Record entry at GR8 Dundrum run

Record entry at GR8 Dundrum run

24 October 2018

DUNDRUM was a hive of activity on Saturday when over 900 runners took part in the unique eight mile race that is the GR8 Run.

Murlough AC were delighted to have a record number of club runners sign up this year which was the biggest to date with over 50 runners.

This year they were joined by Downtown/Cool FM’s Breakfast show host, Gary Myles. He was a great addition and gave some fantastic encouragement at the start and finish line. This year the village was closed off and the rain stayed away, so refreshments were served alongside the finish line. 

It really was like a ‘street party’ after the race as said by one participant. The refreshments and hospitality were, as always, second to none and certainly rejuvenated the runners after a fantastic race. The multi-terrain course suitably challenged the runners, but as always, each and everyone enjoyed the stunning scenic route.

After the success last year, Murlough AC welcomed back wheelchair race participants both assisted and non-assisted. The wheel chair racers certainly proved themselves again to be top-class athletes. 

Jack Agnew secured first place in the wheelchair race, with Jim Corbett taking second place and Andrew Greer (Torque Racing) third. Charlie Allen was close behind finishing strong. Team Robin (Robin Calvert, Leah Calvert with Cyril Stevenson) won the assisted race with competitors Roger Beysatt and his son Ronan coming in close behind. 

Gillian and Senga Craig also finished with a fabulous time and were still smiling as they crossed the finish line. This section of the race was a joy to watch and on-lookers were in awe of the skill of these participants.

There was no catching the male winner this year. Jonathan Roebuck from MRF Running returned after winning in 2017 and finished even faster than last year in 44:59, very close to the record which is still held by Newcastle AC’s David O’Flaherty (44.12). 

Second was Stephen O’Gorman from Dromore AC with a fantastic time of 47:00 and third male was Mark McAvoy from North Belfast Harriers, comfortably completing the eight mile course in 48.41. 

The first female this year was Breege Connolly from City of Derry Spartans, beating the ladies’ record finishing in 48:36 (previous record was by Laura Graham from Mourne Runners in 2017 48:51).

Karen Wilton from Jog Lisburn came in as the second female with a fantastic time of 51.43 and third was Laura Wylie from East Antrim Harriers with a great time of 55:10. For the first time this year junior participants were awarded and this was won by Jordan Heron from Larne AC finishing with an amazing time 50.43. Category winners were as follows:

M35 Colm McGarry, F35 Collette McCourt, M40 Colin James, F40 Heather Baron, M45 Phil Wood, F45 Catherine Roberts, M50 Cameron Burns, F50 Marie McCaughey, M55 Andrew Burns, F55 Liz Robinson, M60 Paul McCullagh, F60 Moira Hamilton, M65 Terry Eakin, F65 Maura King, M70+ Seamus McKeown, F70+ Violet Davidson.

Murlough AC wishes to extend its thanks to the following local businesses and sponsors, who without their support, the event could not have taken place: Brennan’s Dundrum, The Dundrum Inn, Keenans Tyres, Dundrum Development Association, Aqua Luna, Newry Mourne & Down District Council, GAA & Sacred Heart Parish, Graham Construction, Hugh J O’Boyle, Maranco Construction, Born 2 Run Events, Jog Off, Marine Beauty Haven, Rooney’s Garage, Newcastle Truck & Car Wash, Mourne Lettings, JJ Donnelly’s Ballynahinch & Improve on the Move.

They also extend their thanks to the sports massage therapists who attended on the day to facilitate any running injuries or ailments; Grainne Walsh (GW Sports Injury Clinic) & Artie Quinn. Also thanks to the North West Ambulance Service, Dr Greer, the PSNI and each and every volunteer who made the whole race happen.