King David smashes GR8 record with blistering run

12 October 2016

THE seventh GR8 Dundrum Run was held on Saturday and attracted record numbers to Dundrum with 856 runners toeing the line on race day.

And the honours went to local runners David O’Flaherty from Newcastle AC and Amanda Perry from Ballydran Harriers.

The race has become a firm favourite among running enthusiasts in recent years, attracting a mix of experienced club runners and fun runners alike.

Almost every club in Northern Ireland was represented and the village was abuzz from mid-morning as runners started arriving in their droves. At least four clubs arrived by the busload.

Pamela Ballantine of U105 has been an amazing supporter of the race for many years. Once again this year she welcomed runners and provided her own unique style of jovial commentary for the duration of the race.

The race started at 1pm and the sight of hundreds of runners making their way up the main street was something to behold. Runners then headed out towards the Twelve Arches via the Old Road.

Once across the main road, they made their way along the shingle trail known locally as The Cut.

From there, runners entered the Murlough Nature Reserve from where they accessed the beach after a short scenic stretch along the boardwalk.

The sound of the African drummers from Assumption Grammar school heralded the home straight, lending support and motivation to all those taking part.

Conditions were perfect for running this year for Dundrum resident and Newcastle AC athlete David O’Flaherty who led the field from the outset going on to win the race and set a new course record of 44.12.

David was a full four minutes ahead of runner-up David McKee of Mourne Runners. James Trainor of Dub Runners finished in third place.

Amanda Perry of Ballydrain Harriers won the women’s race finishing in 54.09. Dub runner Colette McCourt was runner-up and Diane Watson of Lisburn AC was the third lady over the line.

Pacers, Alan Johnson, Michael McKenna, Dave Stewart and Hazel Crudgington, did a great job getting their respective followers to the finish line bang on time, not as easy as it looks.

This year’s medal was designed by Dundrum schoolgirl Aoife McVerry who won a design competition held in the Sacred Heart Primary School.

Pupils were invited to design a medal that reflected the nature of the race — the standard was extremely high making it difficult for Murlough AC to decide on an overall winner, but in the end it was Aoife’s design that came out on top.

Aoife got to present David O’Flaherty with his medal just after he won the race, making it a memorable occasion for the little girl.

Gareth Brown and Artie Quinn massaged the aching muscles of runners at the finish line from where it was back to the parish hall for the prize giving and refreshments.

Runners enjoyed soup by The Bucks Head and a fantastic spread laid on by the members of Murlough AC who are now well renowned for great hospitality at this event.

While the main race was underway there were three children’s races taking place on the Main street giving an opportunity to the youngsters to take part.

The first of the three races was for kids aged 7-8 years old. The race was won by Rianna Gregg and Alex Robinson was the first boy over the line. In the 9-10 years race it was Alex’s big brother Ollie who came first and Catherine Cousins was the first girl home.

Finally, in the 11-12 years race Finlay Easton was the winner and Ellen Tumelty was the first girl.

All of the finishers in the children’s races received the same medals as the adults, with the winners also getting to run the last 100 meters to the finish line with the race winner David O’Flaherty. Brennan’s also supplied all the kids with a goody bag which seemed to go down a treat.

Murlough AC would like to acknowledge sponsors: Brennan’s, Graham Construction, the Tonn Ruray & Dundrum Development Association. They would also like to acknowledge the support of Dundrum GAA, parish committee, Order of Malta, McCalls, National Trust, Keenan’s Tyres, PSNI, Aqua Luna, Dr Greer, Sacred Heart Primary School, Marty McCourt, Seamus Garland, U105, Newry, Mourne and Down Council, and Mourne Seafood Bar.

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