From Headwinds to Highs: Newcastle Deliver at Leitrim Lodge and Larne

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Larne AC Coast Road 10 Miler

A small but strong group of Newcastle AC runners made their way to Larne on Saturday morning to compete in the Larne 10 Miler.

Conditions were windy and cold but that didn’t stop some impressive results. Francis Tumelty was 2nd V55, Sinead Murtagh was 2nd V40 and Ernest Hall was 1st V70. There were 723 finishers.

Newcastle AC Results (finish time and 5mile split):

  • 50th – Francis Tumelty (2nd M55)  –  1:03:51 / 0:27:47
  • 76th – Frank Cunningham (M40)  – 1:06:05 / 0:27:23
  • 78th – Sinead Murtagh (2nd F40)  – 1:06:41 / 0:28:07
  • 226th – Ernest Hall (1st M70)  – 1:18:45 / 0:33:27
  • 423rd – Joe McCann (M55)  –  1:29:57 / 0:39:08

Pat Dunbar NIMRA Race

Newcastle AC athletes were out in force on Saturday 11th April for the Pat Dunbar Memorial Race at Leitrim Lodge, expertly organised by Newry AC. This marked the second race in the new NIMRA League, attracting a strong field of 104 runners to take on the challenging 13km / 680m course.

Conditions were chilly with a strong southerly wind, making for a tough opening. The race began with a two-mile headwind drag to Yellow Water before turning towards the first climb up Tievedockaragh. After a brief return through the forest, runners faced the open mountain, taking in Peirces Castle and the final ascent of Rocky before the descent to the finish.

At the sharp end, it was a superb performance from Newcastle’s Tom Crudgington, who stormed to victory in a new course record of 01:03:02, leading home a high-quality field in style.

Podium Finishers

Men:

  • 1st – Tom Crudgington (Newcastle AC) – 01:03:02 (CR)
  • 2nd – Jonny Steede (Glens Runners) – 01:08:41
  • 3rd – Niall McCartan (BARF) – 01:09:17
Men's Podium

Men’s Podium

Women:

  • 1st – Esther Dickson (Newry AC) – 01:27:19
  • 2nd – Sonia McIntyre (Unattached) – 01:32:11
  • 3rd – Sam McNeilly (Newcastle AC) – 01:35:48
Women's Podium

Women’s Podium

Newcastle AC had an excellent turnout, with strong performances throughout the field.

A special mention goes to Tom Crudgington for his outstanding course record victory, and to Sam McNeilly for securing a podium finish in a competitive women’s field. Dominic McGreevy also impressed with a commanding win in the MV65 category.

Dominic McGreevy on his way to win the M65

Dominic McGreevy on his way to win the M65

Overall, it was a fantastic showing from Newcastle AC, highlighted by a course record, podium finishes, and strong depth across all categories as the NIMRA League gets underway.

A big thank you to Newry AC for hosting a superb event, and to all the volunteers and marshals who braved the challenging conditions to make the race possible.

Newcastle AC results:

  • Tom Crudgington – 1st (M) – 01:03:02
  • David Hicks – 5th (MV45) – 01:13:02
  • Gary McEvoy – 8th (MV45) – 01:16:55
  • Roger Morgan – 15th (MV40) – 01:21:42
  • Pete Grant – 30th (MV55) – 01:30:40
  • Dominic McGreevy – 40th (MV65) – 01:35:40 MV65
  • Sam McNeilly – 41st (3rd F) – 01:35:48
  • Cathal Brannigan – 43rd (MV45) – 01:36:21
  • Michael Flynn – 50th (MV40) – 01:39:56
  • David Lowry – 64th (MV50) – 01:46:01