O’Flaherty leads the way

O’Flaherty leads the way

17 July 2019

THE now annual Ford 5k and fun run took place recently with total numbers well over double from the 2018 event.

With registration completed at St Patrick’s Park, Newcastle, runners made their way to the start line on the Burrendale Hotel, Country Club and Spa side of Sunnyholme Caravan Park.

The race started promptly at 7.33pm with race director Eamon McCrickard providing some final words of advice.

Given the flat nature of the course, many predicted a fast and furious start and spectators were not left disappointed with Newcastle AC and Bryansford GAC stalwart Frank Cunningham leading the 156 participants over the first mile in lightning speed.

The race then settled down with the leading pack making their way along the full length of Main Street. It was fantastic to see great support offered from many of the town’s bars, cafes and restaurants to all the runners.

With the race passing the Avoca Hotel Spa overall winner David O’Flaherty (Newcastle AC) started to make his move. 

The route then moved along Bryansford Road to the Chatterbox nursery roundabout before turning on to Bryansford Avenue, leading to the final stretch back to St Patrick’s Park. 

As the participants entered St Patrick’s Park they had to manoeuvre a lap of the pitch, moving from the tarmac roads to the grass field.

This did not present any difficulties with O’Flaherty crossing the finish line in a very impressive 16.07.

Taking the other two male podium positions were Christopher Devin (Newry City Runners) in 16.15 and Gordon Graham (East Down AC) in 16.29.

Given the fast start and the flat terrain it was no surprise to see four other runners sub 17 minute finishers — Wesley McDowell (Dromore AC), Daniel Molloy (Newcastle AC), Andrew Hicks (Dromore AC) and the veteran Connaire McVeigh (Newcastle AC). 

Local lady Laura Graham (Mourne Runners) took top spot in the ladies’ race with a fantastic 17.00 for eighth overall. Second female and 19th overall was Catherine O’Connor (East Down AC) in 18.14 and third and 27th overall was Mari Troeng (Newcastle AC) in 19.05.

A special mention in the female race must go to eight year-old Maisie McVeigh (Murlough AC) who took the U-16 female category, finishing 90th overall in a PB time of 23.51. 

Race director Eamon McCrickard and Brayansford GAC would like to offer their thanks in the first instance to Newcastle AC for their great assistance on the night but also on the promotion, pre-registration and organising the finish.

Darragh McCrickard, as always, performed his race tasks without any fuss and ensured the results were issued before many had sat down for pre-race refreshments. Shimna Wheelers also deserve a special mention with a number of their members assisting by stewarding all runners around the course on their bikes.

The PSNI ensured the race ran smoothly and resourced the race in great numbers to ensure the roads were kept clear for all runners to safely manoeuvre around the course.

Bryansford GAC members Dessie O’Neill (Pizza Umami), Jack O’Hare, the Burrendale Hotel, Country Club and Spa, McCready’s Shoe Shop, McKeevers Chemist, Sokol Gymnastics, Lick Ice cream, Deli Lites and Spar (Newcastle) all contributed in some shape or form and deserve a special thanks for their contributions.

Given the success of this year’s event race organisers have already confirmed that the 2020 Ford 5k and fun run will take place on Friday, July 3, 2020. Further race details will be announced closer to the time and it is hoped that numbers will increase from 2019 with many seeing the flat course as an ideal setting for the all-important PB time.

Frank Cunningham (Newcastle AC) has already confirmed his services for 2020, stating he will have no problem leading it out so long as he makes it on to the promotional billboards.