Northern Ireland Mountain Running Association
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Scotland Dominate Knock Dhu Mountain Race

Sat 7 May 2005 - Simon Taylor

Scotland made a clean sweep of the major honours at the P&O Irish Sea Knock Dhu Classic Mountain Race held on Saturday afternoon at Cairncastle. Larne Athletic Club promoted the event, now in its thirteenth year, with P&O Irish Sea, Johnston and Courtney Solicitors, Larne, Carrickfergus and Ballyclare and Larne Borough Council providing valued sponsorship.

Alisdair Anthony of Central produced a surprise as he completed the four and a half mile circuit in 36:25 to win the race ahead of the international team competitors. Scottish runners dominated as Euan Jardine, Cameron Watson and Andrew Wright gave Scotland a 1-2-3 finish and a clear win in the international race.

The Senior Ladies Race also produced a surprise with Sula Young of Scotland finishing ahead of team-mate, world masters bronze medallist Sue Ridley, to give Scotland a second 1-2 finish and a second team prize. Last years champion Angela Brand-Barker (Wales) was third.

In the veterans event Colin Donnelly (Scotland) won in a time of 37:12 from team-mate Ronnie Gallagher. Scotland took the team prize and with Deon McNeilly finishing as third veteran, Northern Ireland took second place.

Earlier, the Junior Race went to Carwyn Thomas from Wales, from Davis Phee of Scotland with Scotland winning the Junior Male team prize.

In the Under 17 Boys race Elliott Simpson (Fife) was first in a time of 15:20 from Michael McCloone of Greenock. In the Under 17 Girls race Sarah Inglis from Lothian won in a time of 18:24 from Jennifer Kibble (Fife).


Open Race

The Open Race was incorporated into the international event and attracted an entry of 59 runners. With Alisdair Anthony of Central winning the race outright, second place in the Open event went to Paul Mawhirt of Newcastle AC with Des Woods of ACKC third.

The Female Open event was won by Ruth Metcalfe of Eryri in a time of 47:53 while the first female veteran was Alwynne Shannon with a time of 52:17.

Stephen McCloone was first Veteran Over 40 with Jim Brown and Nat Taylor first in the 45+ and 50+ categories respectively. Ricky Cowan of Willowfield Harriers won the 55+ category, finishing in 82nd place overall. Race organiser Billy Magee won the Over 60 category.