It was a relatively early start for the restaging of the Titanic 10k race after a two year wait. Over 20 North Down athletes toed the line at 10:15am on Sunday morning to negotiate the new course laid on by Athletics NI.
Gareth Watton was first man home and claimed a 6 second pb in the process when he finished in 8th place, timed at 33.37. Jamie Budde, who was once again operating in a pacing mode completed in 33:55 and in 15th place just ahead of Jessica Craig, 33:59 and 2nd female. Francis Marsh made it home in 34:31 to yet again claim an age category win and still within the top 20 open finishers.
Ben Caughers had a great run in finishing in 36:12 which is his best result in 5 years and Nick Irvine finished in 37:22. Andy Lowry was next in 37:57 and Melissa Eccles, complete with her new training regime managed a new pb of 38:00 since her last 10k 4 years ago. Sub 38 next time surely!
Chris Downey ensured his excellent weekly parkrun report was published before he undertook the race and he didn’t hang about clocking 39:18. Les Wilkinson succeeded in winning his age category in a time of 41:29 which should stand him in good stead for the grand prix series.
Young Ryan Lynas completed his first 10k in a decent 42:37 and there will certainly be quicker times ahead for him. His father Paul has already suffered the fate of many fathers as he crossed the line timed at 44:14, acceptance of the inevitable is key here Paul.
Fiona McVicker performed excellently in her age group clocking 43:08 and was followed home by the ND pairing of Colin Caldwell, 44:02 and Brian Geddis, 44:10. Kate Ferguson recorded 46:37 and Cara Jeffrey completed the course in 48:06. Roy Sittlington and Cliff McCausland were comfortably under the 50 min barrier when finishing in 49:23 and 49:53.
Running alongside each other Michelle Sandford and Angela Fawthrope clocked 55:39 with Terry Coyne recording 1:04:18.
Earlier in the junior races, products from the junior middle distance group, Carter Rolston won 2nd place in the boys race just ahead of Sebastian Mair in 3rd. Well done boys.
