrote down before the start. 

A number of runners put their heads down and went for broke, but most were playing a more tactical game. 

Once all runners finished their run, coach Paul Burns and his team began calculating the results while the runners relaxed with a cup of tea and a mince pie.

The top spot went to Roisin Gaffney, who ran a canny 5K with a predicted time of 28:28 and crossed the finish line in 28:18 for a difference of ten seconds. 

Meanwhile, in joint second place, was Nuala Taylor in a time of 25:12, who had a predicted time of 25:00 and James Cuffey in 18:58, who had a predicted time of 19:10, so both athletes were 12 seconds out. 

A great and enjoyable club event.

EDAC annual awards

Following the time trial, the annual East Down AC awards were presented.

All club members have the opportunity to vote for the five categories, which were: EDAC male and female athlete of the year, 

most improved male and female athlete of the year and club person of the year. 

Many nominations were put in for all categories, especially club person of the year. 

Winners:  Male athlete of the year, Aaron McGrady; female athlete of the year, Catherine O Connor; most improved male athlete, Daniel Giles; most improved female athletes, Aine Grant and Leanne Spick; club person of the year, Paul Burns.

Well done to all athletes who received a nomination.

London Marathon club ballot

To finish off the night, the club held its ballot for its slot in the upcoming London Marathon. 

Each running club in the UK is allocated a slot or slots depending on the size of the club. 

EDAC’s criteria, if met, means an athlete can put their name into the hat for the ballot.

This year three members met that criteria and were in with a shout. 

The lucky runner’s name was picked out of the hat by Wayne Giles and that was Barrie Atknison, with Joanne Carson as reserve. 

Good luck to Barrie for the race. 

From all the members at East Down AC, we hope you had a great Christmas and a happy New Year.