Pat Dunbar NIMRA Race
Newcastle AC athletes were out in force on Saturday past for the Pat Dunbar Memorial Race at Leitrim Lodge, expertly organised by Newry AC. This marked the second race in the new NIMRA League, attracting a strong field of 104 runners to take on the challenging 13km, 680m course.
Conditions were chilly with a strong southerly wind, making for a tough opening. The race began with a two-mile headwind drag to Yellow Water before turning towards the first climb up Tievedockaragh. After a brief return through the forest, runners faced the open mountain, taking in Pierce’s Castle and the final ascent of Rocky before the descent to the finish.
At the sharp end, it was a superb performance from Newcastle’s Tom Crudgington, who stormed to victory in a new course record of 01:03:02, leading home a high-quality field in style. Newcastle AC had an excellent turnout, with strong performances throughout the field.
A special mention goes to Tom Crudgington for his outstanding course record victory, and to Sam McNeilly for securing a podium finish in a competitive women’s field. Dominic McGreevy also impressed with a commanding win in the MV65 category.
Newcastle AC Results:
- Tom Crudgington – first (M) – 01:03:02
- David Hicks – fifth (MV45) – 01:13:02
- Gary McEvoy – eighth (MV45) – 01:16:55
- Roger Morgan – 15th (MV40) – 01:21:42
- Pete Grant – 30th (MV55) – 01:30:40
- Dominic McGreevy – 40th (MV65) – 01:35:40
- Sam McNeilly – 41st (3rd F) – 01:35:48
- Cathal Brannigan – 43rd (MV45) – 01:36:21
- Michael Flynn – 50th (MV40) – 01:39:56
- David Lowry – 64th (MV50) – 01:46:01
Overall, it was a fantastic showing from Newcastle AC, highlighted by a course record, podium finishes, and strong depth across all categories, as the NIMRA League got underway. A big thank you to Newry AC for hosting a superb event, and to all the volunteers and marshals who braved the challenging conditions to make the race possible.
