Northern Ireland Mountain Running Association
www.nimra.org.uk

 

McNeilly and Alwyn sparkle at Scrabo

Tue 5 August 2003 - Simon Taylor

BALLYDRAIN harrier David McNeilly, and Alwyn Shannon of Newcastle AC were the winners of the Scrabo Hill Race, held last Friday (1st of August).

It was the 25th running of the three mile event from Newtownards and
both athletes were comfortable winners as they continue their build-up
for Septembers World Mountain Running championships in Alaska.

Mountain running international Gareth Arnott of Willowfield, Larne ACs
Andy Gregg and McNeilly were closely bunched and clear of the rest of
the field as they reached the top of the 500ft climb to Scrabo Tower on
the opening circuit.

However, Comber man McNeilly was always in control and piled on the
pace on the second lap of the hill to notch up his fourth win in five
years clocking 22.04.

Arnott was runner-up in 22.17 with Gregg third a further 15 seconds
back.

Lee Maginnis from Armagh came through strongly in the second half for
fourth ahead of Paul Rodgers of Newcastle AC with top veteran Jim Brown
completing the top six.

Newcastles Adam Mitten was top junior in 24.19 placing eighth overall,
17 seconds ahead of runner-up Jonathan McCloy of Mid Ulster AC.

Shannon, making her debut in the race, was in control throughout as she
crossed the line in 27.35, 66 seconds clear of former junior champion
Jenny Walker of Abbey AC with Barbara Brown of ACKC.

In a closely contested team competition Newcastle AC pipped Ballydrain
Harriers by two points.

Scrabo Results