The 38th running of the Mill Hill Mile took place last Tuesday (2 September), under calm skies and dry conditions, ideal weather for the iconic uphill sprint. First held in 1987, the race has become a staple of the local athletics calendar, with only one interruption in its history—the 2020 cancellation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s event saw a strong turnout and fierce competition, particularly among the athletes of Newcastle AC, who dominated the men’s podium. Ethan McMullan stormed to victory in a time of 5.30, followed closely by clubmates Patrick McDaid (5.38) and Ashley Crutchley (5.46). Though none could match the blistering course record of 4.59 set by Deon McNeilly himself, McMullan’s performance was a commanding display of strength and pacing.
On the women’s side, junior athlete Emma Stewart of Dromore AC stole the spotlight, finishing as first female in an impressive time of 6.19. She edged out seasoned competitor Kerry O’Flaherty, who holds the female course record of 5.58, by seven seconds. Joanne Mills rounded out the top three women with a time of 6.54.
Another standout performance came from Matthew Sutton, who claimed the title of first male junior and placed fifth overall with a time of 6.04, showcasing the depth of emerging talent in the local running scene.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of volunteers ensured the race ran smoothly. From taking entries and stopping traffic in Annsborough, Station Avenue, and Drumbuck, to marshalling athletes on the steep climb to the Market House and processing results with precision, their efforts were the backbone of the event.
To read the digital edition, download the Mourne Observer app – for apple click here – for android click here
