King David rules after superb run at Hill and Dale

King David rules after superb run at Hill and Dale

13 June 2012

NEWCASTLE AC’s David O’Flaherty made light work of the dreadful racing conditions to win race eight in the Hill and Dale Series.

The weekend before had seen plummeting temperatures, the rain started on Tuesday and had not ceased all through Wednesday and Thursday. Winter had returned.

Forest paths had become icy streams by Thursday afternoon. By 6pm the mountains were mist covered and the Glen River was lapping the sides of its banks.

Much to race designer Deon McNeilly’s annoyance, the newly-formed health and safety section of the Hill and Dale race committee made a late call to remove the Millstone Mountain section from the race route.

Race control at sea level were informed that O’Flaherty was first to the quarry and held an eight second advantage over Neil Carty and David McKibben, who were together at this stage of the race.

Leg speed is the name of the game from the quarry home. With these three all known for their 10K speed, it was predicted by the time keeping contingent in Donard Park that the winner would come from this grouping.

First out of the mist in Donard Park was O’Flaherty, who powered to a fine victory with a huge smile on his face

The revised course probably suited O’Flaherty more than others and his turn of speed was demonstrated on the forest trails out to the mountain and the descent back from the quarry.

Yet again, Neil Carty of North Belfast Harriers produced a quality performance and picked up another podium finish in second place. Despite some ankle and knee trouble, David McKibben (inset) of Newcastle AC passed a late fitness test and secured a well-earned third place.

Newcastle AC runners were placed well with six runners in the top 10: O’Flaherty (1st), McKibben (3rd), David McNeilly (4th), Deon McNeilly (5th), Dominic McGreevy (9th) and Colum Campbell going well in (10th).

Shileen O’Kane was first lady home in 30th place, managing to hold off Diane Wilson in 32nd place by only 10 seconds. Shileen and Diane run for Lagan Valley AC, they are great competitors with Shileen hard to beat on the climb and Diane fearless on the downhill.

No doubt their battle will recommence at Rocky. Gillian Wasson of Springwell had another fine run and was third lady home in 41st place. Ann Sandford had a fine performance finishing top 50 and winner of her category.

Racing was tight all through the field and none more so in the positions between 10 and 20 with only seconds between the places. P. J. McCrickard (12th) had a great performance despite some early week reluctance to run.

He managed to edge out Eugene McCann (15th), Pete Grant of Newry City Runners (17th), Colin Pascoe (18th), Jerome McCrickard (19th), Nathan McCombe (20th) and Richard Bell of Mourne Runners (21st).

David Smyth from Seaforde, who has been an occasional runner on the Hill and Dale circuit and other local races for a couple of years now, produced a stunning performance to finish in seventh place.

Most of the field reported tough, but exhilarating conditions with some reporting how much ‘fun’ it was wading through icy water and sliding down forest paths.

Big thanks to all who helped make this event take place.

Joe McCann’s “event management team” processed the entries, Barry Wells for course

marking twice, mountain marshals Jim Patterson, Paddy McCartan, Pascal Toner and Brian Steele,

Donard Forest marshals Moya and Andrew Watson, timing and results team and results processing expertly handled by Mark and Darragh.

A great crowd of runners and marshals went back to O’Hare’s in Newcastle.

The log fires, complimentary hot snacks and great atmosphere were enjoyed by all.

Many thanks to Jack O’Hare and staff for their hospitality and service.

Race 9 of the series sees the action return to the open mountain with the athletes taking on the Rocky Mountain.

Runners are reminded of the need for full body cover, a whistle and a compass to comply with kit regulations.

In the event of poor weather, athletes who fail to meet these requirements will not be allowed to take part in the race.

Entry will be at the Leitrim Lodge Car Park from 6.15 pm onwards and competitors are asked to car share where possible.