Race 1

The Mc Veigh Classic

3rd April 2003

Race 1 (of 11)

A Fantastic Start to the new 'Acheson & Glover' Hill & Dale Series

The opening night of the 'Acheson & Glover' Hill & Dale Series often brings snow, but this year summer has arrived early, and soaring temperatures and early midges greeted an amazing 119 official entries, including one from Peter McGookin, who is intent this year on breaking all his late arrival records, this time giving the field a ten minute start. Also in the field, unofficially, was star Newcastle athlete and Community Relations expert, Damien Brannigan, who ran around the race in the field at between 30th and 50th position, giving advice to anyone who cared to listen - a real bonus for those who found themselves off the early pace.

North Belfast's Neil Carty was prominent in the front group early on, surprising, as many expected him to be saving himself for the Bernagh Championship race two days later, however, this must show his intent on winning this year's series and with last year's winner Deon McNeilly resting up for Bernagh, Carty was intent on stealing a lead.

In the woman's series, it looks like after four years we will have a new winner, as Shileen O'Kane has been troubled by a chronic hamstring injury for more than nine months now. Who will take her place? Well on Thursday night's showing, Sharon McBurney of Ballymena looks most likely. McBurney, winner already of the first NI Championship race at Slieve Gullion in March, finished an excellent 25th overall in 39 minutes and 43 seconds an amazing 52 seconds inside O'Kane's 2001 record. With Alwyn Shannon next lady, and 1st lady vet, in 76th overall and nearly six minutes back, McBurney does not look like being seriously challenged for the title. Shannon, meanwhile, well recovered from the broken wrist she sustained in last year's series, looks favourite for the lady vets title.

The McVeigh Classic is a great opener for the Series, with three serious climbs in Castlewellan Forest Park, including those up the Ridge Walk and on to Slievenaslat and also up to Foxes Green. There is also a lot of fast running, which suits the roadrunner. Newcastle's Davy McKibbin did his best to hold on to Carty, he survived for 15 minutes or so, but Carty slowly ground out a lead. Behind McKibbin held on, but towards the finish, Albertville's Steve Begley was closing fast and produced a superb final sprint up the hill below the Castle to pip McKibbin. Begley led home an Albertville victory with Dave Allen 6th (and first Vet 40) and Billy McKay 11th (and first Vet 50) to give 19 points ahead of Newcastle's 20 points (McKibbin 2nd, Paul Rodgers 8th and Mark Kendal 9th).

Willowfield's Des McHenry, nursing a dodgy hamstring was first Vet 55 in 15th and a below par Peter Howie, Larne's flying doctor, was fist Vet 45 in 18th. Special mention should also go to Newcastle's new two junior runners, a very rare species in recent years in the town, but Adam Mitten and Gary Quigley are showing real potential finishing 17th and 32nd respectively.

Meanwhile the Series this year has the welcome support of building materials group Acheson & Glover and Harry Shields led a select band, armed with new Ordnance Survey map of the Forest Park, on a reccie mission earlier in the week before the race. Despite the map, the group turned the four and a half miles route into an hour and a half's run, just as well Harry had people to follow on Thursday night, cutting his time in more than half, to come home in 40 minutes and fifth Vet 40.

This Thurday's race two in the Series is from Tollymore Mountain Centre, slightly shorter than Castlewellan, but a very exhilarating run round the small trails of Tollymore Forest. Anyone is welcome to participate, all abilities, last week times ranged from 33 to 63 minutes, so don't be worried, just turn up at the Mountain Centre Car Park by 7pm and give it a go. You'll be surprised how much you will enjoy it.

BOGBOY

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