Newcastle power to top placings in Millstone race

28 May 2025

IT was one of those rare nights where everything aligned – blue skies, sunshine, puffy clouds, dry grippy trails and a record-breaking Millstone turn-out of 294 runners.

At 7.30pm sharp the offfical starter Morgan’s whistle blew and off they went – up the cobbles by the river, on gruelling fire roads, along the forest with a relentless climb up, and over the stile to eventually get to the stone wall that has had a new gate installed since last year, which most of the runners found with ease – most except for the dimmest minority.

Then came the beast – Millstone. Good to see Ethan McMullan enjoying a night off from running to point runners in the right direction here.

Millstone isn’t the highest in the series, but it’s steep and a real hands-and-knees effort up to the summit – truth be told this sribe enjoys this steepness much more than the benign terrain.

This is the point where the banter stops, the swearing starts and breathless runners pull themselves up over rocks and heathery ledges, to the top where the sea views are stunning. If you pause to catch a breath.

But the real joy? Spotting the marshals at the top, smiling like guardian angels.

From there, you know it’s downhill – technical and twisty at first, then a blessedly runnable fire road with still quite a few draggy bits, a short run with a few rocky cobbles and roots to navigate by the river and a grassy sprint to the finish line.

Tom Crudgington summitted in 21 minutes and 40 seconds, then raced down to finish in 35:29, a staggering one minute and 39 seconds ahead of the pack.

Ashley Crutchley was 1:40 behind at the top (23:20) and maintained this gap, finishing in an impressive 37:15. Joshua McAtee came in third in a strong 39:15.

On the women’s side, Karen Wilton crossed the line in 47:20 to take first place. Diane Wilson finished second in an impressive 49:01, with Shileen O’Kane hot on her heels in third place in 50:04.

Newcastle AC had a mighty showing with six runners finishing in the top ten.

There was only one DNF and no major mishaps… unless you count the lost car key, which is basically every fell runner’s nightmare.

Thankfully, it was found and returned (thank you, to whoever found it and handed it in), though the key’s owner did have to get a lift home with friends that night and trace his key later through Newcastle AC’s socials.

All was well the next day when the key and driver were reunited, and a donation was made to Mountain Rescue. A happy ending.

There was also a minor footwear incident when one female runner (who shall remain anonymous, but knows who she is) stopped in the final kilometer to tie her lace only to realise she’d raced the entire course in her gardening trainers, having completely forgotten to change into her fell shoes. A bold choice, but she made it round unscathed – though her toenails may never forgive her.

With legs tired and spirits high, runners, supporters, and pets made their way to O’Hare’s for the prize-giving and post-race refreshments. The atmosphere was warm and lively – and not just because everyone had finally sat down for a drink.

Pets were welcomed like VIPs, delighted to be back indoors and basking in the glory of their owners’ efforts - it was a celebration for all species.

As always, the refreshments went down a treat, with vegetarians once again well catered for – a small but important tradition in the Hill and Dale ethos of keeping everyone fuelled, whether you ran it, supported it, or accidentally did it in your gardening shoes.

For the first time ever, live peak times were recorded at the summit – so runners now get automatic ascent and descent splits. A game-changer ahead of the Donard race this Saturday 31 May at 11am. Entries close at 7pm tomorrow.

Next on the Hill and Dale calendar is Loughshannagh on June 5

Millstone 2025 had it all – dogs, cats, twins, sunshine, drama, and heroics both on and off the trail.

Thanks to photographers, organisers, supporters and volunteers and whoever organised the weather. What more could you want from a midweek mountain race? Hill and Dale continues to grow. Here’s to the next one.

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