Holy week is traditionally a quiet week on the local athletics scene.  The notable exception to this was the second race of the Hill and Dale Series that took place in sun-kissed Tollymore Forest Park on Holy Thursday.  The record breaking entry of 219 competitors and large numbers of spectators peppered along the 5.5 mile course were treated to some fine views as the race twisted and turned over the four main climbs and subsequent sharp descents. 

Twenty-nine Newcastle Athletes in Action

The promoting club once again produced most runners in the field with an impressive 29 competitors.  Mourne Runners had 20 athletes while BARF (sounds like a mnemonic for a worrying illness!) had 16.  Of the Newcastle talent Alan McKibbin was best placed in 5^th overall, a fine performance for a man who had been bedevilled by injury and unable to compete for over a year.  Despite suffering in the latter part of the race he stuck to his task to finish in a highly respectable 38:16.  A mere 20 seconds separated McNeilly (David), Steele (David), Quail (who is thinking of changing his name to David) and O’Flaherty (David!!) as they finished 10^th, 11^th, 12^th and 13^th respectively.  A little further back McCrickard, Brannigan and McGreevy battled hard for 16^th, 17^th and 18^th, with the former emerging victorious.  Marathon man Kendall (20^th overall) was not far behind as Newcastle notched up 9 of the top 20 places.  The rest of us filed in steadily as all 29 that started made it safely home. McGreevy was once again Vet50 winner and Anne Sandford made it successive wins in her category (LV45). 

Junior Club News

Training continued on Monday night with large numbers turning out in the fine weather and judging by the performances in training the young athletes are obviously benefiting from the expert coaching they receive each week.  There is a two week break for Easter and junior training resumes on May 9^th.

 Nine athletes from the Junior Club participated in the Athletics NI Star: Easter Competition on 22^nd April and there were some fine performances in each of the three events that made up the competition.  Well done to all our talented juniors.