Hill and Dale Results 2007
Race 1
Race 2
Race 3
Race 4
Race 5
Race 6
Race 7
Race 8
Race 9
Race 10
Race 11
Overall


Mc Veigh Classic, Castlewellan Forest Park

Hill and Dale Race 1

Thursday 5th April 2007

Graham Smashes Record

The 2007 Blue Lough (www.mountainandwater.com) Hill & Dale Race Series got off to a fantastic start last Thursday in Castlewellan Forest Park with the traditional opener – the McVeigh Classic. The past week’s weather of sunshine and more sunshine, better than the typical summer, had left the course mainly dry (although some competitors still managed to get mucky) and encouraged a record turnout of all time – an amazing 161 runners toeing the start line.

It would be hard to find a better setting for spectators with the lake on one side and the castle as a backdrop and the atmosphere was excellent with the superb turnout of runners backed up by as many supporters. The route lends itself to a good view with spectators able to see the field twice as it returns from the first two climbs to the back of the castle before the ‘sting in the tail’ of a finish as the runners toil their way up the gentle (but it feels anything but gentle) rise to the waiting timekeeper.

The start too rises gently and Ricky Graham soon appeared at the front of the giant bunch. Graham won this race last year and took the mountain-racing scene by storm until injury brought an abrupt end to his 2006 season. He is no doubt a brilliant talent, still only 25, but his career progress has been littered with curtailing injuries. Presently he is teacher training in Manchester and has a job sorted for the new school year in Rochdale, so he will not race that often over here any more, but hopefully, injuries permitting, he will have many Northern Ireland representative vests ahead of him.

Anyhow, back to the race at hand and Graham stayed at the front tempting anyone to challenge him as he turned the screw. By the top of the first climb after seven minutes or so, only Omagh’s Stephen Duncan was still in touch. Duncan represented Northern Ireland at the World Championships in Turkey last year and continues to improve and, only last weekend, clocked 68minutes for the Omagh half-marathon. Graham however, is no respecter of pedigree and as they started the second climb he continued to put on the pressure.

Behind, it was a quality field with 2006 Northern Ireland Champion Deon McNeilly in a bunch with former Hill & Dale champions North Belfast’s Neil Carty and Newcastle’s Davy McKibbin plus another Omagh man Martin Cox. It was an epic battle and so it was in the ladies category with Newcastle pair of Alwynne Shannon and Martina Hawkins slugging it out with Omagh Junior Michelle Sturm.

Onto the third and last climb to Fox’s Green and Graham’s attacks were relentless and eventually the elastic snapped and he pulled slowly away from Duncan. He looked full of running as he accelerated up the final grassy hill to win in 31minutes and 16 seconds, a massive 66 seconds inside Deon McNeilly’s record that dates back to 2001. Duncan was 21 seconds back with McNeilly in a strong third another half minute behind (also inside his own record) but over a minute ahead of Carty in 4th.

Speaking of Carty, the North Belfast man is known for his modesty. Quietly spoken, he has achieved much over the past 20 years on the mountains, peaking religiously for the World Championships in September each year and more often that not coming home first Irish man. This race represented his first as a Veteran40 and to celebrate he decided to finish right among his adoring fans - literally. Ignoring the meticulously laid out finish tunnel he side stepped into the waiting crowd at speed relying on the quick thinking Frank Morgan as official timekeeper to do the necessary. Maybe now that he is 40, we are going to see Carty milking more of the hero-worshipping?

Life is made more fascinating by the range of characters and personalities that exist – most of the range seems to be represented at the Hill & Dales. Mourne Runners were once again well represented (and beaten into 3rd place – will they beat Newcastle to the Hill & Dale title at last this year? It doesn’t look like it) not least by stalwart Harry Teggarty. Teggarty appeared at registration and it was immediately obvious that he was struggling to fill in the entry form. ‘No glasses, no glasses’ was the cry. Always willing to help, race promoter, the eponymous McVeigh asked did he need some help? But a club mate was suddenly on hand – ‘it’s not the reading that’s the problem’, said Teggarty, ‘it’s the writing that’s not so good’. Keep an eye out for Teggarty’s book that is soon to be published, admittedly it’s more pictures than words but beautiful pictures nonetheless of himself and his dog touring in the Mournes – well worth a look.

A big mention is also required for Helen Hughes. Husband Davy remains entrenched in his ACKC roots refusing steadfastly for over a year now to make the switch to Mourne Runners as every single one of his former club mates has done. Well anyone who thought that he is Johnny no-mates is wrong. Injured and unable to run, Helen bravely volunteered to hold the end up, so to speak, and came home in a fine 138th in ACKC colours – when Davy gets back, he now only needs to find one more mate to make up a scoring team.

