Tollymore Forest 5k
Sun 28th Sept 2014
Following 3 months of intense build up, excitement and highly unnecessary pictures of Zola on Facebook, the eagerly anticipated Waggy Races 2 at Tollymore Forest took place on Sunday 28th September. Bob Marley once sang, ‘sun is shining, weather is sweet’. Whilst presumable he wasn’t singing about Tollymore, he could well have been as we were blessed with unseasonably pleasant temperatures, clear skies and glorious sunshine – a perfect day for the race in the beautiful Co Down venue.
A flurry of last minute interest had brought the number of entries to within touching distance of 100, although with a few cry offs, just under 90 teams would toe the line in what will surely go down as the most competitive Waggy Races in history. Notable entries included defending champions Patrick Campbell (& Working Cocker Tilly) and Louise Smart (& Jack Russell Dexter), with both teams carrying the heavy burdens of the pre-race favourite tag. The newly introduced WALKER category proved popular, with a group of 12 setting off in the final wave to enjoy the day at a more leisurely pace. Included in this group was the inspirational Torie Tennant and her Guide dog Ushi - unfortunately this lab/retriever cross may yet face disciplinary action as she considered the Waggy Races start line to be the best place in the entire 2,000 acre forest to relieve herself pre race. Torie and Ushi are Saturday morning park run regulars and were keen to take on the challenge of the mixed terrain that the Tollymore course offered.
A sizeable core of participants from the Castle Ward 5k returned to compete but it was also great to see so many new faces and such a vast variety of shapes and sizes of furry competitors (especially the three Samoyeds – Zola, Lara and Nala)! Four PRO waves and three CASUAL waves would set off before the walkers were unleashed.
In wave one, 10 of the 12 starters were Waggy Races veterans of considerable prowess, capable of very fast times. Only James Best (& 3-legged Sheldon) and Chris Johnston (& 4-legged Beau) were unknown quantities. As they lined up to start the race, Castle Ward 2nd placed Claire Withers was conspicuous by her absence. Concerned cries of “Where is Claire Withers?” bellowed out from Ruth over the megaphone, before Claire and her new race partner, the dog-mountain German Shepherd Dexter, were spotted beside the caravan park in a slight extension of lane 1. Suffice to say, the pressure on the start line was palpable from the off.
Lots of frenzied barking, a roar from the crowd and a ring from the starter bell signaled the start of the race and the first wave set off at a rapid pace – the 5-legged team of James & Sheldon taking an early lead as they disappeared round the corner out of sight past the orange flags, with the likes of poster boy Ivor Moody (& Finn) and the handsome trio of Brendan O’Boyle (& Dan), Owen Crothers (& Barney) and Ricky Farr (& Alfie) in hot pursuit.
The hounds were released (literally) from their starting lanes in waves at one minute intervals, with each group boasting its own Waggy Races stars. Wave 2 featured the likes of selfie competition winner Cathy Hopkins (& Fred Beagle), some ‘thoroughbred houndy types’ called Lord Mack and King Finn, a Lakeland terrier called Martha and an unproven combination in classy runner Jessica Craig and Ollie – a Bichon Frise cross who apparently “can’t run”. The final two PRO waves were notable for the likes of ‘team Blondie’ (Alison brand with Samoyed Zola), Paul Briscoe (& Nala – the other Samoyed), the Straid speedster Rachel Finlay (& Charlie), Hannah who had travelled from Sheffield to team up with Weimeraner Bailie, Bryansford local Gill Campbell (& Labrador Obi) and David and Helena Fisher who had travelled all the way from the Tollymore caravan park, with Maisie the Patterdale and Pip the Beagle). Meanwhile, County Antrim Harrier’s celebrated ‘Athlete of the year’ Eileen Stewart also featured in wave 4, adding a touch of class to the final PRO wave. Three further CASUAL waves would follow before the walkers set off.
