Glory for Teer in Dambusters race

Glory for Teer in Dambusters race

12 September 2012

THE inaugural Dambusters 10-10 took place on Saturday in the Silent Valley.

This was the latest race organised by Born2Run Events who are fast establishing a reputation as organisers of races with a difference. The conditions were perfect for running with a mist adding to the beauty of the setting and ensuring that the runners didn’t overheat.

Runners had a choice of two distances with a 10 mile and a 10 kilometre option. There were 93 runners in the 10 mile race which was the first race of the day kicking off at 11 am just outside the Silent Valley Park.

The 10 mile route started on the road with runners required to make the climb to the Ben Crom Dam Wall at which point they returned to the lower Dam Wall before moving off-road onto the forest paths for the final few miles of this multi-terrain race.

East Down AC’s Benny Teer was the front runner all the way and won the race comfortably in a great time of 56.06. Next to finish was Martin Rea of North Belfast Harriers finishing in 58.27 and in 3rd place was Seamus Lynch (unaffiliated) in 1.01.

The women’s’ race was won by Karen Alexander of Sperrin Harriers in 1.04, in 2nd place was Gillian Cordner of Seapark AC and in 3rd place Julie McKim of Orangegrove AC.

Half an hour after the 10 mile race start the 10 k runners took to the road. There was a bigger field of 117 runners for this shorter event. The 10k runners were identifiable by higher race numbers, sponsored by Kilkeel Credit Union.

This race started inside the park and was a straight out and back route to the Ben Crom Dam and back. The nature of this route afforded runners the chance of a fast time and many of them recorded PBs. Adam Boyd (unaffiliated) was the first man home in 34.28 followed by Craig Hutchinson of Larne AC who finished in 36.32 and in 3rd place Steven Liggett (unaffiliated) in 38.15.

The women’s race was won by Virginia Ervine of Mourne Runners in 34.28 followed by Kerri Fitzpatrick 46.38 and Linda O’Neill in 49.25. Lisa Allen of Podium 4 Sport presented the winners with their prizes.