Glover wins Hillclimb Trophy

While the overall winner of the series, Nigel Kane, was already in an unassailable position after previous races, the minor places were still up for grabs depending on results on the night. However, this was probably far from the minds of the 39 competitors as instead they contemplated the 3-mile steady climb from Ballygally through Cairncastle to Linford car park, some 270 metres higher.

First away were Rhonda Adamson and Elaine McKay followed by Paula Cosgrove and Melissa Whiteside, with the remaining runners starting in quick succession until Justin Maxwell, the last runner, started some 14-and-a-half minutes later.

Alan Glover was the winner on the night in a time of 27:11, to add a new name to the Hillclimb Trophy. Dan Magill was second, with Kirsty Sharratt third in a time of 26:37. The handicapper’s skills were much in evidence as 30 runners finished within the following three minutes.Nat Glenn’s time of 19:02 was fastest on the day with new signing Lindsay Hagan, fastest lady in 24:15.

Overall series winner Kane, did not compete in the Hillclimb Handicap. He already had no less than six top-seven finishes through the year. Kirsty Sharratt and Dan Magill were second and third overall, having bettered their positions with excellent runs on the night.

Thanks go to John Agnew for setting the handicap times, to Elaine Hall for organising prizes and to Jackie Wallace for timekeeping. The series was sponsored by Chekkers Wine Bar.

Results (with corrected times): 1. Alan Glover, 27:11; 2. Dan Magill, 26:20; 3. Kirsty Sharratt, 26:37; 4. Mandy Johnston, 28:50; 5. Gillian Given, 32:22; 6. Paul Hutchinson, 20:56; 7. Alan Poag, 29:27; 8. Elaine Hall, 30:08; 9. Robin Alexander, 32:57; 10. Nat Glenn, 19:02.