As the final group disappeared into the forest, a nervous few minutes ensued as the crowds waited to see who would re enter the monument field first. They didn't have long to wait - Patrick Campbell (& Tilly), Rory Parson (& Sweep) and Brendan O’Boyle (& Dan) emerged as a pack through the hedge after a battle on the dreaded Green Rigg. The three athletes sprinted the final 250m to the finish line, with Patrick breaking clear, followed by Brendan and then Rory. This would be the clubhouse 1, 2, 3, until a strong run from John McAleavey (& Duke the Collie) in wave 2, saw them storm through to take silver and oust Rory off the podium.
The women’s race could not have been any closer or more dramatic. Karen Bleakley (& Kai) appeared in the monument field first and with 150m to go, the ‘Walkies’ proprietor who finished 3rd at Castle Ward looked to have the race sewn up, but she could never have anticipated the determined and strong finishing of defending champion Louise Smart (with the diminutive Dexter). Louise swallowed up the gap in the last 100m, sprinting across the line at seemingly the same time as Karen. After much shoulder shrugging, the timing committee (which did not involve Neil) reviewed the photo finish evidence and adjudged Karen to have crossed the line first, finishing a full t-shirt width ahead of Louise. A few moments later Jessica Craig and Ollie glided down the hill to take 3rd place. Top places in the new 'team' prize category were taken by Christopher and Joshua Hanlon (& Megan the Lab), with Naomi Lusty and Lloyd Allen (& Jess the Collie) not far behind.
While the remaining Waggy Racers passed the monument and came down the hill to complete the course, a fantastic atmosphere developed around the finish line as the picnic rugs came out and the revelers cheered the racers home, basking in the lovely sunshine while the dogs cooled off in the paddling pools.
Guide Dogs NI
Waggy Races partnered with Guide Dogs NI for the event and many thanks to everyone who donated, who has subsequently volunteered and who purchased Hero Dog capes and other Guide Dog souvenirs. Also a massive congrats to Torie Tenant and Ushi who navigated the tricky course with some gusto, securing the coveted ‘Spirit of Waggy Races’ award in the process.
Thanks
A huge thanks has to go to Dianna Jackson from Tidy Tails Pet Boutique in Newcastle for kindly donating prize hampers full of all things doggy. Murphy’s Bark’ery provided the baked dog treat hampers and giant cookies and Jollyes Pet Food Superstore supplied the excellent goody bags and bags of K9 Optimum dog food.
Anyone who has had the pleasure of looking through the official race day pics from Kalos Photography and Paul Carron photography will appreciate their work – the photos really captured the atmosphere on the day. Paul has also made a Go Pro video – see if you can spot you and your dog hurtling past! Please check out their respective pages and be sure to get your race day souvenirs!
On the medical side, again a big thanks must go to Linda Brown from Balloo vets in Killinchy for attending the race to look after our furry team mates and to Lynn Cromie, fresh from the Invictus games, as our 1st Aid cover. Thanks to our team of marshals – Mike Robinson, Libby Robinson, Rosie Campbell and Stephen Symmington (who got engaged later that day - congrats!!!), Steven Morrison (& St Bernard George), Allen Reid (who only volunteered so he could heckle his brother) and Mark, Claire and (the smallest marshal of all) Cole.
All in all, the Waggy Races team were delighted and very chuffed with how Waggy Races 2 unfolded. Not even the overnight theft of a direction arrow at a crucial junction could ruin the day, which was very enjoyable throughout.
An air of race day excitement, glorious weather, the friendly Waggy Racer community, well behaved dogs and wonderful spectators all combined to make this a memorable event, so thank you to everyone for your support and enthusiasm for jogging with dogs. The only question that remains now is where and when Waggy Races 3 will take place....watch this space.
A flurry of last minute interest had brought the number of entries to within touching distance of 100, although with a few cry offs, just under 90 teams would toe the line in what will surely go down as the most competitive Waggy Races in history. Notable entries included defending champions Patrick Campbell (& Working Cocker Tilly) and Louise Smart (& Jack Russell Dexter), with both teams carrying the heavy burdens of the pre-race favourite tag. The newly introduced WALKER category proved popular, with a group of 12 setting off in the final wave to enjoy the day at a more leisurely pace. Included in this group was the inspirational Torie Tennant and her Guide dog Ushi - unfortunately this lab/retriever cross may yet face disciplinary action as she considered the Waggy Races start line to be the best place in the entire 2,000 acre forest to relieve herself pre race. Torie and Ushi are Saturday morning park run regulars and were keen to take on the challenge of the mixed terrain that the Tollymore course offered.
