Lynch enjoys summer sun on his way to Rocky crown

Lynch enjoys summer sun on his way to Rocky crown

23 May 2018

A SUMMER’S evening in the middle of the Mournes — if that well known Danish Lager did fell races. 

Thursday evening saw race five in the Hill and Dale series descend upon Leitrim Lodge car park where 259 runners signed on for the annual haul into the hills of one of most picturesque parts of the Mournes.

Run in an anti- clockwise direction, the charge began at precisely 7.29pm — Frank was delighted.

The runners set-off with the imposing climbs to Altnatagart, Tournamrock, across to Pierce’s Castle, onwards to the final climb up Rocky before the runners embarked on the fast, technical descent of Rocky towards the finish. 

The pre-race favourites, Newcastle’s Seamus Lynch and William McKee, made their intentions clear putting daylight between themselves and the chasing pack as they reached the first climb, Lynch extended his lead as the race progressed and ran out a worthy winner in an impressive time of 30.22.

McKee ran a strong race in second with Colm Murtagh completing the podium.

The ladies’ race was won by Newcastle Ac’s Mari Troeng, who ran an excellent time of 39.23.

The long lane towards the finish is tailor-made for the fast finisher, some epic battles were witnessed with Bolt-like lunges to the line being standard form.

Only for the instructions from the race director to “slow down and get into order” who knows how many would have ended up in the river for an early bath? 

In a world of sameness, it’s often a challenge to ‘stand out from the crowd’.

That condition clearly does not affect Paddy O’Higgins, who clearly had an early week recce to seek an alternative route.

Whilst the 258 runners ran the traditional climb along the wall, Paddy, much to onlookers’ amusement, set off at a 90 degree angle and proceeded to run towards Rostrevor.

Onlookers proffered a lack of updates on his Garmin the only plausible reason for such a route. Paddy stole the occasional glance over his shoulder to see just how many were following his outside the box thinking, turns out the other 258 runners thought he was barking mad as he progressed alone. 

Upon reaching the first summit — Paddy’s second as his route added a new mountain to climb — he asked of his position.

A sharp 230th was the reply from the marshals and it became clear to Paddy his alternative route needs some further refining for next year’s event.

Runners enjoyed the obligatory post-race bathing session in the nearby river to cool the limbs and make one presentable for the Maghera Inn where Mathew and his team provided a warm welcome, great grub and the best pint of Guinness in the country. 

Sincere thanks to everyone who made the event possible from marshals, timekeepers, sign-on team, a great effort saw the event run like clockwork.

This week’s race takes place at Moughanmore, 7.30pm start; limited car parking at Deer’s Meadow.