Cross country season comes to a close

The road racing scene got into its stride with the Jimmy’s 10K in Downpatrick and the first in the SPAR road race series.

Dromore Athletic Club had athletes competing in all events with a very successful outcome.

In the British and Irish Masters Championships Dromore had two athletes on the medal rostrum due to their excellent performances with Geraldine Branagh taking silver in the O45 category and Gillian Burns bronze in the O35 section in the 6k race.

There were also super runs from Brian McKee in the 8K, taking eightth in the O45 race and 17th for Willie Weir in the O60s.

In the Irish Schools Cross Country Championships in Cork Ryan McDermott (South East Regional College) had a great run to finish ninth in the senior boys 6K and also with a super run in 22nd was Russell White (Banbridge Academy).

Jimmy’s 10K in Downpatrick saw a good turnout of Dromore athletes with excellent performances all round and a fair share of the prizes coming their way as well.

Julie Turley continued her great form in the women’s race, finishing third overall on a testing course in 37mins 01secs and her excellent performances to date has earned her her first senior international vest at the home internationals in Mansefield at the end of the month.

Julie was well backed up with outstanding runs in the women’s race from Amanda Russell (first O45) in 45.34, Aine McNeill (second O40) in 45.20, Mary Mackin (second O50) in 46.13 with these four athletes taking the team prize as well.

More excellent performances continued with Diane McKee (46.21), Caroline Nelson (47.23), Janice Reid (47.52), Wendy Fleming (48.05), Helen McCartan (48.37 - four minutes faster than last year), Annette Blaney (52.50) and Beverley Martin (53.45).

In the men’s race again the running from the Dromore athletes was top notch with Nigel Grier leading them home with a super run for second O45 in 36.38, followed by Ernie Hall (first O55) in 42.35, Neil Dillon (42.44) and Colin Scott (44.06).