Alan McCullough of Willowfield won the Felix McCullough 10k today in 32:13 over a testing hilly course along country roads around Dungannon. North Down closed in 5 runners in the first 14, in a very well organised and marshalled event that benefited from superb weather and over 150 finishers.
Four of North Down’s middle distance squad took the plunge at racing 12 times their last race with Michael Dyer, James Budde and Francis Marsh running through the mid point together in 8th to 10th positions in 16:48, while Robin Brown and Simon Seaton were close together also in 18:05. Three climbs between 6k and 9k took their toll on the whole field – with speeds reduced – but at least the final 1K was downhill. Francis Marsh finished strong to take 5th in 34:20 with Michael Dyer 9th in 34:59, James Budde 10th in 35:17, Robin Brown 12th in 36:54 and Simon Seaton 14th in 37:20. Francis and Robin took M35 and M19 (cash!) prizes respectively. Big thanks to the organisers – not least for moving the date to avoid clashing with the Bangor 10k.