Teer continues his return to form with an impressive climb – The Mill Hill Mile 2009 by Joe McCann
An eclectic mix of runners, ranging from just over 6 to well over 60 took to the line in the village of Annsborough to tackle the arduous climb that separates the village from Castlewellan. With McNeilly poised to take the times and assist Frank Morgan on the start line and winner for the previous 6 years Alan McKibbin nowhere to be seen, the trophy was destined to reside on a different mantelpiece for the next twelve months. Pre-race favourite was Brendan Teer, who decided to save energy by travelling the mile down to the start in Morgan’s work van – a fresh outbreak of foot and mouth disease could now be on the cards!!!
Teer set about the task earnestly, but was being led out by a fast start from young Kevin Murray. The young man led Teer to the halfway point. However it is at this point that the hill becomes steepest, with a gradient of around 10% and the young man found the going tough at this point. Teer seized the opportunity to stretch the field and took an unassailable lead. He eventually romped home with 28 seconds to spare over his nearest rival. Murray slipped back, but still managed to hold his form together to finish a very credible fourth. Johnny Gregg ran steadily in the early part of the race and finished strongly to claim second place. Third was David Smith, a recent addition to the ever-improving East Down contingent.
Joanne Mills ran very strongly throughout the race to finish fifth overall and the prize for first female runner. Further down the field there were impressive runs from many locals including a strong group from the Burrendale Hotel and Country Club, led home by GI Paddy Coughlin – all that spin biking is obviously improving his leg speed! Murlough Runners were well represented and led home by an impressive Paul Byrne who clocked a very credible 7 minutes dead. Noel Douglas was the only Mourne Runner selected for the race and he turned in a fine performance recording his fastest time in years (7:23). Newcastle AC scouts will certainly be tracking his progress and a sizeable offer could be made when the transfer window opens again in January.
A final word about Newcastle stalwart Martin McVeigh, who last year suffered defeat to young Aidan Hawkins, aged 9. Spurred on by this McVeigh has been in training for a full year. He has shed a couple of stones in weight and has prioritised this race as the highpoint of his season. Young Hawkins on the other hand has been enjoying life as a ten year old, playing football, reading Harry Potter novels and generally enjoying life. Revenge was sweet for McVeigh who defeated his nemesis by a single second and punched the air with triumphal delight as he saw off a late challenge from the young pretender. After the race a disappointed Hawkins eyeballed the vainglorious McVeigh and said “I’ll be back.”
A word of thanks to all those who helped out during the event (there were more Newcastle members officiating than there were running!!!) and the large crowd who gathered at the Upper Square to cheer the runners home.