McKibben Conquers The Monument
by Brian Steele
Newcastle AC’s Alan McKibben took full advantage of his “home” event when he destroyed the opposition with a convincing display of running at the Monument Race in Tollymore Forest Park. 171 runners set off on the fast downhill start from the monument towards the river, as the race crossed the Ivy bridge and into the forest tracks the pace was relentless, McKibben testing his rivals as the course wound its way up the “Shute” and out onto the White Plains. As the race reached the summit, McKibben had put some daylight between himself and the field lead by evergreen
Neil Carty. From this point there was only going to be one winner as a fiercely determined McKibben hurtled off the mountain and onwards to the finish in an impressive 29.30.  Carty claimed yet another runner up position some 40 seconds behind, Mourne runners Andrew Niblock and Andrew Annett filled the next 2 positions, Annett claiming another Junior victory on the way.
Shileen O’Kane was first female home in a time of 36.18 in 49th closely followed by Anne Sandford in 36.46 in 54th. Megan Wilson enjoyed yet another Female Junior victory finishing 85th in a time of 39.45.

Race within a race
Hill and Dale attracts a variety of competitors, from the Elite to the fun runner competition exists throughout the field, old scores are settled on the hills and forests with bragging rights held for at least a week. Castlewellan duo Niall McCabe and Peter McKibben are two such competitors, much talk was exchanged prior the Series as to who would reign supreme, with bets placed, money and pride at stake the two have ran each other ragged in a bid to gain the upper hand, with 8 races completed prior to Thursday’s Monument race the scores read 4 all, on the night the indomitable
McKibben took the glory to take a 5 – 4 lead into next Thursday’s penultimate round at Rocky, needless to say preparation in the McCabe camp will be meticulous as a McKibben victory next week would mean a painful defeat for the younger man.

Wee Joe goes all out for the line
Newcastle’s Joe McCann’s troubles started as they normally do on a hill. His usual problem with falling out the back door on climbs was replaced this week with him literally falling out the front, and proceeded to make the spectators and himself sick as he crossed the finish line. What can we put this down to? Maybe the full dinner he had before the race, or maybe it just took too much out of Joe to hold off Laurence Hamilton.

Thanks to the crew at Tollymore for an excellent course, the elite entry squad, the Rolex timekeeping staff, Race marshals and anyone who assisted in the running of the event.  Maginns of Castlewellan done an admirable job in providing an excellent supper, sincere thanks to their team.

This week’s sees the penultimate race of the series, Rocky. Car parking at Leitrim lodge with registration from 6.30pm, race starts at 7.30pm sharp  (appropriate clothing to be worn whatever the weather PLEASE!!!)

Junior Results of Monument Races are now available in Junior Results Section.

Results and Photos (by Mal McCann) of Senior Monument Race. More Photos by Dave Goddard added, including junior photos.