They come from far and wide to participate in the Hill & Dale series as once again the fantastic turnout from Omagh shows. But this week’s furthest travelled prize goes to

Tatiana Vakhrameera from Siberia. Tatiana was recently married to William Farmer son of Hill & Dale (and proprietor of the Baytree Restaurant in Holywood if you are ever after fine home cooking) veteran Sue. Unfortunately, Tatiana started but did not finish but with William 1/6th of the way to his 2007 series prize, hopefully she will return to try again.

Back in the ladies race, Shannon had established a lead that she held for most of the race, but victory was not to be hers. She stuttered in the long run home and last year’s winner Hawkins slipped by to win with both ladies inside their times of last year.

In third and first junior was Omagh’s Michelle Sturm another minute back. Whilst the Hill & Dale sees brilliant performances week in and week out from the more aged competitors, it is great to see no less than 7 juniors competing in the first race this year. In the men’ section, Omagh’s Conor Moore edged out club mate Ciaran Collins with Pegasus’ (Coleraine) Jason Wilson a further 20 seconds back.

Race two is this coming Thursday at the Tollymore Mountain Centre with an exhilarating run around the small trails of the forest. Anyone is welcome to participate with all abilities represented with times expected between half an hour and the full hour depending on ability. Just arrive in the car park at the Centre by 7pm and enjoy the challenge.

