East Down AC runners make their mark at Stormont event

East Down AC runners make their mark at Stormont event

14 February 2024

THE very popular Armagh International 3K and 5k road races took place on Thursday night. 

This event attracts top athletes from all over the UK and Ireland and is organised by Armagh Athletic Club. 

The three main races are the ladies 3K, the men’s 3K and the headline men’s 5K. 

The fast flat route, which takes in the mall in the city centre, and the wet and cold conditions set the night up for some great races. 

In the ladies 3K race, East Down AC’s Catherine O’Connor was the club’s only senior runner and as ever took on the challenge. 

With a strong international field, Catherine finished in 51st position out of 184 runners in a time of 10:01.

The race was won by Sale Harriers’ Megan Davis in 9:19. 

In the men’s 3K race, Adam Withers was on the start line for East Down AC along with 190 athletes of an international standard. 

Adam crossed the finish line in 9:32 to take 55th spot. The race was won by Oliver Patton of Kibarchan AAC in 8:29. Topi Raitanen won the men’s 5K race in an amazing 13:49 – outstanding running.

Stormont cross country

Stormont Estate hosted the last Cross Country League race of the season at the weekend, with a number of junior races on display as well.

Firstly, the seniors took to the course with the senior women and 60 plus men taking on the 3.3 miles which amounts to three laps of the left side of the grand drive that leads up to Stormont. 

The rain held off for the start of the race, the undulating  ground in places was very cut up with tree roots and branches that participants needed to keep an eye out for as it was certain to be tough going.

From the gun Catherine O’Connor went to the front where she stayed. 

After her run in Armagh on Thursday night, she was not sure what was left in the tank for this race. 

However, Catherine stuck to her task and had to fight to the end to place in second position with a sprint finish. 

The next East Down AC vest across the line was women’s team captain Sharon Madine, who was happy to be back on the track after a short break and finished in 42nd position.

Aoife Cochrane had another strong run for the ladies team, placing in 73rd spot in a time of 25:45. 

Nuala Taylor, after watching her children run their races, pulled on her spikes and ran a great race for the team crossing the line in 92nd. 

Ashley McGrady was next to finish, closely followed by Ella Carroll in 122nd and 123rd positions, respectively. 

Carmel Ross had a great come back run and will be pleased with her 133rd position. 

Marguerite Robinson was next in and for her first time running at Stormont, she was pleased with her race, finishing in 170th spot. 

Aine Grant, who is now becoming an old hand at the cross country, was not too far behind Marguerite in 179th. 

Alison Carroll was the final red and yellow vest to cross the finish line and enjoyed the whole team event in 186th position. A great turn out by the EDAC ladies.

Wayne Giles was the only 60 plus male in this event and as ever put in a determined performance finishing in 39th position in a time of 28:35.

The last race of the day was the senior men’s race, which was 4.4 miles (four full laps) and boasted 240 athletes. 

The pace was fast as the front runners passed though the avenue of trees that led up the hill towards the Stormont buildings. 

After racing on Thursday night, Adam Withers got into a good pace and was first home for the men’s team in 40th position in 27:13. 

The second EDAC male was Martin Willcox, who was happy with his 50th spot. 

Not too far behind Martin was club coach Paul Burns, who put in a determined run in 52nd. 

Matt Bezzant took on his first cross country race for the club, but did not realise that spikes were the order of the day and completed the race in road trainers. 

So, a big lesson learnt but still a great performance by Matt in 98th position. 

Gavin Hynds was next in, and after watching his son run in the junior race, he put in a great run for the club coming in 158th. 

Kieran Keown was competing in his first cross country race for East Down AC and found the going tough but still put in a strong performance for the team, placing in 172nd spot. 

Adam Morgan and John Taylor had a bit of an in-club battle with Adam just pipping it in 177th position with John not too far behind in 179th. 

Last past the post for EDAC was Daniel Giles, who had his head down and was going for it and ended up doing an extra lap but still managed not to be the last overall across the line. A great effort by Daniel, but perhaps count your laps next year to avoid the extra work. 

A great day for East Down AC at a great event which is organised by the Civil Service.