In a field of nearly 300 athletes 18 North Down runners took part in the Les Jones memorial race which starts and finishes at the Mary Peters track. In what is a tough course taking in the towpath and Shaws Bridge and then finishing with a notoriously challenging climb, our athletes did manage to record PB’s and a winner.
Jodi Smith covered the course in 39:30 minutes, a clear 38 seconds clear of her nearest rival, and claimed first place which is an indication of the top form Jodi is in right now. Congratulations Jodi.
Of the other ladies running Valerie McDonough was next in clocking 42:37 which was a pb, Lynne Kerr, with London Marathon in her legs, finished in 48:06 and Helen Irvine making it round the hills in 49:01.
Mark Weir was our first male athlete in with a very respectable 36:55 giving him 13th place followed by Darren Hamilton who made up substantial ground in the latter sections of the race to take 18th position in 37:50. Colin Walker, also with London legs, came in on 40:23 with Terry Eakin following close behind in 40:30, which was 1st place in his age category. David Massey was right behind Terry with 40:32, 62nd, and Alan Massey a little further back in 41:00, 67th.
Philip Mulligan, being pursued by Valerie McDonough, made it home in 42:18 and with it pb, and looked slick in his new shades while Michael Roberts and Paul Galloway finished within 2 places of each other with 46:19 and 46:32. Andrew Muir was next in on 47:28, James Barr 48:32. Roy Sittlington made it round the course in a credible 49:11.
Nicola Newell and Tracey Hodgson, both emerging from the NDAC New Beginnings group, completed in 57:28 and 57:52 which is an indication of the progress made by members of this group who will prosper once they go to the Monday and Wednesday night groups offered by the club.
This was the 4th race in this years’ Novosco grand prix 10K series so great to see so many North Down athletes participate and earn points for the club.
http://athleticsni.org/download/files/Results2016%2DLesJones10K%2Exls