East Down AC runners produce PBs in marathon

5 November 2014

THE Dublin Marathon on the last Monday of October has become a traditional outing for East Down runners, some first timers, some many timers and some old timers but heroes every one.

Leading the contingent this year, as last, was Michael Cultra (3.19.10), perhaps hoping for better, but then running an ‘easy’ cross country two days beforehand may not have been ideal preparation.

Next man home and the first of the first timers was Andrew Telford (3.24.55) with Mark O’Connor just behind in 3.27.15. But then came the inspirational figure of Mick McCreesh, looking and indeed feeling strong at 25 miles as his high five knocked me back.

This man has achieved incredible results in the past two years, but this one must be the sweetest of all, cutting holes in the predicted times as he marches towards the three hour barrier, a pipe dream?

Well, don’t bet against it. The magic formula? Early mornings and sheer hard work. Take a bow Mick and a well deserved rest. However, it wasn’t long before Mick was on the roads.

Then another first timer, Gareth Kelly, showed his liking for the distance with a very positive 3.46 and a little further back came ultra trainee Phillip Vint, using the flat surfaces to prepare for the Tollymore Trail Ultra Marathon on November 15, though I doubt if there will be too many flats to complain about there.

Michael McKeown, showing his usual indomitable spirit, made his way serenely to the finish in spite of injuries and is an excellent example of mind over matter.

If Mick McCreesh stole the honours for the men, then Cara Cunningham did likewise for the women, clocking an incredible 4.01 in her first marathon and looking like she could go round again.

Of course, her mum Linda was doing her own thing a little further back while

dad Mickey was making sure he kept an eye on his girls and making it a family day out.

Cathy Burke had every reason to be pleased with her time after spending a worrying few weeks nursing an injury while Liz O’Hagan (4.26) and Oonagh Breteche (4.30) got the job done quietly and efficiently.

Simon McGrattan was again beset by cramps, not surprising when you consider the miles he has been clocking recently, though, falling into bad company on the eve of the race may have been a contributory factor. Gary Cull made a brave first attempt too, and managed to raise a smile for the camera at the finish line, always a good sign.

Given this level of effort on Monday it was perhaps not surprising that the club was unable to field a team in the Cross Country League fixture in Coleraine on Saturday.

Only two made the trip, Michael Cultra and Paul Burns, finishing 41st and 78th respectively in a field of almost 150, though the former’s presence gives the lie to the Dublin excuse.

This weekend the league fixture is in Sixmilewater Park, Ballyclare, and as this venue is only just round the corner by comparison, a large turnout of both men and women in the East Down colours is expected.

The club congratulates Barrie Atkinson and Liam Keenan, who two weeks ago qualified in the over 35 and over 50 categories respectively for the NI squad for the British Masters Championships to be held later this month in Nottingham.

Our best wishes go with them. All eyes are on November 16 when local interest will focus on the Round the Griddle 10K and Fun Run which gets under way at 12 noon from Saul GAC premises.

Online entry is open at www.athleticsni.org and entries will also be taken on the day.

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