Cunningham and Wilson celebrate win at Loughshannagh H&D race

by Ryan Maxwell from NIRUNNING

On Thursday 30th May 2013, nearly two hundred mountain runners turned out for the seventh race in this years Hill & Dale Series, hosted by Newcastle AC.  On this occasion, Loughshannagh was the venue of choice, with the course measuring approximately 5 miles in distance with 1,700ft of ascending.

Stephen Cunningham (Mourne Runners) completed a hat-trick of series race wins, crossing the line first in 40:39.  Seamus Lynch (Newcastle AC), who enjoyed a second place finish at Tollymore (Race 2), replicated that performance, claiming 2nd place in 42:00 (2nd place).  Neil Carty (North Belfast Harriers) has been an almost permanent fixture on the podium throughout the series; he (Neil) continued his excellent run of form, which also included a win at last week’s Belfast Hills 10k, with a 3rd place finish in 42:14.

Diane Wilson (Dromore AC) celebrated her first series race win at Moughanmore two weeks ago; the Dromore AC lady returned from International duty to make it two wins in two H&D outings, recording 48:56 for top spot.  Diane was followed by fellow International ladies, Shileen O’Kane (Lagan Valley AC) and Anne Sandford (Lagan Valley AC), who took 2nd place (51:01) and 3rd place (54:24) respectively.