Battling Bailey blasts way to superb Hill & Dale victory

Battling Bailey blasts way to superb Hill & Dale victory

1 May 2013

THE sun returned to Rostrevor for this year’s third race in the Hill & Dale Series.

On the summit of Slieve Martin, banks of snow still remained from March, but this didn’t put off the 203 runners that entered. Ian Bailey had a point to prove following his disqualification for taking the wrong route in last week’s Tollymore race and he wasn’t going to make the same mistake again, having checked the course during the week to ensure he knew where he was going.

The route takes the runners uphill from the start through Fiddler’s Green, on to forest single tracks that get progressively steeper, leading to the grassy area on open mountain near the Cloghmoor Stone. 

From there the route continues even steeper over Slievemeen, a gentle descent follows towards Slieve Martin before the final climb to the summit, at over 1600 feet the highest point in the area. 

On a clear day Carlingford Lough stretches out below, but it is unlikely any of the runners will have time to take in the view, with the fast descent to the finish.

The race was started by the whistle of head time keeper Frank Morgan and the 203 strong field was on its way.

By Fiddlers Green, Ian Bailey was already pulling clear and continued to open up a large lead for one of the most comfortable wins in recent years, over two minutes clear of David McNeilly.

Next to finish in an excellent third place was the man of many shoes, David Steele, his last minute shoe choice of the Invo8 190 proving to be a good one.

Dale Mathers finished a strong fourth and first V45. In the ladies’ race Shileen O’Kane was first home, just over 20 seconds clear of Diane Wilson. A further 30 seconds behind, Gillian Wasson was third lady to finish.

Overall, the race went well with only a few cut knees to sort out from slips on the fast descent. There was an unusual injury as result of a fall by Jerome McCrickard who believed he had dislocated his shoulder and was spotted wandering about the finish area looking for a doctor to confirm the injury or possibly fix it.

When the only help he could find was the on site first aider, who only had bandages and a phone for calling 999, he wandered off on his quest to find professional help.

The race organiser would like to thank all the helpers, marshals and Tony Steele for the use of his van for taking the entries. Presentation and refreshments followed in Rostrevor’s Cloghmoor Inn.

This week’s race is uphill only, with the summit finish on Slieve Binnian.

All runners are reminded to bring full body cover wet weather clothing, or they will not be allowed to start.