Crutchley storms to first Hill and Dale win in style

Crutchley storms to first Hill and Dale win in style

16 April 2025

THE first race of the Hill and Dale Series is always a highly anticipated event – a sure sign that spring has truly sprung.

This year’s opener, the McVeigh Classic, was no different – though the weather had other plans at first.

Originally set to follow the traditional Castlewellan Forest route (which flips direction every two years for variety), Storm Eowyn swept in and made a grand mess of things.

Hundreds of trees were downed, trails blocked, and the park left looking more like a game of giant pick-up-sticks than a running haven.

But thanks to the tireless work of the forest park staff, and Martin’s impressive local knowledge, a scenic and suitably hilly five-mile course was carved out – complete with a summit of Slievenaslat, of course. Because let’s be honest, it wouldn’t be a Hill and Dale race without a lung-busting climb or two!

By race night, Mother Nature had done a full 180 – and what a transformation it was. The sun showed up like it had a point to prove, casting golden reflections over the glass-still lake. The air was full of that unmistakable scent of spring, and with blue skies above and fresh trails underfoot, it was the perfect stage for a magical evening in the hills.

A whopping 367 runners toed the line – a record turnout. Maybe it was the promise of sunshine, or maybe everyone just needed to shake off the winter cobwebs, but the camaraderie was palpable.

Hill and Dale races have always attracted a special breed – a mix of seasoned mountain goats and wide-eyed first-timers. There’s no ego here, just a shared love for the trails, the challenge, and the post-race chats where old friendships are reignited and new ones are formed.

Some run for the glory. Others for the escape. Many for the mental reset that only a forest trail can provide. Whatever the reason, one thing’s for sure – the running genie is well and truly out of the bottle.

After Eamon’s pre-race instructions delivered in his dulcet tone, and Frank Morgan’s starting whistle, everyone had gathered at the ranger’s office.  Runners charged into the course’s figure-of-eight loop, straight into the first climb.

At the front, a battle brewed between Newcastle’s Ashley Crutchley and BARF’s Niall McCartan, with the pair neck-and-neck for most of the race.

On the final fast descent home, Niall found an extra gear and stormed to his first ever Hill and Dale win. One to watch.

In the women’s race, 15-year-old Abby Smith (from Shercock, via Co Cavan) made an unforgettable debut, cruising to a convincing win ahead of Karen Wilton (Jog Lisburn) and Tanya Cumming (Newcastle AC).

Abby has big dreams of international competition – and if Thursday’s performance is anything to go by, she’s well on her way.

Full results are available online for those eager to check their times or relive their glory.

None of this could happen without the amazing crew of volunteers who make Hill and Dale what it is – from course markers to marshals, from timekeepers to registration staff. A big shout out to Castlewellan Forest Park staff for helping us bounce back from the storm, and to Maginn’s Bar and Restaurant for their legendary hospitality at the prizegiving.

This week’s race heads to Tollymore – fingers crossed for a return to a more familiar route. As always, check the forecast, bring your bum bag with full body cover, and don’t forget your race number if you’ve already picked one up at Castlewellan.