Portaferry 10 mile Road Race

A number of OAC personnel reported for duty at the Portaferry 10 Mile Race. Heavy duty as it turned out. On easily the hottest night of the year, humidity was also high and the wind speed was low. The course is scenic but testing with many undulations and significant hills at kilometre 14 and 15. Therefore it was a mental and physical struggle to reach that finish line. It was important that there were five water stations round the course.

I tip my Karrimor running cap to all who did it, especially our own little band. Robin Montgomery was the first Orangegrove runner home in 1:05:03 to win the M45 prize, 19th overall. Sile Brennan was our leading female in 1:12:15, 55th overall. Sharon and Brian McFarland finished 13th in the relay event in 1:29:30 with Judith McCann and Hilary Bradshaw finishing 17th in 1:32:29. Brian Todd though denied the M60 prize this time, finished second OAC male. Julie McKimm ran well to be second OAC female and was not far behind Michael O’Donoghue , who was third OAC male. Antra Balcuna was the third OAC female home. Ian Wilson showed grit and determination to overcome jet lag and finish the race. The race was won by Edward Cooke (North Belfast Harriers) in 56:39 with Jody Smith (North Down AC) the first female home in 1:07:07. The relay race was won by Graham Conolly (North Belfast Harriers) and Laura Breege (Mourne Runners) in 57:11.

Thanks to Chris Downey who was out on the course with water and words of encouragement. The event was very well run as you would expect with Mags Mathieson at the centre of it. Also, it was very well supported by the local community. As usual there were generous refreshments available afterwards.

10 Mile Race Results: