Tough at the Top
By The Two Americanos
Another Thursday night and another Hill and Dale race, but unlike previous weeks, this was not just any Hill and Dale race. Last week saw the return of the Lough Shannagh Horseshoe and undoubtedly the Mountain race of the series. As described by a very knowledgeable person “an hour long summary of all that is good about fell running”.
Starting just above the Spelga Pass, the race route takes a very civilized climb over Peak 1, Ott Mountain, before taking breath and tackling the steeper albeit still civilized slopes of peak 2, Slieve Lough Shannagh. Crossing the Mourne Wall, the route then descends rapidly into the heart of the high Mournes followed by a more aggressive climb of Peak 3, Doan Mountain. A slightly less graceful descent takes the race route down to the shores of Lough Shannagh for a little tease before the final and totally undignified ascent of Peak 4, Carn Mountain. After another crossing of the Mourne wall the route plummets to the start line some 5 miles and 1700 ft later.
Blessed with what could only be described as a stunning evening overhead, as opposed to the recently moistened underfoot conditions, the pre race ritual kicked off shortly after 5.30pm. Preparation by the committed you may think, but no – it’s simply a case of limited nearby car parking. Runners may be prepared to cover any distance in the race, but walking a short distance to the start line’s another thing altogether. We’ll come back to the pre race preparation later!
Over the next two hours a total of 180 runners completed their own rituals leading them to the start line for the start whistle at 7.30pm. The runners made easy work of the early sections of the route with the main group of runners clearing Peak 2, Slieve Lough Shannagh in less than 20 minutes. A further 20 minutes later and likewise the main group of runners had cleared Peak 3, Doan Mountain. At pretty much the same time, 40:39 to be exact, the first runner crossed the finish line followed with what could only be described as an Ant like parade.
First runner Stevie Cunningham took advantage of the home turf to clock his third win of the series in 40:39 and take the edge over the absent Ian Bailey and Alan Bogle. Up until the race start, all three held two wins each and needless to say, the series remains tough at the top. Cunningham of Mourne Runners was followed by Newcastle’s Seamus Lynch taking second place in 42:00 albeit closely contested by North Belfast Harriers Neil Carty taking third place in 42:14. First Lady across the line was Dromores Diane Wilson finishing 27th overall in 48:56 and well clear of Lagan Valleys Shileen O’Kane taking second Lady by finishing 39th overall in 51:01 and finally Lagan Valleys Anne Sanford taking third Lady by finishing 70th overall 54:24.
With the Men’s Open, Veteran 35 and Veteran 45 titles accounted for, Veteran 40 was taken by Mourne Runners Clive Bailey finishing 5th overall in 43:35, Veteran 50 by BARFs Jim Brown finishing 24th overall in 48:41, Veteran 55 by Team Purples Brendan O’Hagan finishing 62 overall in 54:03, Veteran 60 by Mourne Runners Harry Teggarty finishing 92 overall in 58.50 and Veteran 65 by East Downs Brian Hamilton finishing 110th overall in 63:10. Likewise in the Lady’s, with Veteran 40 and Veteran 45 accounted for, Female Open was taken by Unattached Patricia McKibbin finishing 77th overall in 56:03, Veteran 35 by BARFs Taryn McCoy finishing 84th overall in 56:56, Veteran 55 by Dromores Mary Mackin finishing 85th overall in 57:05 and Veteran 50 by BARFs Kathleen Monteverde finishing 104th overall in 61:31.
No matter where a runner’s placed on the Ant parade, competitions every bit as tough at the bottom as it is among those at the very top. Even though a turnout of over 180, it’s often only the few immediately around you that matter. As runners plummeted to the finish line, some considerable effort from the start whistle, pairs continued to battle to the bitter end. More notably were the battles between David Smyth and Tom McMeekin followed closely by Ricky Cowan and Matthew O’Hare. Smyth and Cowan managed to finish with an element of grace while the others opted to chew a little turf in full view of the finish line. Who ever said Mountain running wasn’t a good spectator sport?
While on the subject of spectator sports and bringing back the pre race preparation, another new addition to this race was the ‘Spot the Kit’ game played by both runners and spectators alike. Given the very nature of the race, a mandatory kit requirement was in place with a very clear and evident ruling on disqualification. Employing a simple approach to address inappropriate behaviour in children, we would like to say a genuine ‘Thank You’ and ‘Well Done’ to all that did as requested.
While on the subject of kit, there were also a few notable highs, lows and points of interest behind the scenes. No matter how advanced we get in race support, with items such as Tony Steels Operational Support Unit complete with Tea. Coffee and biscuits (only available between the race start and the first runner returning) there’s always an authentic Hill and Dale moment. Last week being no different as dedicated race official Frank Morgan developed two critical problems just as the race was about to start. Some say its wear and tear, some say it’s just age but no matter what the cause Frank suffered a catastrophic blockage of the Whistle and a stoppage of the Clock. That said, the severity of the problem was masked by the sheer high standards of glamour presented at the finish line by Frank and worthy assistant Mary Knight.
As always, it’s great to see members of the Mountain running community turn up week after week and none more so than BARF runner Paddy Mallon. Having suffered a neck fracture while Mountain Biking only a number of weeks back and having undergone extensive surgery Paddy returned to a very warm welcome. That said, when he initially shuffled out of Jim Browns van with full neck brace on and proceeded to the race registration waving a ten pound note, eyebrows were raised. A sigh of relief though when he registered Jim! Great to see you back Paddy and wishing you a speedy recovery.
Thanks to all who helped out, Marshalling by Ian, Mark, Neville and Paddy, Admin by Frank, Joe, Mary and Heather, Tony for his invaluable hospitality and Mary Margaret at the Horseshoe Bar for a finish venue that’ll never be matched.
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Race 7 – Loughshannagh – will take place on Thursday 30th May. Details are below:
Start/Finish GR277269
Peak 1/Check point 1 Slieve Loughshanagh GR294272 Cut off 25 minutes
Peak 2/Check point 2 Doan Mountain GR302262
Peak 3/Check point 3 Carn Mountain GR288260
Full body cover will be required by all participants. There will be a kit check at start and finish of race.