Sun shines on Jimmy’s Ten as huge field enjoy personal bests all round

16 March 2016

A SUPER day on the weather front was matched for its sparkle on the route as Jimmy’s Ten hit the road again on Sunday.

A record-breaking 821 runners enjoyed the novelty of warmth while taking in the unique sights of Downpatrick and the surrounding area at its beautiful best.

In many ways the attraction of Jimmy’s Ten is the post-race refreshments and the craic when old friends meet again and new ones are formed. The sense of camaraderie is palpable and thanks to the sunshine on Sunday, participants and their families were able to relax and dine al fresco.

In the absence of all previous male winners there was always going to be a new name on the Jimmy Murray Memorial Shield and that it should prove to be the top Northern Ireland-based runner, Paddy Hamilton, from Slieve Gullion Runners, was indeed fitting.

Paddy turns 35 on St Patrick’s Day and will continue to dominate open races as well as becoming a force in the masters category.

The runner-up for the second year in a row was Paddy’s former colleague with Annadale Striders, James O’ Hare from Downpatrick. In third place was Derry Track Club and Project Africa’s Martin Cox.

There were several notable performances from the host club, but more about that next week.

Former ladies’ winner and national steeplechase champion Kerry O’Flaherty stamped her class on the race and showed she is in fine form after a successful indoor season on her build up to the Olympics in Rio by coming home relatively comfortably in 34.49 ahead of Mourne Runners’ Laura Graham and Newcastle’s cross-country champion, Shalene McMurray.

All in all, a good day for the Newcastle club and the Kingdom of Mourne in general.

The first junior lady for the second year in a row was East Down’s Laura Gardiner, whose time of 40.55 was almost three minutes faster than last year and a clear sign of good, gradual progress.

East Down is grateful for the support it receives every year from local clubs and from those across the country and is delighted that even with many competing races on the same day or around the same weekend that so many continue to take part in Jimmy’s Ten.

Pride of place must go to Ballydrain Harriers who fielded an incredible 130 plus runners to top the 92 last year.

A huge vote of thanks is extended to everyone who helped towards the success of the day, with a special well done to the members who helped with the pre-race registration and the band of members and friends who worked so hard at the post race refreshments.

The fare on offer on Sunday ensured that Jimmy’s Ten retains its standing as the provider of best post race refreshments anywhere.

Thanks too to everyone who helped set up and dismantle the route signage and moved barriers and cones into and out of position as necessary and to all the volunteer marshals and to the PSNI personnel who ensured safe passage around the route.

Thanks are also extended to Davie Seaton, chairman of Athletics NI, to principal sponsor MB McGrady & Co, Chartered Accountants, the other event sponsors Dupes DVD and Video Duplication who took some great shots from the drone, Translink who provide the transport to and from the relay handover point, Plus2Print who provide flyers, publicity, banners and signs to keep the public informed of the activities of the club not only for Jimmy’s Ten, but also for all coming events, Wrap and Roll who provide water for all participants and to Denvir’s Hotel which offers great value meals and deals.

This year East Down is organising several races for primary school children on St Patrick’s Day in Market Street, just before the festival parade arrives.

They plan to have races for P3, P4, P5, P6 and P7 boys and girls. The race is sponsored by the local McDonald’s food outlet and all entrants will receive a fruit pack, drink and a medal. Don’t miss it kids.

The streets will be packed with spectators waiting for the parade so this is the chance to perform in front of a massive audience.

All of the races will begin and end near the library and as the time frame for starting and finishing them will be tight every child who intends to run must be at the start line by 1.15pm.

The distinctive red East Down gazebo will be erected close by the library or outside the SERC building as the focal point for children and parents.

Further details on the club website www.eastdownac.co.uk.

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