Dog Friendly, Cat Friendly, Twin Friendly – A Race for All
Scribed by participant and long-time Hill & Daler Bronagh McInerney
Millstone delivered in style – and then some
It was one of those rare nights where everything aligned – blue skies, sunshine, puffy clouds, dry grippy trails and a record-breaking Millstone turn out of 294 runners! Entrants were all herded in style by Sam, Debbie & Kerry who ran registration and barcode scanning at O’Hare’s like seasoned professionals. The car park filled up early, the buzz was high, and runners were warming up everywhere from the promenade to the forest, and the grassy patches in between – the pre-race buzz was almost festive!
Family, Friends, Furballs… and the Rodgers Twins
Spectators turned out in droves, including families, friends, curious locals, and an entourage of pets. The Rodgers twins stole the show in their supporting role for the second year running, and Percy the Cat – now officially a Hill and Dale regular – made a sleek appearance in support of would-be women’s winner, Karen Wilton and once again his charm worked a treat!
The Route: Short, Sharp, and Definitely Not Sweet
At 7:30 sharp (or perhaps even 7:28), after a quick route briefing involving: “Go up that big hill and come back down” with a few changes to last year’s route, the official starter Morgan’s whistle blew and off they went – up the cobbles by the river, on grueling fire roads, along the forest with a relentless climb up, and over the stile to eventually get to the stone wall that has had a new gate installed since last year, which most of the runners found with ease – most except for the dimmest minority.
Then came the beast: Millstone. Good to see Ethan McMullan enjoying a night off from running to point runners in the right direction here. Millstone isn’t the highest in the series, but it’s steep and a real hands-and-knees effort up to the summit – truth be told this scribe enjoys this steepness much more than the benign terrain. This is the point where the banter stops, the swearing starts and breathless runners pull themselves up over rocks and heathery ledges, to the top.
Up to where the sea views are stunning. If you pause to catch a breath. But the real joy? Spotting the marshals??? At the top, smiling like guardian angels. From there, you know it’s downhill – technical and twisty at first, then a blessedly runnable fire road with still quite a few draggy bits, a short run with a few rocky cobbles and roots to navigate by the river and a grassy sprint to the finish line. Exhilarating to say the least… what Thursday evenings in the Spring in Mourne are all about.
Winners
Tom Crudgington summitted in 21 minutes and 40 seconds, then raced down to finish in 35:29, a staggering 1 minute and 39 seconds ahead of the pack. Ashley Crutchley was 1:40 behind at the top (23:20) and maintained this gap finishing in an impressive 37:15. Joshua McAtee came in 3rd in a strong 39:15.
First 3 men – 3rd Josh, winner Tom & 2nd Ashley
On the women’s side, Karen Wilton crossed the line in 47:20 to take first place (with people now queuing up to borrow Percy the cat for good luck!) – well done Karen! Diane Wilson finished 2nd in an impressive 49:01, with Shileen O’Kane hot on her heels in 3rd place in 50:04.
Newcastle AC had a mighty showing with six runners finishing in the top ten.
Women’s winner Karen with Percy & Sam
2nd place Diane Wilson
The Dreaded Car Key Incident (& Happy Ending)
There was only one DNF and no major mishaps… unless you count the lost car key, which is basically every fell runner’s nightmare. Thankfully, it was found and returned (thank you, to whoever found it and handed it in), though the key’s owner did have to get a lift home with friends that night and trace his key later through Newcastle AC’s socials. All was well the next day when the key and driver were reunited, and a donation was made to Mountain Rescue. A happy ending.
There was also a minor footwear incident when one female runner (who shall remain anonymous – but knows who she is) stopped in the final kilometer to tie her lace… only to realise she’d raced the entire course in her gardening / out-to-the-line trainers, having completely forgotten to change into her fell shoes. A bold choice, but she made it round unscathed – though her toenails may never forgive her.
The After Party
With legs tired and spirits high, runners, supporters, and pets made their way to O’Hare’s for the prize-giving and post-race refreshments. The atmosphere was warm and lively – and not just because everyone had finally sat down for a drink.
Pets were welcomed like VIPs, delighted to be back indoors and basking in the glory of their owners’ efforts – it was a celebration for all species.
As always, the refreshments went down a treat, with vegetarians once again well catered for – a small but important tradition in the Hill and Dale ethos of keeping everyone fueled, whether you ran it, supported it, or accidentally did it in your gardening shoes.
3 generations – Anna (who has done all 7 races to date), Grace and Granny Pat
New Tech & Next Steps
For the first time ever, live peak times were recorded at the summit – so runners now get automatic ascent and descent splits. A game-changer ahead of the Donard race on Saturday 31 May at 11am. Don’t forget: entries close at 7pm on 29 May.
No Hill and Dale next week
Next on the Hill and Dale calendar is race no. 8 Loughshannagh on June 5
Millstone 2025 had it all: dogs, cats, twins, sunshine, drama, and heroics – both on and off the trail.
Thanks to photographers, organisers, supporters and volunteers and whoever organised the weather. What more could you want from a midweek mountain race? Hill and Dale continues to grow. Here’s to the next one.
See you at Donard.
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