Greyabbey 10k
Even on a busy Friday evening the journey to Greyabbey is an enjoyable one. Superb views across Strangford Lough on the one side and, on the other, the rustic gray stone walls of the Mount Stewart estate. We always receive a warm welcome in the village hall as a preliminary to this 10k jaunt in the townlands north of the village. The race begins on the main Newtownards Road before taking the runner through the village. Following a left turn at the t-junction there is a steady incline along Carrowdore Road towards Patterson’s Hill before the welcome descent along Spring Road for the long straight back to the village. Two loops are to be completed before the runner can contemplate tea, sandwiches and the sticky buns. Not the easiest 10k, but one that is beautifully scenic and always memorable. Conditions on the night were variable; patchy rain, a slight breeze and in some places quite humid while in others cool. Orangegrove members, twenty-two in total, were prominent on the night and the results from amongst our fraternity were as follows:-
Men
(1) Thomas Leitch (M40) 37.59 (10th)
(2) Andy McIntyre 38.27 (11th)
(3) Robin Montgomery (M45) 38.54 (15th)
(4) Joe Craney 40.57
(5) Chris Downey 41.12
(6) Darren Houston 43.30
(7) Brian Todd 43.53
(8) Rodney Corrigan 44.27
(9) David Fletcher 44.54
(10) Stephen Hamilton 45.39
(11) Gerald Harvey 48.39
(12) Paul Gruhn 50.47
(13) Reg Sanlon 51.55
Well done to Thomas Leitch on a great run and to Gerald Harvey on completing his first race in Orangegrove colours. May there be many more. Thomas Leitch (M40) and Robin Montgomery (M45) both won age category awards. Congratulations to them.
Ladies
(1) Julie McKimm (F40) 46.00
(2) Jill Holland 48.10
(3) Kerris Hamilton 50.56
(4) Hannah Macleod 51.09
(5) Kirsty Buchanan 52.19
(6) Ashleigh Collim 56.24
(7) Melinda Wilkinson 56.57
(8) Catherine Fearon 59.33
(9) Paula O’Reilly 1.05.22
Julie McKimm (F40) was flying on the night and was Orangegrove’s first lady home in a very respectable time. Well done too, Julie, on winning an age category prize. Jill Holland had an inspired run to finish second of the ladies. Well done to Kirsty Buchanan on her personal best and to Ashleigh Collim who made more noise on her way round than the rest of the two hundred strong field put together. Well done too, Paula O’Reilly! Great to see Paula back running with Orangegrove once again.
The Greyabbey 10k was won by Neil Weir (Willowfield Harriers) in 34.29. Jodie Smith (North Down AC) was first lady in 41.40.
