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A strong squad of 23 Castle Gardens runners assembled at the Billy Neill Playing Fields between Comber and Dundonald on Sunday 13th October 2024 to take part in the U12 race at the Comber Cup. Organised by Ballydrain Harriers, the races attract strong fields from across the country with runners coming from local clubs, clubs at the opposite end of the county and even from as far away as Mid Ulster. Over 120 runners were registered to take part in the U12 race with boys and girls racing together on the challenging 1 kilometre course. With 24 pupils registered to take part (one withdrawing with illness overnight) we were delighted to have almost exactly 20% of the field representing Castle Gardens. Many of our runners were taking part in their first ever race for school but all were in great spirits as they arrived to register and get numbers pinned onto vests and t-shirts ahead of the race.
After a short walk up onto the course, we proceeded to warm up, taking a look at the route very carefully as we did so. Surprisingly, the ground remained firm despite the recent rain- as firm as I've ever seen it at these particular playing fields- but the hills still remained! After taking a jog to examine the course, our runners proceeded to stretch to help their muscles limber up for what would undoubtedly be a fast pace from the off. As the runners made their way to start line, the adults spread out across the course to offer support and encouragement.
From the top of the hill, there were gasps of jealousy as the marshals and spectators looked on in awe and envy at the frenetic start as the leaders hurtled around the first corner, the field charging after them. "Surely they'll slow down when they hit the hill?" commented one on-looker before quickly realising that the fearlessness of youth meant that this would simply not be the case. At the summit of the hill, Zac appeared first for Castle Gardens, nestled on the fringe of the top 20 places. Not far behind, sister Sofia and Jay were locked in battle with a group of club runners just ahead of Will, Alex, Danny, Charlotte, Lexie, Logan and Elsie. Next came Cody, Caleb, Oscar, Niamh, Oliver, Silvana and Daniel just ahead of Avery, Alexa, Mason, Dalian and David.
Rounding the halfway point and turning for home, the runners had another uphill drag before they could enjoy the long downhill stretch. Zac, a very experienced runner and all-round sportsman, continued to look in command as he headed for home as our first runner. Jay came next, making an excellent debut despite giving away 2 years to many of the competitors around him, closely followed by Sofia. Danny had just moved ahead of Alex, another debutant conceding 2 years to many of his peers, who was still in close proximity and alongside Will. Lexie, Logan, Charlotte, Cody and Caleb appeared next over the brow of the rise with Charlotte appearing to be limping having twisted her knee while making the turn for home. Oscar led the charge of the next group of Castle Gardens runners with Niamh, Oliver, Elsie, Daniel, Mason and Silvana doing their best to stay in touch. Avery, Alexa, Dalian and David were our final runners to set off for home down the hill with David producing a particularly excellent charge to close the gap to his friends in front.
Back at the finish, it was lovely to assemble everyone together for a well deserved chocolate treat and a photograph or two. While the vast majority of our runners today have never raced for school before, we hope this might just be the start of a running journey during their time at school. There are many races ahead during the winter months and our 'School Championships' in January 2025 which incorporates our House Trophy for the winning House Team.
A big thank you is extended to the families of all our participants for supporting Team Castle Gardens. Without your enthusiasm and support, our participation would not be possible. Well done to all our runners for a great effort- there are definitely worse ways to spend a Sunday morning. Thank you also to Ballydrain Harriers for hosting the fabulous event. If any of our children are interested in running more regularly, there are a number of attractive club options on our doorstep with Scrabo Striders, North Down AC, Ballydrain Harriers, Coastal Runners and Loughview Athletic Club all within very close proximity.
