52 weeks later, they are still number one!
By the other man on the Hill
One year on from the last Hill and Dale outing and a lot has changed. As runners made their way to the car park to enter word was spreading that the Gondola project had been stopped. The Prophet fresh from his heart transplant 10 weeks earlier decided as a protest he would walk to the finish line at the top of Binnian. With his business partner Francie McAlinden fresh back from a reconnaissance mission in Switzerland the pair are confident that they could build it cheaper, faster and stronger and come in well under budget.
There was however to change at the front of the field. At the finish line Newcastle AC’s Tom Crudigngton was the first finisher again with a time on 23:57 improving on his time of last year by exactly 30 seconds. Matthew McConnell was second just like last year whilst Newcastle’s Ashley Crutchley finished of the podium.
Again with no change at the front from 2024 Áine Gosling led the filed home in a time of 30:22, over two and half minutes clear of second place making it a Newcastle double. Áine’s time was 33 seconds faster than last year.
Behind her finished the closest finish of the night. As Martsje Hell entered the finish funnel, Shileen O’Kane who had stalked her up the Hill tried to sprint past with 5 meters to go. Martsje kicked as well, which lead to a photo finish.
Afterwards it was back to the Avoca where the Galloping Landlord was drowning his sorrows and asking the Prophet what the price would be to build a gondola from the back of Jack O’Hares house at Donard Park to the Prophet’s yurt on the Bannanstown Road. Plans are in place that the Cracker could now start in Leitrim and finish in Newcastle with the prize giving in the newly expanded Avoca.
A special word of thanks to all the volunteers who helped at registration and the finish. Without them there would be no Hill and Dales.
This Thursday running returns to Hen and Cock at 19:30. Full body cover irrespective of weather conditions will be necessary. You have been warned!
Results and photos:
Photos by Richard Cowan – If you want to use any of Richard’s photographs for your web site/profile pictures/Instagram etc. this link will give you a chance to say thanks by buying Richard a cup of tea: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thekillinchyphotographer