AFTER apparently being on its last legs (excuse the pun), the mile seems to be making a recovery as dramatic as the redoubtable Lazarus, with races over the distance taking place all throughout the country in the next number of weeks.
Last weekend’s NI Running event at the Mary Peters' Track kicked off mile mania in the best possible fashion, with an unprecedented 150 runners turning up to race over the distance. Meanwhile, in Ballymote, county Sligo, John Travers clocked 4:04 in a road mile.
Racing over the mile goes back to the 19th century, when it was used as a distance for gambling races. It was the only imperial distance to survive track and field's switch to metric distances in the 1900s and reached the zenith of its popularity during the chase for the four-minute mile in the 1950s.
The mile remains the only imperial distance for which the IAAF records an official world record, with the 4:14.4 by American John Paul Jones being the inaugural mile mark. The current mile world record holders are Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj, with a 3:43.13 timing and Svetlana Masterkova of Russia, with the women's record of 4:12.56.
Longford man Ray Flynn is the fastest Irish man, with a 3:49.77 timing, while Sonia O’Sullivan’s time of 4:17.25 makes her the sixth fastest woman ever over the distance. Jim McGuinness’ 3:55.0 from 1977 remains untouched by northern milers.
In the next few weeks, there are a number of mile events all over the province, with a 4 x 1 mile road relay in Carrickmore, a road mile in Buncrana and a track mile in Letterkenny. The organisers of the Belfast International Meeting in July may even change the 1,500m to a mile.
Despite its absence for some years, the mile obviously retains its magic (see elsewhere on this page for details of the Carrickmore event).
Killyclogher race is a go-go
IT IS all systems go for the annual Killyclogher 10K Road Run and 5K Fun Run and Walk according to Niall McKenna, PRO of the St Mary’s GAA club.
The popular event, which is now in its fifth year, takes place on Saturday, May 23 from the club’s headquarters at Drumnakilly Road, Omagh. The organisers launched this year’s event this week and have stuck to the tried and tested policy of not changing a winning formula. Once again, the same flat course is being used and, once again, the generosity of main sponsors Strathroy, O’Neill's, Northern Road Markings, KES Energi and Dún Uladh and 32 other local sponsors will ensure the best for the day’s event.
“The Killyclogher 10K Road Run, together with the 5K Fun Run and Walk, has become one of the most popular events in the year’s calendar of road runs,” said McKenna.
“An attractive flat course, chipped timing, good stewarding and warm hospitality have ensured that runners keep coming back as well as attracting new runners each year.”
This year, Killyclogher GAC continue their association with the local charity Gina Carrigan Forget Me Not, which has a strong connection with the club. They have also added the Enda Dolan Foundation due to the strong ties between the club and the Dolan family. Enda Dolan was a QUB Architecture student who was tragically knocked down and killed on Belfast's Malone Road at the end of last year.
Last year’s winner was Martin Cox, who came home in a time of 34:29. He was followed home by Peter Neill (34:31) and Fergus McGirr (34:35). The women’s race was won by Sperrin Harriers' Pauline McGurren in a time of 39:09, who was followed by Anne Moore (43:31) and Patricia Campbell (44:59).
There will be T-Shirts awarded to the first 200 entrants. Pre-entries can be downloaded from the Killyclogher GAA website (www.killycloghergaa.com) or can be booked online on the Athletics NI website.
Carmen runners to serve up relay good mile event
THE normally quiet village of Carrickmore is well used to sporting prowess, boasting one of the best and most consistent Gaelic football club sides in Tyrone.
But Carrickmore residents are set to experience the excitement of a new sport on June 3 when their streets will resonate to the sound of runners from all over the North. And it’s all thanks to the initiative of Michael Kerr, who has converted what was once an athletics desert into a running Mecca.
Without any history of the sport in the area, Kerr founded the Carmen Runners club, whose distinctive green uniform can be seen at races all over Ireland and beyond. The club also organises the successful Carmen 10 each March, which has attracted top internationals to Carrickmore.
Now, with the assistance of an industrious committee and Project Africa Athletics, Kerr and the club are hosting a 4x1 mile relay around the centre of the village. Teams of four runners will each cover a one-mile leg. The race will suit runners of all abilities and should attract entries from local businesses as well as established sports clubs.
"Carmen Runners are delighted to get involved with local man Ciarán Collins and his very exciting project involving athletes from East Africa,” said Kerr at the press launch.
“In organising this one-mile relay race we are encouraging runners of all abilities to test themselves against runners of similar abilities over the traditional distance of a mile. Already, there are a host of teams signed up to run the relay race. Sperrin Harriers, Armagh AC, Enniskillen Runners, Greencastle AC, Derry City Track Club, Knockmany Runners and Omagh Harriers have all pledged their support. We’re looking forward to a great evening,” added Kerr.
Registration for the race will be open from 6pm on the night, with the first race starting at 7pm (pre-entries in advance are also accepted via email to carmenrunners@hotmail.co.uk or projectafricaathletics@gmail.com).
Davagh trail race
COOPERATION between clubs is not that common in athletics, but Magherafelt Harriers and Sperrin Harriers have got together to come up with a new trail event in the scenic Davagh Forest outside Cookstown.
The race incorporates the new mountain bike trails and the forest paths recently constructed by the local council. The idea to hold a joint club race was born from the fact that both clubs frequently use Davagh for training and have a strong relationship.
This 10-mile trail race takes place on Saturday, May 16 at 12pm and includes all that Davagh has to offer, including the legendary 'Widow Maker' hill. According to the organisers, the event takes place at an ideal time for anyone training for the Newry and Walled City marathons.
The race is also an ideal test for experienced and novice runners alike to challenge themselves. Mementos will be available for the first 200 entrants. You can like both Magherafelt and Sperrin Harriers' Facebook pages to get regular updates between now and race day. The Athletics NI website will also provide information regarding the race. Further details can be found at www.sperrinharriers.co.uk.
BRIEF ONE
THE third annual Surf’n’Turf Half-Marathon & 10K takes place from Benone Beach near Limavady on May 16.
This is a multi-terrain race, with a mix of road, boardwalk and beach. The beach is made of extremely hard sand and is suitable for running. The half-marathon starts at 12pm and the 10K at 12.45pm. For more information or to enter, please go to www.born2runevents.com.
BRIEF TWO
The Week Ahead
TONIGHT
7:30pm – Ballyshannon 5K – Co. Donegal.
TOMORROW
9:30am – Parkrun 5K – Various venues.
SUNDAY
1:30pm – Termoneeny 10K - Gulladuff.
11am - Drummond NS 5K – Rathmelton, Donegal.
TUESDAY
7pm – North Down Open Meeting - Ball.
7pm – East Antrim 3 Mile Trail Race – Woodburn Forest.
