Racers hit Newcastle

Racers hit Newcastle

19 July 2017

The sixth annual Country Kitchen Sea 2 Sky took place in Newcastle on Friday evening. The race which was organised by Born2Run Events attracted 800 runners and walkers to Newcastle, not to mention their supporters.

Many of those who took part booked into local hotels, hostels and B&Bs and made a night of it.

The walkers started an hour ahead of the runners at 6.30pm and spirits were high despite the somewhat miserable weather.

The 10K course is a multi-terrain mix of road, forest trail and a touch of open mountain for good measure, a challenging run by any standards. Runners took to their starting corals with the fastest runners ensured a clear run. 

This year, for the first time there was also the option of a 5K race which essentially is the second half of the 10K route. Both races kicked off simultaneously at 7.30pm.

The men’s 10K race was won by Mourne runner David McKee, who held a 20-second lead on runner-up Neill Weir, of Willowfield Harriers, who was also the runner up in last year’s race. David finished in 35.21, a very impressive time over a tough course. North Belfast Harrier Kent Swan finished in third place.

In the ladies’ race, Laura Graham, of Mourne Runners, returned from a recent injury and a tummy bug and very comfortably took first place in 38.38.

Amanda Perry (Ballydrain Harriers) took second place for the second year running and Mourne runner Joanne Graham joined her clubmate Laura on the podium by finishing in third place.

In the 5K it was once again a Mourne runner who took the first place prize. This time it was William Kells, who won the race in 18.26, with a two-second lead over Newry City runner Duddy Parr. Corey Baker was the third male across the finish line.

Newry City athlete Esther Dickson comfortably won the ladies’ race and came third overall in 19.11. Meadow McAuley, of St. Peter’s AC, finished second, followed by Newcastle AC’s Clare Savage in third. These two young athletes are definitely ones to watch for the future.

The race was sponsored by Country Kitchen, who hosted the post race BBQ at O’Hares. Finnebrogue Artisan supplied the hot dogs.

Over 50 clubs were represented at the event, as well as hundreds of unaffiliated runners. All finishers were rewarded with a beautiful commemorative bottle opening medal. Winners received vouchers for Pure Running in Belfast and Born2Run buffs.

Born2Run would like to thank all the marshals including Newcastle Coastguard and the PSNI. They would also like to thank the Drumgooland Girl Guides, MYMY, the Order of Malta, Newry, Mourne and Down Council and the Forestry Service.

A great evening’s sport was enjoyed by all those who took part. The carnival atmosphere and support along the promenade was fantastic and the organisers look forward to doing it all again next year when it promises to be even bigger and better.

Born2Run’s next local event, Dambusters, takes place on August 29 in the Silent Valley.

The half marathon is part of the Pure Running Half Marathon Series and there is also a 10K, a 5K and a 10K walk. To enter go to www.born2runevents.com.