Toscano Hill & Dale Junior Race 2

Primary School Race 2 Results
Post Primary Race 2 Results
Photos by Declan Rice

By The Non-Runner, on her bestest behaviour.

Race 2 was organised by The McCrickards, and with usual form from his reputation for fair weather at the Junior XC, PJ had arranged another sunny evening. We are delighted to have had 75 enthusiastic junior runners in the latest race in the Toscano Junior Hill and Dale races. We saw many of the junior runners who competed last week in Castlewellan return to tackle the infamous Tollymore Monument start and Green Rig finish, emulating their senior counterparts. The registration team were delighted to see some familiar visitors registering for the races. It was great to see juniors from 3 Ways (Newry), Burren AC, Dromore AC and East Down AC.

To indicate that the evening went fairly well, I’m happy to report that I have just finished a hot chocolate with marshmallows to warm me up. Nothing stronger has been required. (It’s too late for coffee, well….what else were you thinking?) First time I’ve ever had hot chocolate with marshmallows, now I see what the fuss is all about. Yummy! (I have a cousin who figured out it was me writing the reports because she said I alway wrote about food. Didn’t think I was that obvious.)The course had been set earlier by Eamon McCrickard and the Primary school runners took off under the watchful eye of brother PJ McCrickard. The eldest of the McCrickard brothers, Nicky, had been seen earlier in the car park trying, unsuccessfully, to have the registration trailer uncoupled from the lorry cab. But, the McCrickards are nothing if not reliable and resourceful. We were soon ensconced in the executive suite of the trailer. Debbie and I would like to thank all of the parents for their patience and enthusiasm in attending our races.

Amazingly we had over 50 junior runners in the Primary School race. Eamon McCrickard led the runners on his bike around the course. Congratulations go to all of our junior competitors. We had junior NAC runner Conrad Rice doubling up on his medal presentation duties doing sweeper, to make sure we had no runners going astray. Finishing up the green rig is very challenging, I know how I feel after walking up it, never mind running! First Primary school boy over the line was Paul Carty Lagan Valley AC and first girl was Caitlin Coffey of 3 Ways AC.

Then we had over 20 post-primary runners battling it out for bragging rights of podium place medals. There was an exciting finish for spectators as there was a close battle for first over the line. First boy was Ethan Dunne of Dromore AC and first girl was Eve Dunford of Burren AC.After the seniors had taken off on their race we gathered the families around the finish line to have our presentation. PJ announced the names of the medal winners and Frank Cunningham of East Down AC kindly presented the medals to our runners. Then we had some spot prizes of Toscano vouchers and all runners are in with a chance of winning. Our thanks go to the Toscano for their sponsorship of the series and to all of the parents and runners. Thanks to our results team of Frank Morgan and Niall Carson. Thanks also to Debbie Kendall, who doesn’t seem to have been put off by her experience at Castlewellan, returning to the helm once more! Thanks to Declan Rice for taking the photographs before he got ready to run the senior race. Thanks also to PJ and Eamon McCrickard, who already had quite enough to do with their senior race, as well as organising the junior races. Thanks to Darragh McCrickard for his help with the registration and results.

This was the last race for the Primary School children, the next race is for Post-Primary runners only, at Hen Mountain on 12th June. See you then!

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The 2nd Toscano Hill and Dale junior race will take place tomorrow night in Tollymore Forest Park for all juniors in P5 and above.

 Registration will open at 5:30pm and close at 6:30pm. No entries will be taken after this time. NO EXCEPTIONS. We need to get the races started on time so as not to delay the senior race. Also, it is very important that all juniors have time to warm up and stretch before the race.

– Races will start at the Monument at 6:45pm sharp. All juniors to be on the start line at 6:40pm for race instructions.

– If you forgot to hand in your number last week please bring it with you on Thursday night to registration.

– Car parking in Tollymore Forest Park will be free for all competitors and everyone is asked to use the carparks. Parking on grass verges is strictly prohibited.