The sad news of the untimely death of Denis Rankin came as a great shock to the fell running community on Thursday 16^th May 2013.  In the days that have passed since his death, I have learned much about a man who lived life to the full.

Everyone who was fortunate enough to spend time with or even meet Denis would agree that he was a mountain man through and through.  His love of the mountains was evidenced by his prowess as a climber, an athlete, a fell runner and a skier. In short he was a legend, who was well known, highly respected and greatly admired by competitors in all of the above disciplines. Continue reading →

Race 6 of the 2013 Hill and Dale Series takes place on Thursday 23rd May. Details of the route are below. Please remember to bring full body cover.

* Any coats etc. that were left at Moughanmore can be picked up from Jim Brown’s van.

Millstone : 4.5 miles / 1437 feet

Route
1. Start in Donard Park at the official start/finish point. (Start: 374305)
2. Run up grass to main forest road and turn left.
3. Cross 1st Bridge and then immediately turn right and follow cobblestone path.
4. At end of cobblestone path veer left onto forest trail.
5. Follow forest trail (bisecting granite trail) out to the veer right mark taking you up steep track through gate onto open mountain.
6. Follow mountain trail out to broken section of the wall and go through opening in wall.
7. Stay on the mountain side of the wall and follow wall up to Marshall (CP1: 376283] Note all runners must reach marshall at CP1 before climbing Millstone Mountain, cut off time may apply at this point and obey marshall instructions.
8. At CP1 Marshall turn right and climb to the Marshall at small cairn at top of Millstone Mountain (CP2: 374285)
9. Descend Millstone to stile at the approach to quarry (Veer slightly right of the quarry on the descent – do not cross fences or river).
10. Cross stile (CP3: 372293) at approach to quarry and follow forest trail descending into Donard Forest.
11. Cross 3rd Bridge and follow trail out to 90 degree right turn and continue descending on forest trail taking right turn at forest trail junction.
12. Continue on forest trail heading for 2nd Bridge (do not cross bridge)
13. Approximately 50m prior to 2nd Bridge take left turn and proceed through forest single trail onto main forest road.
14. Follow main forest road and turn right into Donard Park and proceed to Finish, no short cuts allowed prior to mentioned right turn. (Finish: 374305)

The committee and members of Newcastle Athletics Club were saddened by the death of Denis Rankin during the Hill and Dale race at Moughanmore on Thursday, 16th May and extend their heartfelt sympathy to his wife Madeline, his daughters and family circle at this very sad time. Denis epitomised the spirit of the Hill and Dale and the mountain running community in Northern Ireland. He was a true competitor and above all else a true gentleman.  He will be greatly missed by everyone in the fell running community. A memorial service will be held at Windsor Presbyterian Church, Lisburn Road on Monday, 20th May at 2pm.

Results and Photos

** NOTE : Race 5 is at Moughanmore on May 16th. No race on May 9th. **

Binnian the beautiful

Slieve Binnian is the third highest mountain in Northern Ireland at 747 metres (2,451 ft). The name comes from the rocky tors situated around the top of the mountain. These very rugged crests of rocky tors make it easy to identify and boast some of the most scenic views in the Mourne Mountains. Continue reading →