BOGBOY

Position Race Number Time Name Category Club Percentage Time of Winner
1 82 31.16 Ricky Graham O Newcastle AC 100.00%
2 25 31.37 Stephen Duncan O Omagh Harriers 100.67%
3 5 32.05 Deon McNeilly V40 Newcastle AC 102.86%
4 117 33.22 Neil Carty V40 North Belfast Harriers 106.61%
5 23 33.48 Martin Cox O Omagh Harriers 107.45%
6 47 34.20 Don Travers O Armagh AC 109.76%
7 21 34.30 David McKibbin V40 Newcastle AC 110.08%
8 27 34.52 Stephen Cunningham O Mourne Runners 110.78%
9 97 35.29 Gary Bailey O Mourne Runners 113.25%
10 35 35.31 Andrew Stevenson O Mourne Runners 113.32%
11 111 35.42 Stephen Begley V40 Albertville 113.67%
12 4 35.52 Richard Rodgers V40 Newcastle AC 113.99%
13 33 35.57 Martin McLaughlin V40 Omagh Harriers 114.15%
14 13 35.59 Andy Gregg V40 Larne AC 114.22%
15 83 36.29 Raymond Ferguson O North Belfast Harriers 116.46%
16 53 36.30 David Wright V35 North Belfast Harriers 116.50%
17 112 36.32 David Allen V45 Albertville 116.56%
18 52 36.33 Jonny Steede O Ballymena Runners 116.59%
19 79 36.36 Dominic McGreevy V50 Ballydrain Harriers 116.69%
20 102 36.38 Richard Cowan O Willowfield 116.75%
21 26 37.01 Billy McKay V55 Albertville Harriers 118.77%
22 36 37.05 Conor Moore MJ Omagh Harriers 118.90%
23 37 37.16 Ciaran Collins MJ Omagh Harriers 119.26%
24 104 37.21 Gareth Kelly O Newcastle AC 119.42%
25 152 37.27 Jason Wilson MJ Pegasus AC 119.61%
26 22 37.30 Lee Maginnis O Newcastle AC 119.70%
27 55 37.49 Clive Bailey O Mourne Runners 120.31%
28 96 37.58 Sam Herron O Mourne Runners 120.60%
29 156 38.24 Jim Erskine V40 Newcastle AC 122.72%
30 50 38.28 Mike Annett V40 Albertville 122.85%
31 88 38.29 James McKee O Mourne Runners 122.88%
32 49 38.30 Vaughan Purnell V35 Mourne Runners 122.91%
33 77 38.36 John Boyle O Dark Peak Fell Runners 123.11%
34 39 38.49 Billy Reed V40 East Antrim Harriers 123.52%
35 42 38.50 Joe McCann V35 Newcastle AC 123.56%
36 68 39.06 Eddie Bell V45 Abbey AC 125.35%
37 51 39.09 Mark Alexander V35 Ballymena Runners 125.45%
38 91 39.17 Ian Gourley V40 BARF 125.71%
39 120 39.34 Paddy Mallon V40 BARF 126.25%
40 121 39.47 Barry Wells V40 Newcastle AC 126.67%
41 10 39.54 Martina Hawkins LV35 Newcastle AC 126.89%
42 107 40.00 Rowan McMahon O Team Purple 128.37%
43 45 40.07 Alwynne Shannon LV45 Newcastle AC 128.59%
44 140 40.16 Brendan O'Boyle MJ Larne AC 128.88%
45 116 40.19 Jess Anderson O Unattached 128.98%
46 71 40.20 Gerry Kingston V40 BARF 129.01%
47 6 40.27 Declan McElroy V40 Newcastle AC 129.24%
48 114 40.28 Charles McAlinden V50 Newcastle AC 129.27%
49 122 40.41 Peter McClenaghan V45 BARF 129.69%
50 90 40.56 Patrick Bradley V35 Unattached 130.17%
51 28 41.01 Michelle Sturm FJ Omagh Harriers 131.61%
52 93 41.10 William Marks O Mourne Runners 131.90%
53 31 41.16 Gareth McKeown V40 BARF 132.09%
54 41 41.21 Peter Howie V50 Larne AC 132.25%
55 12 41.22 Kevin Murdock V40 Team Purple 132.28%
56 69 41.29 Tony Forde V45 North Belfast Harriers 132.51%
57 95 41.31 Paul Watters O Unattached 132.57%
58 57 41.35 Ian Lockington O BARF 132.70%
59 89 41.36 Neville Watson V35 BARF 132.73%
60 125 41.27 Clive Coffey V40 Physio & Co 132.45%
61 70 41.40 Frances Orr FO Omagh Harriers 132.86%
62 108 41.41 Tim Wilson O Unattached 132.89%
63 109 41.55 Gerard Morgan O Unattached 133.34%
64 131 41.56 Shalene Ward FO Unattached 133.38%
65 130 41.57 Brendan O'Hagan V50 Team Purple 133.41%
66 99 42.03 Richard Campbell V35 Mourne Runners 134.88%
67 110 42.06 Vincent McAlinden V35 BARF 134.98%
68 158 42.20 Peter McGuckian V55 Mourne Runners 135.43%
69 135 42.23 Eddie O'Hagan V45 Team Purple 135.53%
70 58 42.24 Anne Sandford LV40 Newcastle AC 135.56%
71 30 42.26 Cecil McCullough V45 Mourne Runners 135.62%
72 155 42.29 Phillip McGavock O BARF 135.72%
73 56 42.46 Chris McCann V45 Mourne Runners 136.26%
74 40 42.59 Darrell Brogan MJ Omagh Harriers 136.68%
75 64 43.03 Gareth Boreland O Unattached 138.09%
76 38 43.09 Ken McConnell V45 Unattached 138.29%
77 60 43.14 Richard Hanna O Mourne Runners 138.45%
78 65 43.17 Gerard Kenny V40 Unattached 138.54%
79 142 43.23 Trevor Wilson V45 BARF 138.74%
80 129 43.32 Christopher McCorry O BARF 139.02%
81 147 43.37 Fred Hamond V55 BARF 139.18%
