Cunningham’s third series win

Cunningham’s third series win

5 June 2013

ANOTHER Thursday night and another Hill and Dale race, but unlike previous weeks, this was not just any Hill and Dale race.

Last week saw the return of the Lough Shannagh Horseshoe and undoubtedly the mountain race of the series.

Starting just above the Spelga Pass, the race route takes a very civilised climb over Peak 1, Ott Mountain, before taking breath and tackling the steeper, albeit still civilised slopes of peak two, Slieve Lough Shannagh.

Crossing the Mourne Wall, the route then descends rapidly into the heart of the high Mournes followed by a more aggressive climb of peak three, Doan Mountain.

A slightly less graceful descent takes the race route down to the shores of Lough Shannagh for a little tease before the final and totally undignified ascent of peak four, Carn Mountain.

After another crossing of the Mourne wall the route plummets to the start line some five miles and 1700 feet later.

Blessed with what could only be described as a stunning evening overhead, as opposed to the recently moistened underfoot conditions, the pre-race ritual kicked off shortly after 5.30pm.

First runner home, Stevie Cunningham, took advantage of the home turf to clock his third win of the series in 40:39 and take the edge over the absent Ian Bailey and Alan Bogle.

Up until the race start, all three held two wins each and needless to say, the series remains tough at the top. Cunningham was followed by Newcastle’s Seamus Lynch taking second place in 42:00, albeit closely contested by North Belfast Harriers Neil Carty taking third place in 42:14.

First lady across the line was Dromore’s Diane Wilson finishing 27th overall in 48:56 and well clear of Lagan Valleys Shileen O’Kane taking second lady by finishing 39th overall in 51:01 and finally Lagan Valley’s Anne Sanford taking third lady by finishing 70th overall 54:24.

As runners plummeted to the finish line, some considerable effort from the start whistle, pairs continued to battle to the bitter end. More notably were the battles between David Smyth and Tom McMeekin followed closely by Ricky Cowan and Mathew O’Hare.

Smyth and Cowan managed to finish with an element of grace while the others opted to chew a little turf in full view of the finish line.

While on the subject of spectator sports and bringing back the pre race preparation, another new addition to this race was the ‘Spot the Kit’ game played by both runners and spectators alike.

Given the very nature of the race, a mandatory kit requirement was in place with a very clear and evident ruling on disqualification. Employing a simple approach to address inappropriate behaviour in children, we would like to say a genuine thank you and well done to all that did as requested.

As always, it’s great to see members of the mountain running community turn up week after week and none more so than BARF runner Paddy Mallon.

Having suffered a neck fracture while mountain biking only a number of weeks back and having undergone extensive surgery, Paddy returned to a very warm welcome.

That said, when he initially shuffled out of Jim Brown’s van with full neck brace on and proceeded to the race registration waving a £10 note, eyebrows were raised.

Great to see you back Paddy and wishing you a speedy recovery.

Thanks to all who helped out, marshalling by Ian, Mark, Neville and Paddy, Admin by Frank, Joe, Mary and Heather, Tony for his invaluable hospitality and Mary Margaret at the Horseshoe Bar for a finish venue that’ll never be matched.

This weeks race is the Meels, keep yourself up to date with all the Hill and Dale race requirements via www.newcastleac.org.