Hill and Dale Race 7: Loughshannagh
For various reasons there was a slightly smaller than usual turnout on Thursday evening for the seventh race in the Hill and Dale series. This week the race was termed ‘Loughshannagh’ and it started at the car park above Spelga Dam and took the runner over Carn Mountain, Doan, Slieve Loughshannagh and Ott Mountain before the descent to the finish at Spelga.
At just over five miles this was the longest race to date and one which reached a height of 1,700 feet. Despite the severity of the challenge and the ever changing nature of the underfoot conditions and the topography, Orangegrove participants gave of their best and featured well in the results…
Robin Montgomery 54.36, Sarah Steer 73.36, Michael O’Donoghue 73.57, Lisa Fleming 75.29, Zoe Ni Dhuinn-Bhig 75.58, Sharon Dickenson 76.30, Jill Holland 100.22.
Jill’s time included two or three extra mountains, in addition to those on the schedule, due to a slight navigational error which was not her fault. Despite covering a considerable extra distance, much of it angled at about 45 degrees, she still emerged out of the wilderness with a smile and will be lining up with the rest of us again next Thursday evening.
Very well done indeed to everybody who represented Orangegrove on Thursday evening on what was a gruelling route in difficult conditions. The race was won by Seamus Lynch (Newcastle A.C.) in 39.14 and Shalene McMurray (Newcastle A.C.) was first lady in 50.08.
Next week’s race is Millstone.