Records tumble as hundreds hit Dundrum GR8

Records tumble as hundreds hit Dundrum GR8

24 October 2012

RUNNERS flocked to Dundrum in their hundreds on Saturday for the third staging of the GR8 Dundrum race, which was expertly organised by Murlough AC.

Every year it just keeps getting bigger and better and this year was no exception. Last year a new record was set with 517 finishers and this year there were 691 in what is becoming one of the top events in the racing calendar.

Everyone was treated to a spectacular day which made a very welcome change from last year when runners had to endure gale force winds in their faces as they ran down the beach towards Newcastle.

The sun was shining on a quite warm day for October and the Mournes provided a perfect back. The atmosphere was building in Dundrum with all the runners arriving and Main street being closed. Peak Sports Massage NI had set up their pre and post race treatment area beside the start line and Cathy McCourt gave all the runners great warm-up session.

Pamela Ballantine was there to get the race started and Seamus Garland was DJ for the day. Everything was all set for a great race. Murlough AC added a few incentives for the top runners this year with a chance to double the first place cash prizes if the men’s record time of 47:43 by Benny Teer could be beaten by two minutes and the women’s record of 53.12 by Cathy McCourt beaten by one minute.

The 691 runners went off quickly and as the field of cleared Main street the children’s races took place on the closed section of the road, with events for 7-8, 9-10 and 11-12 year-olds.

The course made its way out of Dundrum, then took a right turn onto the old road and continued to the Twelve Arches, down the ‘cut’ along the inner Dundrum Bay and on to Keel Point and Murlough House.

Conditions were perfect with just a light breeze as the runners encountered the long climb up to Murlough House and then down the boardwalk to the beach. With two miles on the beach it was impossible not to take a moment to appreciate what a great place it is we live in, with what must be some of the most beautiful scenery in the Country.

A long line of runners stretched towards Newcastle with Slieve Donard keeping a watchful eye on them all. Then it was off the beach and into the car park where there was a water station and then the long straight along the road side all the way back to Dundrum.

The fine day was reflected in the results with Brendan Teer finishing two minutes and 56 seconds quicker than last year in 44:47. In the ladies’ race Karen Alexander finished one minute and nine seconds quicker than last year’s leading time.

Murlough AC was well represented by 30 runners, Michael King being the first home in 48:58 followed by another new Murlough recruit, John Fitzpatrick, who finished in 16th position with 49:28. First Murlough lady home was Donna McCusker in 59:45 — she was not long back from her marathon in Inverness. Second lady was Michael’s sister Laura in 1:00:13.

It was all back to the parish hall for the prizegiving hosted by Pamela. The Committee had done some research and discovered that it was Pamela’s birthday, so they presented her with a fine cake, made by Sarah Cushnan of ‘Cup Cakes for Cancer’, which was big enough to provide a slice for everyone in the hall.

Also welcomed was a delicious warm cup of Alison’s famous pumpkin soup.

Prizes were handed out for all categories and also for the junior races too. Another prize on offer was a lottery with all runners entered for a weekend away in the Slieve Russell, which was won by Phelim McAllister.

Murlough AC wish to thank: Brennan’s for the goodie bags, Dundrum Development Association, all the race entries, Pamela Ballantine, U105, Buck’s Head Catering, Mourne Seafood Bar, all the volunteers, Dundrum GAC, Dundrum parish community, residents of Dundrum, Tesco Newcastle, National Trust, Graham and Son Construction, Sacred Heart Primary school, McCall’s Tile Centre, Ambutrans, Dr. Greer, Peak Sports Massage NI, Fr. Patton, Maranco and Cathy McCourt.