Thursday past saw the race action head to Rostrevor for the Slieve Martin race. Big changes this year as race directors Hicks and McConville made the bold decision to reverse the direction of the race for the first time ever. Judging by the positive feedback afterwards this proved a welcome change as runners climbed to the summit on the hard stone path before descending on the softer grass of the open mountain. However, after heavy rainfall earlier in the week this left conditions under foot treacherous in places.

Due to recent storm damage in the area organisers had a lot of work to do with quite a few trees blocking the route. This was all done in a night’s work by our very own council worker/race director Barry Og. He was overheard telling someone afterwards that it was “no big deal really”, but if it had to be done during work hours, he thinks they could have taken a week at it!

316 runners started and finished this year which was 1 better than the 2024 race. At the front of the pack McAtee, Crutchley and Scott pushed each other hard all the way to the top. A blistering descent saw Ashley Crutchley build a comfortable lead to take the win followed by Joshua McAtee and in third place Jonathan Scott.

The ladies’ race saw another blistering descent by Newry AC’s Esther Dickson, with a bit of time to make up she secured the win followed by Karen Wilton then Tanya Cumming.

A big thank you to the Cloughmor in Rostrevor where the prize giving was held along with the distribution of the hard- earned H+D mugs. Thanks to all who helped out on the night, from registration team, results team, scanners, time keeper Frank, Paul the photographer, marshals, and Danny the stand in sweeper. I hope we haven’t left anyone out.

This week is the only uphill race in the series, Binnian. Remember to enter by 9pm Tuesday and bring full mandatory kit requirements regardless of the forecast.

See you all out there.