Ella in limelight at schools’ minis

Ella in limelight at schools’ minis

17 May 2017

ELLA Telford, one of East Down’s most promising juniors and one who keeps on going, set the standard for the rest of the week when she scooped two medals in the Primary Schools’ Minis competition promoted by North Down AC at the Bangor track on Wednesday night. 

She took silver in the 60 metres sprint in an excellent 10.1 seconds and followed that up with a scintillating performance in the 600 metres to claim the gold medal in 2.19.6, almost two seconds clear of her nearest rival. 

Just for good measure she also competed in the long jump and came a creditable 5th with a leap of 2.48 metres.

There must be something in the air on Wednesdays that inspires East Down’s juniors at this time of year. Like Ella, Callum Kent ran a superb race on Wednesday night to win – yes win — the Mourne Stimulus Day Centre 5k in Kilkeel, beating many senior runners in the process. 

His time of 24.47 could have been much better, but for having to dodge pedestrians and parked cars as most of the route was on the footpath. Well done to this enterprising young man who also turned out in the 3 Lakes Fun Run on Saturday.

On to Thursday and race five of the Hill and Dale Series saw Gavin Hynds first East Down runner home on Rocky in 49th place with Jonny Kelly next and Michael Cultra, having recovered from his Dublin and Belfast exploits, completing in 127th place.

Brian Hamilton continues to compete in the over 65 category while Joanne Foster enjoyed herself and together with Janine Murray, was one of only two females from the club to take part. 

Friday night, with drizzle, a much cooler air and an early dusk, was ideal for the latest running of the Les Jones 10k, although this year only two East Down runners took part, Ciaran Denvir, ever improving, claiming 11th overall in 36.43 and Dee Murray, showing he is fully recovered from his London exertions by placing 21st in 38.57.

Saturday morning and the weather was little better than Friday for the Three Lakes Challenge.

In fact it turned out quite wet before the end of the races, but for running, probably the conditions would be best described as good. 

However, nothing could dampen the spirits of the record numbers who turned out for the 7k and 15k races.

In the absence of four-times winner Brendan Teer, the outcome would be hard to predict.

However, the presence of Aaron McGrady, last year’s third-placed in the Killyleagh Half Marathon, immediately installed him as pre-race favourite ahead of East Down’s Martin Willcox and Belfast Marathon winner Laura Graham. 

And so it proved with Aaron taking the title in 54.52, a mere 14 seconds ahead of Laura with Martin in third and James Savage in fourth overall and third male place.  

It goes without saying that the star of the day was Laura Graham who, in spite of her recent success and the numerous demands on her time, had graciously agreed to come and take part in the 15k, in support of the Lions nominated charity, the Downs Syndrome Association. 

She was happy to pose for pictures with all who wanted and is proving a great ambassador for the sport.

She finished well clear of globetrotting Amanda Perry from Ballydrain and East Down’s Joanne Foster in third. 

Lisa Laird was not far behind that, closely followed by Mick McCreesh and a little further back the Sean Sealey-inspired duo of Cathy Burke and Helen Vint.

Robert Miskelly continues to inspire, and at 75 years of age he puts many of his younger club colleagues to shame, with his enthusiasm and sheer joy at being out there running.

Ballydrain once again turned out in huge numbers and had over 30 participants this year the most supportive club anywhere. Thank you.

East Down’s juniors totally dominated the 7k Fun Run with five of the first six finishers and seven of the first 10.  

Matthew McGrattan (26.45) took the honours with Lagan Valley’s Callum McCabe again second this year and Chris O’Connor from East Down in third place. Catherine O’Connor gave her recovery programme a real shot in the arm, winning the race from Kirsti in second and Lucy Foster third.

These races have now really caught on and go from strength to strength, thanks to the growing support from local clubs like Ballydrain, East Down, Murlough and Newcastle with additional interest from Crossgar Harriers, Saintfield Striders, and Scrabo Striders.

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

This year’s event was organised by Atlas  Running and the Daye brothers went out of their way to ensure it was a success, even to the provision of special medals for all finishers. 

It was in my view, the best marshalled race I have ever taken part in, thanks to the Lions who are second to none when it comes to controlling traffic. 

A special word of thanks to Margaret and Geoffrey Ferguson, the ever welcoming and helpful hosts at the Lakeside Inn. Pam Brown, president of Athletics NI was again in attendance, in spite of the loss of both her car and her chain of office last weekend in a fire, which totally destroyed the vehicle and its contents.

The second Knockevin 5 and 10k races are listed for Saturday at 12pm for anyone who is not going to Newcastle to take part in the Slieve Donard Challenge.

This year’s event is organised by Atlas Running and promises to be another one for the calendar on a regular basis and of course the post race refreshments are the equal of most. Another charity race deserving of your support.