[Not a valid template]Blue skies and some blistering races were on offer to those taking part in the AAI National Road Relay Champs in Raheny on Sunday – and both North Down”s two men”s teams put in a solid performance in their 4-stage event covering legs of 2laps+1lap+3laps+2laps (each lap just over 1mile). The men”s race was won by Raheny in a new course record of 37:33. Niall Robinson brought the “A” team home in 10th on the first leg in a swift 10.09 (after scorching through the first lap in 4:54), while John Carlisle (4:48) just held 10th in a close sprint finish with the (Co Clare) Ennis Track Club team. Francis Marsh (15:42) slipped to 12th at one stage, but rallied home in the last half mile of the longest leg to bring the “A” team back up to 10th – while James Budde (10:30) ran solidly to hold that position to the line (team time 41:09). Simon Seaton ran his usual even splits that saw him overtake 3 teams on the 2nd lap to run a very respectable 10:38 – for the “B” team – and set up Jordan Stokes well for catching the teams ahead. Jordan did the job required – with a storming 4:56 leg – and moved the “B” team up 3 places. Mark Weir, who had only just returned to running this time last year after at least 10 years out of the sport, ran the tough long leg (in 16:55) and did well to drop only 2 places. Brian Barron ran the anchor leg (in 11:19), setting off in his brisk way but eventually settled and finished strong to bring the team in 21st and under their target of breaking 44mins (43:48).