Binnian To the Top” a phrase almost as evocative in mountain running circles as “To Infinity and Beyond” and “Top of the World, Ma”  are to filmgoers, though in truth both of these latter two could apply equally to last Thursday's race in the excellent Hill and Dale series. In times ranging from just under 23 minutes by the first man to the top to just over 54 for the last competitor the view from the top on a sunny, warm and clear evening made the tortuous ascent worth every ache.  Someone described it as breathtaking but my breath had long since been taken by my efforts further down the mountain while another view  that it was “perfect karma” didn't mean a lot as I'm more of a chicken tikka man myself.  Whatever the adjectives everyone agreed it was simply stunning.  The race is reckoned to be about 2 miles long with 2,000 feet of climbing (straight up in layman's terms) and when you get to the top you are greeted by smiling, fresh faced officials, some with 4 legs, raising the question; If they can get there ahead of everyone else why don't they run the race?

Binnian is one of those experiences which brings to mind the oft repeated philosophy that you're closer to God when you're out running but I'm not sure whether this is because most of us were on our knees by the time we reached the top or because of the rigor mortis related stiffness which sets into every available leg muscle shortly afterwards. Either way His help is liberally invoked when the going gets tough, which is right from the start. I think the view from the top was His answer.

The race again saw a 4 strong East Down team take on the challenge, in spite of some “hairy moments” last week on Slieve Martin and improve their placing to 7th. The treacherous underfoot conditions and unrelenting climb are not suited to the faster runners, to the disadvantage of Liam Keenan and Anna Stamp, but Joe Quinn, fresh from his spectating role in London last week and missing the rigours of Kilbroney, found it to his liking, taking 60th place and 1st Vet Over 60 in 31.05, with Liam in 62nd, Anna in 97th in 33.31.  Garry McLoughlin made up the quartet in 137th place.  And special thanks to all those who officiated on the night – their's is a dedication above (well above literally) and beyond the call of duty.

Next week the action moves to Moughanmore but meantime10 Club members will be taking part in the Belfast marathon, with a variety of time targets to achieve. Best wishes to all of them – look out for their stories next week.

In midweek James O'Hare proved his versatility with a convincing win at the Athletics NI Open Graded meeting on Wednesday at Mary Peters Track, taking the scalps of Eddie McGinley and Jarlath Falls as he led from start to finish over the 3,000 metres distance in a time of 8.37. This run showed he can perform equally on the track as well as over the country, which he has dominated at Schools level this past Winter, winning Provincial and All Ireland titles, a transition which none but the best achieve.