Write a commentThe Newry AC athletes were back out competing in the disciplines of Mountain, Cross Country and Road Racing this week.
Mourne Skyline Mountain Trail Race - Newcastle
Noel Carr took on the prestigious annual Skyline MTR on Saturday morning. This was a tough race covering 35k and 3,370 metres of ascent.
On a warm but misty day the race route took the runners from Newcastle to the Donard/Comedagh Col (Saddle), Bearnagh, Meelmore, Foffany, Loughshannagh, Meelbeg, Meelmore, Bearnagh, Comedagh, Donard and back down to the finish line in Donard Park.
Noel ran a tactical race and with his seasoned experience and strong endurance he worked his way up through the race field ensuring that he did not push too early and burnout - a mistake that runners can often make. In a race field of 247, Noel had gained 96th position on reaching the Foffany checkpoint. On the return leg, Noel had gained 25 places on reaching Bearnagh and on a final push over the final two summits of Comedagh and Donard, Noel descended powerfully to the finish line to take a fantastic 47th placing.
This is a brilliant placing in a race field of top UK and Irish athletes - well done Noel.
Comber Cup Cross Country - Comber
5 Athletes took part in the first Cross Country meet of the season in Comber under the watchful eye of Coach Kookie. Weather conditions were warm, dry with good ground underfoot and a few undulating hills thrown in.
Meadow McCauley was first to run in the Under 17s 4km race of which was fielding top NI competition. From the offset, Meadow ran a steady race in her usual calm manner and was rewarded with a well deserved 6th place in a time of 15:50.
Next up were Esther Dickson, Sarah Jane Beattie and Joanne McCauley in the John McKeag 6k against a race field of 152.
Esther ran a steady race against strong NI club representation and finished in a time of 22:28, 4th FO and 10th overall.
Sarah Jane and Joanne both started with the same race plan of taking a steady pace and building up for the final lap. Both runners competed hard, to plan and finished in good times and position as well as each recording course PBs. Sarah Jane was 36th overall, 8th FO in a time of 25:26; Joanne was 68th overall in a time of 28:43.
Last to race was Rory Mulvaney in the 8k Comber Cup. With a tough 4 laps to run and a race field of 182, Rory started off strong and remained consistent in pace and placing. He finished in a well earned 64th in a time of 29:48.
Glenmore AC Kearney & McBride 5k, Co. Louth
Sarah Jane Beattie travelled to Bush, Carlingford on Sunday to compete in the 5k Road Race.
After a tough Cross Country the previous day, Sarah Jane finished in a great time of 22:01, 29th overall and 6th Female.
