Race 8: Loughshannagh Horseshoe (anti-clockwise)

25th May 2006

McKibbin on the verge of title once again

The Loughshannagh Horseshoe is the longest and the toughest race in the Bluelough Hill and Dale Series. This year the competitors were faced by the prospect of the climb up Carn, Doan, Slieve Loughshannagh and Ott before returning to the place from whence they came. The toughness of the race proved not to be a deterrent as 110 brave pilgrims paid their dues and set out on their journey, mindful that the occasional leap of faith would be required in the course of the evening. The poor weather of the previous weeks was not in evidence and the sun even made an appearance, perhaps in response to the organiser’s (Father Joseph) prayers of intercession.

Newcastle AC’s Alan McKibbin, Northern Ireland’s finest fell runner for the last number of years, took a giant step towards retaining his title with victory, his fifth in five races. With three races to go and McKibbin in fine racing form the outcome appears inevitable and perhaps will be decided at Rocky next week.

Alan did not get things all his own way this week with club mate Deon McNeilly and ACKC’s, sorry Mourne Runners’ Eddie Hanna also in contention until the bottom of the final climb. It was here that the canny McKibbin made his move and descended superbly to the finish to see off his two rivals. Hanna is also in fine form and eased clear of McNeilly to finish comfortably in second place. McNeilly kept his cool and finished strongly in third.

Kristopher Muldoon produced his best finish of the season to hold off the rapidly improving Stevie Cunningham for fourth place, while Andrew ‘Goldie’ Stevenson finished 6th, roaring and shouting all the way to the finish as usual. Here certainly is a man who both enjoys the challenge of a good old-fashioned mountain race and who gives the spectators value for money. It was certainly a good evening for the Mourne Runners with Roy Donaldson, out of season from the snooker, and James McKee also finishing in the top ten.

The ladies race was also a closer affair this week, with champion-elect Fiona Maxwell’s winning margin cut to 26 seconds by Shileen O’Kane, who has been improving with every race.

Newcastle’s Thomas Turner recorded an excellent victory in the junior category in 26th place overall. Thomas has in recent weeks been using A-Level examinations as a welcome diversion from his two great passions, rugby and running. Thomas is using running to gain weight for his rugby. This sounds, in theory, lunacy, until one considers the Big Engine running formula of increased mileage = extra poundage. If Thomas can progress like his guru he should be a front row forward by next season.

In the other categories there were victories for Peter Howie (Vet 45), Brendan O’Hagan (Vet 50), Jim Patterson (Vet 55 - though he does not look it), John Adgey (Vet 60), Tom Donnelly (Vet 70), Shalene Ward (L Open), Shileen O’Kane (LV 35), Alwynne Shannon (LV 40) and Kerry Iveston (L Junior).

A special word of mention is deserved to a numbers of runners for their commitment and enthusiasm in this week’s race. Declan McElroy in his determination to make every second count could not get the brakes on at the finish, hurdled the 5 bar gate and was last seen steadily climbing towards the summit of Moughanmore. Hopefully ‘Forest’ will be finished and make his way to the start of Rocky. Frank Morgan, the finish builder par excellence was less than impressed when it was reported that Big Decky could not see the finish line. Frank’s reply was of the dignified variety we have come to expect of such a mild mannered gentleman over the years.

The protagonists in the battle for 14th and 15th places are also to be praised. Sam Herron had taken last week off to ‘rest’. This fact was not lost on his club mate Mark Hanna as the two thundered towards the line. Hanna’s determination and continuous training won the day, much to his delight. Herron was not to be found, but regained enough strength in the pub to complain that there was no way Hanna had beaten him by a
second. The Hill and Dale Committee are currently investigating more accurate methods of ensuring that such inaccuracies can be phased out over the next 10 seasons.

Last years ‘Runner’s Runner’ Francis Nugent also recorded a seasons best, finishing in 44th place, his improvement largely due to the little piece of carpet he puts on the ground to protect his delicate feet when changing. Wait until the boys in Castleblaney hear that one!

Arguably the main event of the evening is not the race, but the hospitality provided at the Horseshoe Bar. Mary Margaret had obviously misread the weather and had stoked up a roaring fire. When added to a bar full of sweaty runners the aroma was, well lets just call it interesting. Poor Wes Kettyle had the misfortune of being positioned closest to the blazing furnace and left the bar medium rare. It might have been advisable for a certain committee member who had turned up at the race looking cold, despite seemingly wearing all his clothes and still shivering to have brought a pound for a coke and enjoyed the free heat on offer.

Much more worrying is the trend for increasing numbers to descend upon Mary’s kitchen. Rumours have got out that the sandwiches are better in there and there might even be a bun or two. When the race organiser arrived to consume the fare on offer and dole out the freshly prepared gourmet offerings to the assembled masses, he was met by the sight of Garry McLoughlin, who less than 30 minutes earlier had finished the race in a right state. His knees were bleeding and he was totally disorientated. As if by magic he was now adorned in a swanky shirt and was knowledgably explaining Pythagoras’ Theorem to anyone who would listen. Unfortunately, or should that be fortunately, few were. Once a teacher…

Then there was some panic when the aforementioned Mr Morgan was feared missing in action or even worse was fraternising with the hoi polloi. It was only when the door was opened for the search party to begin the manhunt that the smell of the tea and buns escaped and sure enough, to the relief of all, the man himself sauntered in.

A special of word of thanks to the marshals, the McNeilly brothers Billy and Wills, Mark, Roy, Jim and Donal who braved the strong winds and dutifully manned their posts to the bitter end.

Next Thursday’s race, the 9th of the 11-race series, Rocky, is also a NIMRA championship event. Registration is at Leitrim Lodge is from 6.30pm and competitors are encouraged, as always, to get there in plenty of time.

By FINE DESCENDER (BOGBOY’s other cousin)