4 North Down runners swapped their usual Sunday morning runs for an ultramarathon or marathon to a finish line at Donaghadee lighthouse on 25th June. Jill Connolly, Donald Smith and Sean Nickell opted for the 41 mile race from the Blackhead lighthouse in Whitehead to Donaghadee while Peter McQuillan chose to remain in the exclusive group of North Down AC members (see also Mark Weir) who have run more ultramarathons then marathons, and run from a start point in Duncrue to the ‘dee. A heavy shower at the start of the ultramarathon didn’t dampen enthusiasm too much, and several more heavy showers along the route kept all the runners cool as they kept the coast on their left hand side all the way along the coastal path.
Peter finished the marathon in 5:23. Sean was first of the North Down runners to complete the ultra in 8th place in 7:06. Donald was next in 7:52 and Jill completed the distance in 8:17.
[photo: Jill Connolly, Donald Smith, Sean Nickell]
[photo: Jil Connolly]
[photo: Donald Smith]
[photo: Peter “Bez” McQuillan]
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