Zak is king of the Tollymore Hill and Dale

Zak is king of the Tollymore Hill and Dale

24 April 2024

LAST Thursday saw the second race in this year’s Hill and Dale Series in the glorious setting of Tollymore Forest Park, which acts as the ‘warm-up’ to the Slieve Martin, Slieve Binnian and of course Slieve Donard events.

There was a different buzz about this year as race directors had also organised a Hollywood blockbuster to be filmed in the natural beauty of Tollymore Forest Park with none other than Gerard Butler - whispered not only to be lead in the film ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ but also had registered for the race well before the cut off every Tuesday at 9pm (which is a gentle and unsubtle reminder to get entered on time).  

As I am sure you are well aware, a lot of work happens behind the scenes, months, weeks, days and hours before the actual race. 

A sub team directed by the ‘Housewives favourite’ Francie was coned to mark the course the evening before.  

Organisers Francie, Prophet, McCann and Eamon all had the task to mark the route and navigate around copious yellow signage, film personnel as well as truck rigs and scaffolding - no easy assignment.

Only one man to sort this job and have a ‘word’ with security - the Prophet. 

After a stern looking discussion the Prophet gave the go ahead to the team - rumour has it that Gerard Butler has been replaced and a new lead man will be taking over - watch this space.

Last week saw Tom Crudgington and Catriona Edington take top positions and this time around, skipping up the infamous and torturous green rig finish, was international superstar Zak Hanna in a blistering 29.30 time.

He was followed by three of his fellow team-mates with Ethan McMullan in second, Patrick McDaid placing third and Rostrevor man David Hicks taking fourth.

This week it was Martsje Hell’s turn to take first female in 37.22 and 28th overall position with Catriona Edington in second place in 38.09 and 42nd overall position. 

Third lady was Dromore AC runner Diane Wilson with an outstanding run of 39.51 and 55th overall position. 

The organisers look forward to watching all these ladies as the series heads to the mountains. 

A huge congratulations to all the category winners, too many to name individually but still an amazing achievement.

Thankfully the continuous reminders to register before Tuesday at 9pm and the reminder to bring your number to every race seems to be paying off with everyone remembering this week - so well done to you all - it really saves a lot of admin and issues at the registration. 

There were still, however, four people who didn’t get scanned in at the start. Participants must come to the van and get ‘bleeped’ in.

A huge thank you to all the volunteers as always.

The battle for the mugs is now ramping up with a lot of first timers saying the only reason they decided to enter was to get one.

Runners and the Tollymore organising team made the quick dash to Quinn’s Bar in Newcastle where welcome refreshments and a snack was waiting for those who raced and of course volunteered. 

Next up is what many say is the most challenging race, Slieve Martin in Rostrevor which can be described as the ‘epi-centre’ of County Down with race directors David and Barry Og - both of whom grew up running this on their door step. 

Please remember to get registered on time to avoid disappointment.