Deon McNeilly of Newcastle AC triumphed over atrocious conditions and a quality Championship field to win the prestigious Annalong Horseshoe last Saturday. The classic event covers 13 miles with 5,100 feet climb and was the third race of six in the NI Championship. It was also a counter in the eleven race NIMRA Grand Prix Series.
The demanding course climbs Chimney Rock Mountain, Commedagh, Cove, Lamagan and Binnian. Gale force winds, thick cloud and hail showers made it probably the worst conditions in the 28 year history of the race. Completing the classic circuit in the high Mournes requires stamina, navigation and mountain running skill, but the conditions on Saturday made it an exacting test of these skills and sheer determination in a battle against the elements.
Des Woods set the pace up Chimney Rock, with Deon McNeilly and Stephen Cunningham half a minute behind and chasing hard. Woods maintained his lead at Commedagh as the runners battled against the gusting gale force winds and poor visibility. By Cove McNeilly was half a minute in front after Woods and Cunningham went off line descending Commedagh. Cunningham closed in on Lamagan but the Newcastle man was in complete control despite the difficult conditions and powered over Binnian to win. He clocked 2.20.06 to win by over 2 minutes and get his name on the Stephen Derby Memorial Trophy for the third time.
Woods recovered from a fall and finished with a cut knee in second while Cunningham went astray on the Lamagan descent. Clive Bailey and Sam Herron made light work of the terrible conditions, running a great race to take third and fourth and secure the team race for Mourne Runners. Dale Mathers of Newry City Runners also scored big championship points in 5th as did Willie Marks who was well up in sixth, running in virtually his own back yard.
Kathleen Monteverde of the promoting club BARF took the womens honours in a commendable 4.12.43. Denise Mathers was less than a minute behind in second with Wendy Findlay, Jenny Magill, Kerry Stafford and Anna Stamp completing the top six. Both leading contenders in the women’s Championship Charlene Haugh (Mourne Runners) and Karen Alexander (Sperrin Harriers), along with a number of other runners, succumbed to the conditions and didn’t complete the course.
The next round of the NI Championship is the Flagstaff to Carlingford race on 7 June. The Armagh AC event crosses the Cooley Hills, climbing 5 peaks in a distance of 11 miles. It is also a NIMRA Grand Prix event.