A special report on the Hill and Dale Prize-giving and a review of the 2012 series
By Bogusboy
Incredulous as it may seem, the Hill and Dale series has come to an end after 12 weeks of fascinating racing set against some of the finest scenic backdrops to be found. 11 outstanding races, 411 different athletes, the youngest ever series winner and some of the worst weather imaginable, the curtain closes on the biggest and best Hill and Dale series to date.
Castlewellan – Slieve Martin – Steede has the speed
It all began on a warm spring evening in April when Jonny Steede recorded the first of back to back victories and assert his credentials as a serious series contender. Another record was established with an incredible 231 athletes registering for the season-opener. Race 2 in Tollymore was more of the same with Steede, McNeilly and Annett once again finishing in that order. Unfortunately after an impressive second place at Slieve martin in Race 3, Steede appeared to go into hibernation and was not seen again, much to the disappointment of his many adoring fans. It was in Rostrevor that the eventual champion Annett flexed his youthful muscles for the first time, destroying a high class field and winning impressively by more than a minute. At this point it became abundantly clear that he was the favourite, as confidently predicted in the pre-season preview by some sagacious old codger!
Binnian – Bryson an inspiration to all
Race 4, Binnian is unique in that it is a climb only and on this occasion, former World Master Robbie Bryson showed that there is still plenty of running in his much travelled lags by rolling back the years to win handsomely, albeit somewhat outside his blisteringly fast course record. When questioned afterwards by one of the younger admiring athletes how he still manages to get up the steep hills, Bryson retorted, ‘Sure I just pretend they are flat.’ Surely good advice for any aspiring fell runner and evidence that this sport is also a case of mind over matter where mental toughness can certainly improve race performance. Ian bailey in his first season had an impressive second and but for the appearance of Bryson would have earned a maiden race victory, such is the prowess of this climbing machine.
Moughanmore – Loughshannagh – Annett tightens his grip
Annett, fresh from a maiden victory on Slieve Donard, resumed his winning ways on a damp and cold evening at Moughanmore, despite being pushed all the way by an emergent David McNeilly and took a massive stride towards the title with another highly dominant performance at the Monument in Race 6. Obviously picking his races carefully, Annett chose to sit our race 7, the tortuous Loughshannagh Horseshoe, but his title chances were not affected as colleague Stephen Cunningham made a welcome and winning return, ahead of old Trojan warhorses McNeilly and Carty. Regrettably this was to be Cunningham’s one and only outing of the season and it transpired he was using the race as part of his preparation for the longer NIMRA races. Hopefully we will see more of him in 2013.
Millstone – Donard Forest – Annett emerges first from the mist
With 4 races to go the weather abruptly changed and Thursday became synonymous with cloud, rain, puddles, mud and saturated athletes – all of which provided plenty of amusement for those of us officiating. In an unprecedented move the course for Millstone was changed on the night in the interests of protecting the athletes, an honourable and justifiable decision. Despite the horrendous conditions 112 hardy should completed the course and no doubt in years to come they will ruminate and cogitate nostalgically that they were there on arguably the worst night in Hill and dale history: I only wish I was one of them as does my colleague Audey McVeigh. David O’Flaherty was a popular winner on the evening and there are no prizes for guessing who came second – Neil Carty! Conditions were no better a week later for Rocky as the rain pelted at jaunty angles as we climbed; not the best night to choose to make my season’s debut! Despite my enjoyment of the banter with Horace, nothing could hide the fact that Swail had beaten me by the proverbial country mile, a fact he brings up occasionally! At the business end of the race it was business as usual with Annett in imperious form, romping home by two minutes and hardly out of breath. To confirm his position as Champion he was equally dominant the following week is seeing off tow ‘Meels’ in pretty quick time to secure a fifth race win of the series – not at all bad for a 19 year old. The series ended with Allan Bogle of city of Derry justifying the long trip by recording his maiden Hill and Dale success.
Not forgetting the Ladies!
The ladies series was a hotly contested affair and after 6 races O’Kane and Largey were tied on three win apiece, the former victorious at Castlewellan, Binnian and the Monument, while the latter had won at Tollymore, Slieve martin and Moughanmore. Diane Wilson briefly interrupted the run of things with an excellent win at Loughshannagh, overcoming O’Kane by a mere 4 seconds. O’Kane would gain the upper hand at millstone, but it would be Largey who would triumph, comfortably winning the last three races to wrap up the series with 6 wins in the 11 races to O’Kane’s 4.
Or the category winners!!
In each of the categories there was a frenetic scramble for places throughout the series with some of the categories going down to the last night. McNeilly and Carty battled all season with Carty victorious by a short head on the final run in of the final race. Cunningham and Teggarty had a monumental struggle throughout the campaign, with the former prevailing, but only just. Well done to all those who were placed in their category.
Final celebrations and presentations
The post-series banquet and series was held in O’Hare’s and latterly Eugene McCann’s (he went to bed at after 4am, got up at 8am, breakfasted on a cup-a-soup and a Jamie Dodger, travelled all the way to Wicklow and raced in the Irish Championship, finishing 19th – the man must be on steroids!) where prizes were presented to the overall champions and category winners. The ‘Runner’s Runner’ Prize was presented to Mark King, currently of Murlough AC for the unique contribution that he makes to the Hill and Dale. When I pressed some of the committee members to describe Mark’s unique contribution they replied as if scripted ‘no comment’. So, in the absence of fact, I will surmise that mark is the epitome of Hill and dale, enthusiastically competing with good cheer, irrespective of his form or placing. He also possesses a range of shorts that Damien Brannigan would be proud of in terms of their bright colours and ‘generous’ cut. On receiving the award, Mark was reportedly tearful, claiming that this was the best victory of his life – some people are easily impressed.
Onwards to 2013
So what can our intrepid adventurers expect in 2013 – in short more of the same, challenging, picturesque races in great places; banter and insults aplenty at the start and finish, a sense of camaraderie that you get at no other events, a warm welcome at the post race pub and perhaps most importantly of all the satisfaction at the end of the race when you look back up the mountain knowing that you have boldly raced where few even dare to walk. Registration will open in February 2013, so be sure to get in early and secure your place in the greatest show on earth.