11 Athletes, 5pbs, 3 individual prizes and 2 team prizes were the headline stats for the North Down contingent at the 20th annual international road races in Armagh last night (Thurs).
Conditions were reasonable good; dry, 4degC and little wind. In the women”s 3k, Jessica Craig led the team home in 22nd after a swift last 800m, clocking a pb of 10:54. Roberta Dornan ran well for 23rd (& 2nd F35) in 10:57, while Stephanie Hambling took another prize (2nd F40) in placing 32nd in 11:29. Team effort was rewarded with 3rd team prize.
Next race saw the mens (loaded) 5K. Niall Robinson led the NDAC guys home in 60th (15:47pb). Francis Marsh and James Budde attempted to shake-off recent illness with 72nd (16:21) and 75th (16:32) while Nick (shin-splints) Arkensparr ran a solid 17:03 (82nd) off x-training.
Last up were the Junior, Vets and open 3k. Jordan Stokes ran a near perfect race for 6th in 9:12pb followed by Glenn Willis in 18th (9:48pb) backed up in the junior team by Mat McMullan in 10:43pb (55th). close behind was Terry Eakin in 61st (10:51) – taking 2nd M60. The juniors were rewarded with 3rd team prize.