Lee Maginnis Reports
Tuesday evening was the annual Mill Hill Mile, hosted by Newcastle AC. The race starts at Annsborough and ascends up the brutal hill to Castlewellan Square.
Number collection was at the aforementioned Castlewellan Square where athletes had the privilege of being greeted by the current Mill Hill Mile record holder. The legendary Deon McNeilly set the time of 5:00 (or 4:59 going by his own watch) nearly three decades ago. Nobody has got near it since.
Conditions were still and it actually felt quite cool compared to of late, but athletes soon warmed up when they realised they had to make their way on foot to the start line at the bottom of the hill, where they would turn around and climb back up. In fact some were cutting it rather fine, having to sprint finish in order just to make it down for 19:00!
The gun went and the hundred strong field took up the strain., spreading out rapidly as the gradient began to bite. There is little respite on the hill, one section becomes less severe, only to become steeper again in the final lung bursting effort to the line. What makes it even more difficult to pace is the fact you cannot see the finish until you are nearly there!
At the sharp end, the race was won when Newcastle AC's Ethan McMullan crossed the line in 5:30, Deon's record survived another year. Patrick McDaid was second I'm 5:38, also Newcastle AC. In fact the home club had a clean sweep of the medals, Ashley Crutchley third in 5:46, the race distance likely proving too short for the man who has multiple hill and dale races to his name.
In the women's race, Rio Olympics steeplechaser Kerry O'Flaherty set off with real intent, but it was the youngster from Dromore AC, Emma Stewart (U17) who sped up the Mill Hill as if it wasn't there. She took a resounding win in a time of 6:19.6 with O'Flaherty (Newcastle AC) in second place with 6:26.2. In third was another Newcastle AC athlete, Joanne Mills (6:54.0).
Emma was also part of the Dromore mixed relay team that took silver at the recent NI and Ulster Road Relay Championships in Belfast.
Now her attentions will turn to the upcoming cross country season.
Image: Joanne Stewart