I may have described last year's winner Liam Venney as a surprise package but as the runners gathered on Tuesday night for this year's Mill Hill Mile he was a clear favourite to repeat his success. Unknown to him of course was my intention, as every year, to have a go at Deon McNeilly's 17 year record of 5 minutes for the distance – but more of that later.
Weather conditions were not conducive to record setting however, with a strong headwind to contend with and of course the “Hill”. But seemingly oblivious to either Liam set off from the word Go and led the biggest ever field of 79 runners all the way to the top. Surprisingly his time of 5.38 was 9 seconds faster than last year while clubmate Neil McCartan's 6.24 was 6 seconds better. Not many improved their 2010 times but one who did significantly was Cheryl Denvir whose 8.01 was 50 seconds faster and good enough to land her the first Over 35 prize with Elaine Burch retaining her female Junior title.
Mark McDowell cruised home in 6.59, his first attempt at this event, likewise Lisa Milligan who recorded 9.50 and will be back for more. Matthew Tumelty replicated his 7.44 from last year just 2 seconds ahead of Ethan Braniff who was 42 seconds quicker than in 2010.
Adam Prenter led home the family trio in 7.38 but 10 year old Tim must take pride of place in the household this week with a splendid 7.51 to win the Boys Under 10 section while sister Lucy upheld the family honour with a determined finish. In another family affair Adam Morgan kept dad Peter moving when the going got tough, finishing in 10.11.
Aoife Cochrane was 2nd in the Under 12 Girls section, finishing in 9.10 with another splendidly controlled run, just behind Newcastle's Jade Casement and ahead of clubmate Eimear Connor in 3rd. Aoife went on to take 5th place in the Girl's Under 13 cross Country in Musgrave Park on Saturday, picking up a medal in the process.
Ross Denvir was 34th overall, though he says prefers the mountains!
As to my attempt on the record, well it started as they all do with right foot, left foot and I was well on course at half way, reached in 4.16 but as in previous years it was the second half that proved my undoing. Not that there's anything sinister about the second half it's just that it's there, immediately after the first. My trailing foot problem asserted itself again and when Marty McVeigh sailed serenely past I knew all hope had gone. However I have since discovered the indisputable cause of my apparent failures. My record in the Mile over the years reads 7.45; 8.14; 7.41; 8.17; 8.10; 8.34; and 9.16, though officially credited with 9.32, which clearly proves that it's getting longer every year – there cannot be any other reason, can there? So next year I'm going to measure it myself and that should really give me the record! Meantime I'm aiming for a PB in the Magic (Downhill) Mile at Stormont on 30 September and a sub 5 clocking.
DUBLIN HALF MARATHON
On to Saturday and the Dublin Half Marathon in Phoenix Park. Some riveting performances to report here with Oonagh Breteche on her debut clocking a superb 1.50, Tracey McDowell 1.48, knocking 2 minutes off her previous best, Betty McCartan a splendid 1.53, Helen Vint, 1.51almost 10 minutes off her previous and Jackie Gilbride, 5 minutes improvement on 1.56. Of course they were all going just to get round and enjoy the scenery. Everyone had better look out if they ever get serious!
The more “serious” men were led home by Philip Vint in 1.26, which like all the others was a commendable time over a challenging course in windy conditions and an indication that he is on course for the full distance in Dublin in October. Raymond Milligan was disappointed with “only” 1.34 while Gavin Oakes 1.37, and James Magennis 1.36, reduced their bests by 2 minutes and 3 seconds respectively.
Well done to all those who travelled and to any others I may have omitted as I didn't have their times. And finally a special Well Done to Lorna McCormick who completed her first marathon last month in Guernsey in a highly respectable 4.35.
Joe Quinn
17 September 2011
