T’was the race before Christmas for Newry City Runners

Lake Run

In the ‘Runners World’ in this neck of the woods, Christmas does not begin to exist without ‘The Race Around the Lake’

It draws huge crowds each year and this year was no exception, the biggest yet – a sellout!

Even the extremely inclement (though somewhat festive) weather nor the forecast of another storm did not deter the eager runners who descended to the start line to Race Around the Lake.

It was indeed bitterly cold, with snow lying in the ditches but the festive cheer and camaraderie amongst those taking part seemed to thaw all enough to don Christmas outfits and racing apparel for the starting Claxton, which this year was done by the special guest of honour – Bobby Brown.

There was torrential rain/sleet about an hour before the race and thankfully this had stopped by 10:00 – the start of the race. The route is not an easy one, and although it is a nice flat start it was not before long before the climbing of many a hill had commenced.

However, what goes up must come down and there was a nice long downhill where the legs and lungs got some recovery before the next climb. Whilst there was a strong and bitter wind that had many a snowman/woman and Santa holding onto their hats, the rain held off until about the halfway point, when there was a furious sleet shower that felt like needles, the advantage of which helped many to hasten their pace. Any notion of walking too was well put to the back of the mind. It’s in this section of the course that the hills might not be as steep and sharp, but longer and more of a drag on tired legs. At mile 5, with just over 2-miles to go, the welcome sound of the Tannoy could be heard as it carried across the hills giving all an extra boost that the finish line was near. With the last climb underway the sight of the troops ahead taking a sharp turn was a welcome one as it was the last downhill dash into the last mile. Turning left it was onto the flat on the pavement before turning down the last section of road, slightly undulating but mostly a decline towards the finish line.

This is one of the races that many just to get a long Sunday Run, get the legs stretched out before Christmas festivities and to just have some fun, whilst others race like the wind.

Twenty-nine members of the club made their way around the Lake in fine fashion.

First home for the club was Conor Morgan in a time of 43:59 getting into the top ten finishers with Ryan Corrin on his heels in 44:11. The next five home all finished in quick succession and under 50 minutes; Peter Linden 47:15, Tomas Magill 47:22, Daryl Bogues 47:37, Paddy Havern 47:48 and Conor Havern 48:48.

Paul O’Brien 50:47, Niall Rankin 51:57 and first home of the girls, not letting a nightshift hamper her speed was Aine Fegan 52:26. Noel Moan followed in 53:21, Marty Farnon 54:13, Una Campbell 57:58, Damien Maguire 59:02 and Deborah Loughran 59:03.

Shane O’Callaghan made a welcome return to racing in a time of 1:00:28, Ciaran McBride 1:02:24, Eva Kitchen 1:02:58 and Helen McElroy 1:02:58.

Peter Maguire 1:03:54, Damian McCann 1:04:00, Ciara McCaffrey 1:05:23, Emer Matthews 1:08:18 and Joanne McCluskey 1:09:33. Nicola McCormick 1:10:31, Gemma Blackadder 1:11:48, Patricia Brown 1:13:06 and James McEvoy 1:17:24

A special shoutout to Janine Burns who took on the Lake Run ahead of the posey. Not only was it early in the morning, with no encouragement/support from other runners, but the weather was also much worse. I don’t have a time for Janine as there was no ‘chip’ operating at that time, but I can report that she completed it with her usual finesse and steeliness.

Two further shoutouts go to Nicola’s daughter – Hayden who had a fantastic race – 55:17 and Patricias niece, Ellen who was doing her longest run ever, finishing in a brilliant time of 1:13:08.

Finally, congratulations to Dermott Winters and team on another excellent running event.

The Drogheda & District AC Annual Christmas 5K

Ruairi Donnelly headed down to Newtownstalaban County Louth for The Drogheda & District AC Annual Christmas 5K.

Starting at 11:00 the weather was horrid, with a bitterly strong wind. Thankfully, the torrential rain had ceased. Due to Council restrictions the start and finish was changed from The Lourdes Stadium Track to the Drogheda AC field which meant a gravel start and finish. There were also two 180 degree turns at cones to negotiate. Even with the strong and bitter wind, Ruairi still gave a stellar performance. He finished with a magnificent time of 17:17

Parkruns

Hillsborough Parkrun

Ryan Corrin celebrated the Winter Solstice by heading to Hillsborough for their parkrun. He finished in third place with a time of 18:45.

Wallace Parkrun

Louise McKenzie chose Wallace Parkrun over Stonehenge or Newgrange as she celebrated the shortest day of the year with a super parkrun, finishing in a time of 28:13 on a difficult course.

Upcoming Events:

The Christmas Classic Memorial Race

Unfortunately, we had to postpone the Christmas Classic this weekend owing to Storm Darragh. Runners safely is paramount to us, and we sadly had to make the decision to postpone the race.

As it is of the longest running races in the running calendar – we hope to reschedule The Christmas Classic as soon as possible.

This race has historically been in memory of Kevin Heaney, and it still is. However, over the years we have sadly lost so many more legends within the running community. This has led to a slight change in the name of the event to The Christmas Classic Memorial Race.

This race is in honour the memory of the friends, family members and loved ones we have lost over the years, whether it be runners or those who supported the running community.

As always, the race will be in support of The Southern Area Hospice, with all proceeds on the day going directly to them.

It is a ‘no frills’, unchipped event, with a minimum donation of just £5.00.

The ‘out and back’ route is along the towpath, which is a nice flat route. It is a race for all abilities and is handicapped, so everybody has an equal chance of winning the Kevin Heaney Cup!

The race will take place at W.I.N. Industrial Estate, date, and time to be confirmed.

Registration will take place at 09:00 a.m. at the Enterprise Centre at W.I.N. on the morning of the race.

Please come along and support this race, honour the memory of great people, become part of an historic race, raising much needed funds for a great cause.

Willies Winter Training:

Willies Winter Training will return to Kilbroney Park again on Sunday, 29th December at 09:30.

Meeting point is in the Lower Carpark. The session, which is free of charge, is open to all runners and will last for 90 minutes consisting of a 1-mile warm-up, drills, jumps/hurdles, hill work to mention a few followed by a cooldown.

Please note that if there is an Athletics Event taking place on a Sunday, the session will not take place that day.

This is truly excellent training, please come along and see if you like it.

Club training:

Club Training continues each week St Colman’s Running Track on Tuesday evening at 19.00 sharp.

Thursday evening club run has returned. Meeting point is outside Newry Leisure Centre at 19:00 and it is a run for all levels, all are very welcome.