82 61 43.38 Brian Spence V45 Larne AC 139.22%
83 72 43.42 Andy Bridge V40 BARF 139.35%
84 78 43.50 Tommy Brannigan V50 Team Purple 139.60%
85 34 43.51 Kyle Moffett MJ Newcastle AC 139.63%
86 154 43.56 Paul Patton O Unattached 139.79%
87 127 43.57 Dessie O'Hagan V50 Physio & Co 139.83%
88 19 44.13 Paul Duffy V35 Unattached 141.62%
89 48 44.14 Stephanie Hambling LV35 North Down AC 141.66%
90 133 44.15 Jason Hughes O Blaney Rockets 141.69%
91 17 44.26 Neil McAllister O Unattached 142.04%
92 119 44.27 Peter Grant V40 Unattached 142.07%
93 160 44.30 Michael Henry O Pegasus AC 142.17%
94 20 44.21 William Howard V50 Lagan Valley 141.88%
95 81 44.34 Fred Strickland V60 Ballydrain Harriers 142.30%
96 15 44.37 Wes Kettyle V55 Mourne Runners 142.39%
97 153 44.40 Dave Fulcher V45 Unattached 142.49%
98 113 44.54 Darren Herron O Mourne Runners 142.94%
99 150 44.58 Kevin Lavery V40 North Belfast Harriers 143.07%
100 86 45.01 Francis Boal V55 Ballydrain Harriers 144.45%
101 163 45.07 Francis Nugent V40 Newcastle AC 144.64%
102 128 45.13 John Taylor O Newcastle AC 144.83%
103 157 45.15 Garry McLoughlin V35 Newcastle AC 144.90%
104 14 45.16 Mike Barton V50 Mourne Runners 144.93%
105 134 45.20 Harry Teggarty V55 Mourne Runners 145.06%
106 59 45.21 Charlene Haugh FO Mourne Runners 145.09%
107 29 45.23 WJ Brown V50 Mourne Runners 145.15%
108 126 45.32 Gregory Lennon V35 Physio & Co 145.44%
109 84 45.36 Michael Harty O Mourne Runners 145.57%
110 66 45.36 Dave Goddard V55 Newcastle AC 145.57%
111 161 45.38 William Farmer O Unattached 145.64%
112 92 45.39 Paul Fegan O Newcastle AC 145.67%
113 80 46.00 Barry Rankin V45 Mourne Runners 147.63%
114 100 46.06 Colm Kelly O Unattached 147.82%
115 7 46.12 John Findlay V40 Newcastle AC 148.01%
116 123 46.13 Mark Pruzina V40 BARF 148.04%
117 101 46.14 Brian Hughes V45 Uttoxeter Road Runners 148.07%
118 54 46.15 Julie Murphy FO Lagan Valley 148.11%
119 103 46.21 Ricky Cowan V55 Willowfield 148.30%
120 149 46.33 Stephen Knight V40 LVO 148.68%
121 139 46.38 Paul Watson V40 Newcastle AC 148.84%
122 137 46.42 Brian Peters V40 Unattached 148.97%
123 141 46.48 Frankie Gorman V40 Unattached 149.17%
124 124 47.08 Paul Mc Cormac V40 Physio & Co 151.09%
125 8 47.09 Wendy Findlay LV35 Newcastle AC 151.12%
126 43 47.30 Ian Taylor V55 BARF 151.80%
127 115 47.37 Donal Rogan V40 Unattached 152.02%
128 144 47.42 Simon Aldred V40 Mourne Runners 152.18%
129 87 48.02 William Cargo V45 Unattached 154.11%
130 151 48.19 Noel McKnight V40 North Belfast Harriers 154.65%
131 159 48.45 Jenny Black FO BARF 155.49%
132 74 48.50 Richard Dugan V45 Unattached 155.65%
133 73 48.59 Sue Middleton LV40 Unattached 155.94%
134 105 49.05 Patrick Keown V45 Unattached 157.41%
135 138 49.17 Peter Turkington V50 Mourne Runners 157.80%
136 106 49.19 Gerard Jones V45 Team Purple 157.86%
137 16 49.23 Bill Hopkins V55 LVO 157.99%
138 44 49.34 Helen Hughes LV40 ACKC 158.34%
139 146 49.48 Ricky Craig O Unattached 158.79%
140 148 49.50 Michael Quinn V35 Unattached 158.86%
141 132 51.11 Michael Carroll O Unattached 164.02%
142 98 51.21 Leo Mc Grath V35 Unattached 164.35%
143 76 51.29 Barbara Brown LV45 Mourne Runners 164.60%
144 32 51.43 John Sloan V60 Newcastle AC 165.05%
145 85 52.37 Cathal Murphy O Unattached 168.07%
146 143 52.44 Paddy MCCrickard V40 Unattached 168.29%
147 18 52.45 Christine Hill FO Unattached 168.32%
148 118 53.03 Jackie Toal LV35 BARF 170.19%
149 145 53.42 Bob Cooke V55 Mourne Runners 171.44%
150 63 54.20 Elaine Hall FO Larne AC 173.94%
151 164 56.22 Conall Nugent V40 Newcastle AC 180.42%
152 136 56.47 Carmel O'Hare LV45 Unattached 181.23%
153 24 57.48 Douglas Ferguson V55 Unattached 184.47%
154 75 58.41 Doris Dugan LV45 Unattached 187.45%
155 67 58.45 Pauline O'Hara LV40 BARF 187.58%
156 62 60.15 Martin Breen O Unattached 193.04%
157 46 DNF Lisa Jeffers LV45 Unattached  
158 162 DNF Tatiana Vakhrameera O Unattached  
159 94 DNF Tom Donnelly V65 Mourne Runners  

 

Teams

TEAMS 3 to count  
1 Newcastle 11
2 Omagh 20
3 Mourne Runners 27
4 North Belfast 35
5 Albertville 49
6 Larne AC 112
7 BARF 123
8 Team Purple 162
9 Ballydrain 214
10 Physio and Co 255

 

 

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