Crudgington races to win

Crudgington races to win

21 May 2025

MEELMORE Lodge hosted race six of the 2025 Hill and Dale Series, with runners tackling a 4.5- mile route that summited Slievenaglogh (586m) and Lukes (391m).

Out of 348 registered runners, 312 (224 male, 88 female) braved the rugged inclines.

 Taking full advantage of the dry ground and bright skies, Tom Crudgington (Newcastle and District AC) blazed to victory with a blistering time of 36:05, improving his 2024 time by 1:16.

His clubmate, Ashley Crutchley, followed closely behind in 38:14, fending off a late push from Niall McCartan (BARF), who rounded out the men’s podium in 38:56. 

Esther Dickson (Newry AC) clocked 47:30 to top the overall female standings, finishing 29th overall. Karen Wilton (Jog Lisburn RC) powered home in 47:36 to claim second and 30th overall with the ever-gritty Diane Wilson (Dromore AC), proving once again that class is permanent with a strong 50:20 for third place and 55th overall. 

Whilst there was over two-minute gap between the top two male finishers, the women’s race threw up, literally, an exceptionally close finish. Although Dickson did manage to edge out Wilton at the finish line, she was unfortunately unable to control her emesis, which resulted in some discolouration on a nearby dry-stone wall. 

As is always the case with each Hill and Dale outing, it is the races within the race each week that can be more interesting than the main event itself.

The challenge of being the first to finish from the townlands of Shinn/Saval is becoming increasingly competitive each year. Peter McEvoy (Mourne Runners 49:08) narrowly beat his cousin Danny McKenna (Shinn Striders 1:00:27), while Brendan Ward (Saval and District AC 1:12:02) completed the field.

McKenna is expected to improve steadily, taking advice from his father Frank, while McEvoy will need to stay vigilant for competition coming off Millstone next week. Ward, who is recovering from an injury, aims to gain ground steadily. 

Post race Doran’s Public House opened its doors to the Hill and Dale competitors for refreshments. As is custom a Hill and Dale Series mug was immediately presented to the Doran’s Bar owners who in turn allowed Percy the cat to join in the awards ceremony. 

Race directors, the McVeigh brothers, extend their gratitude to all volunteers, marshals, and the catering team for their indispensable support in ensuring the smooth conduct of the race – Debbie, Rita, Mark, Miley, The Butcher, Frank, Paul, The Prophet, Jerome, Rory, Michael, Dylan, Francie, Marty, Connaire Og and Harry. Special thanks also go to Doran’s for their generous hospitality. 

The Hill and Dale series progresses to its seventh race tomorrow at Newcastle and Millstone Mountain. Registration and refreshments will be available at O’Hare’s Bar, Lounge, Estate, and Spa. The race whistle will sound promptly at 7.30pm.

In recognition of being awarded the Northern Ireland Dog and Cat of the Year Pub Award, proprietor Jack O’Hare is offering a pet sitting service for participants running Millstone. Additionally, Mr. O’Hare has generously agreed to sponsor Hill and Dale dog and cat bowls for owners, replacing the traditional Hill and Dale mugs. 

Participants are reminded that full body cover is mandatory, and pre-race checks will be conducted thoroughly. Furthermore, runners must adhere to the terms and conditions signed for each race. If directed by marshals to turn around during a race, this instruction must be followed without exception.