Higgins and Devlin secure Mourne Way Mountain Marathon victories

Newcastle & District Athletics Club notes by Bogusboy

Mourne Way Ultra, Marathon, Half and 10k

A week of fairly heavy rain meant that conditions under foot were heavy for those competing in races from an Ultra marathon to 10k at the annual Mourne Way events. It would be a great day for NAC with wins for Patrick Higgins and Rita Devlin in the Marathon. Running a marathon is one thing, running a mountain marathon is a completely different ball game. With over 2000m of climbing between the start in Donard Park Newcastle and the finish in Kilbroney Park Rostrevor, this is one tough race. For those of an even crazier disposition, the Ultra began at 6am in Rostrevor and came all the way to Newcastle before turning and heading back to from whence they came. The marathon would prove to be a happy hunting ground for the NAC athletes. Patrick Higgins was in a group of 4 in the early stages in Tollymore. However, by the time the time they reached the long drag up the road to the halfway point at Ott, he had opened up a 2 minute lead.

This grew as the miles rolled by and at the end he was a very comfortable winner, with 10 minutes to spare over his nearest rival. Higgins is averaging a marathon a month since April!!!

In the Ladies race, Tasmanian native and NAC adopted Grace Neville was the early pace setter, followed by Cheryl Denvir of East Down and NAC club mate Rita Devlin. Grace’s participation had been in doubt in the weeks leading up to the race due to injury, but she stoically took the line. As the race unfolded in the second half, Devlin managed to get past Denvir on the tricky and technical section that contours both Hen and Rocky and was 2 minutes 40 down on Neville at the foot of Rocky. She managed to finish with her now characteristic strength and overhauled Neville at the last water station with just over 4 miles to go. Inspired by the support on the course, she held her nerve to record the greatest triumph of her career to date, winning by over 4 minutes. Grace battled hard in the last few miles, showing great determination and resilience and was clear in second to make it a memorable one two for Newcastle.

 

They were not on their own

John Kelly made a welcome return to competition and was 33rd overall (4:29). A little further back, Bronagh McInerney (5:24), Debbie Kendall (5:32) and Catherine McIntosh (5:32) came home in quick succession, smiling broadly as they reflected on a wonderful achievement. In the Half Marathon Thomas O’Gorman was the clear winner and Stephen McNally was 11th in a field of 331. Mari Troeng was second lady and her podium position earned her the ultimate prize, a few entry to next year’s race when she can do it all again!!! In fact all podium finishers can prepare for 2018, confident that their entry is secure!

 

Craigavon 10k and 5k

On Wednesday evening 7 June, a number of NAC members travelled to Craigavon for the now firmly established and PB friendly 5k and 10k races. The course follows the paths around the lakes and has few undulations. Paul Byrne, recovering from injury and Rita Devlin who had one eye on the mountain marathon three days in the future were among the 268 athletes taking the line for the 5k at 7pm. Byrne was a very commendable 6th overall in a speedy 18:26, averaging just under 6 minute miles for the 3.1 mile loop. Rita was 10th lady and 40th overall as she continued to taper for the 26.2 that lay ahead.

 

Position Name Category Finish
6 Paul Byrne M40 00:18:26
40 Rita Devlin F40 00:23:58

 

At just after 7:15pm, just as the 5k leaders were making their final dash for the line, the 10k runners began the first of two loops. David O’Flaherty was in determined mood and resolute in his desire to get some clear road in the early stages. This he did with great style as he built up a commanding lead early on. He maintained his form very well on the second lap and was rewarded with an emphatic victory in 32:12, a time that would win the majority of local races at present.

O’Hare would have another fine run and finish 10th in under 37:30 – as the bacon slicer effect becomes more obvious, O’Hare is turning in fast times. He has suggested that he might treat himself to another holiday, much to the dismay of his bewildered club colleagues.

 

It is all about the time

Brendan McQuaid continued his fine streak of results and recorded another PB, albeit not the one he thought he had. As he crossed the line he was sure that he had dipped under the 38 minute barrier for the first time. Such was his delight that he was showing everyone the 37:57 recorded on his watch. Alas, the official time would read 38:01 and McQuaid, though a little deflated vowed to break 38 with more to spare next time out.

In his post-race analysis, Wonderwall was quick to point out that every second counts. Kieran ‘Miley’ Morgan was next home as his battle with McQuaid continues.  On this occasion the ‘Cabra Commando’ was forced to concede defeat, but in the process recorded another PB. Wonderwall was next home in 39:34 as the comeback continues.  As ever he left everything on the track and in typical fashion was two double with pain and foaming at the mouth as he crossed the line swaying side to side. Whether it is a marathon or his preferred distance of a 1 mile fun run, Wonderwall gives at least 100%. McCann and Mussen had set off at a more circumspect and pedestrian pace with the aim of getting Mussen around in under 40 minutes for the first time. All was going well for 3 miles until the events of the previous week caught up with the latter and he steadily moved backwards. McCann maintained his even tempo and steady cadence to just dip under the 40, while for Mussen, it is a case of ‘not quite on this occasion, but there’s not too far to go’. Without Gerdy to motivate him, Kris Fegan lived up to the mantra that some people are better trainers than racers. Kris is more than capable of well under 40 on this course, but had to settle for 41:15 and 33rd place in a field of 295. McAuley was unable to run as he was taking delivery of a consignment of heart rate monitors!

Position Name Category Finish
1 David O’Flaherty MO 00:32:12
10 Jack O Hare M40 00:37:22
14 Brendan McQuaid M35 00:38:01
16 Kieran ‘Miley’ Morgan M35 00:38:12
24 Noel ‘Wonderwall’ Gallagher M35 00:39:34
26 Joe McCann M45 00:39:58
28 Ciaran Og Mussen MO 00:40:47
33 Kristoffer Fegan M35 00:41:15

 

Glenmore 10 Mile Road Race

While all the racing was taking place in the Mournes, there was another challenging race taking place – the Glenmore 10m in the Cooley Peninsula. Francis Tumelty was the only NAC athlete competing and he recorded 66:49 for the hilly 10 mile course: a time good enough for 11th place overall in a field of 173.

Racing ahead

As always there are many races for runners of all abilities to take part in. On Wednesday, there is the Dromara 5k, won last year by Zak Hanna. Thursday is the 10th Race of the Hill and Dale series, ‘the Meels’ and on Friday evening Ballydrain AC host the Comber 10k.