A sizeable core of participants from the Castle Ward 5k returned to compete but it was also great to see so many new faces and such a vast variety of shapes and sizes of furry competitors (especially the three Samoyeds – Zola, Lara and Nala)! Four PRO waves and three CASUAL waves would set off before the walkers were unleashed.
In wave one, 10 of the 12 starters were Waggy Races veterans of considerable prowess, capable of very fast times. Only James Best (& 3-legged Sheldon) and Chris Johnston (& 4-legged Beau) were unknown quantities. As they lined up to start the race, Castle Ward 2nd placed Claire Withers was conspicuous by her absence. Concerned cries of “Where is Claire Withers?” bellowed out from Ruth over the megaphone, before Claire and her new race partner, the dog-mountain German Shepherd Dexter, were spotted beside the caravan park in a slight extension of lane 1. Suffice to say, the pressure on the start line was palpable from the off.
Lots of frenzied barking, a roar from the crowd and a ring from the starter bell signaled the start of the race and the first wave set off at a rapid pace – the 5-legged team of James & Sheldon taking an early lead as they disappeared round the corner out of sight past the orange flags, with the likes of poster boy Ivor Moody (& Finn) and the handsome trio of Brendan O’Boyle (& Dan), Owen Crothers (& Barney) and Ricky Farr (& Alfie) in hot pursuit.
The hounds were released (literally) from their starting lanes in waves at one minute intervals, with each group boasting its own Waggy Races stars. Wave 2 featured the likes of selfie competition winner Cathy Hopkins (& Fred Beagle), some ‘thoroughbred houndy types’ called Lord Mack and King Finn, a Lakeland terrier called Martha and an unproven combination in classy runner Jessica Craig and Ollie – a Bichon Frise cross who apparently “can’t run”. The final two PRO waves were notable for the likes of ‘team Blondie’ (Alison brand with Samoyed Zola), Paul Briscoe (& Nala – the other Samoyed), the Straid speedster Rachel Finlay (& Charlie), Hannah who had travelled from Sheffield to team up with Weimeraner Bailie, Bryansford local Gill Campbell (& Labrador Obi) and David and Helena Fisher who had travelled all the way from the Tollymore caravan park, with Maisie the Patterdale and Pip the Beagle). Meanwhile, County Antrim Harrier’s celebrated ‘Athlete of the year’ Eileen Stewart also featured in wave 4, adding a touch of class to the final PRO wave. Three further CASUAL waves would follow before the walkers set off.
As the final group disappeared into the forest, a nervous few minutes ensued as the crowds waited to see who would re enter the monument field first. They didn't have long to wait - Patrick Campbell (& Tilly), Rory Parson (& Sweep) and Brendan O’Boyle (& Dan) emerged as a pack through the hedge after a battle on the dreaded Green Rigg. The three athletes sprinted the final 250m to the finish line, with Patrick breaking clear, followed by Brendan and then Rory. This would be the clubhouse 1, 2, 3, until a strong run from John McAleavey (& Duke the Collie) in wave 2, saw them storm through to take silver and oust Rory off the podium.
The women’s race could not have been any closer or more dramatic. Karen Bleakley (& Kai) appeared in the monument field first and with 150m to go, the ‘Walkies’ proprietor who finished 3rd at Castle Ward looked to have the race sewn up, but she could never have anticipated the determined and strong finishing of defending champion Louise Smart (with the diminutive Dexter). Louise swallowed up the gap in the last 100m, sprinting across the line at seemingly the same time as Karen. After much shoulder shrugging, the timing committee (which did not involve Neil) reviewed the photo finish evidence and adjudged Karen to have crossed the line first, finishing a full t-shirt width ahead of Louise. A few moments later Jessica Craig and Ollie glided down the hill to take 3rd place. Top places in the new 'team' prize category were taken by Christopher and Joshua Hanlon (& Megan the Lab), with Naomi Lusty and Lloyd Allen (& Jess the Collie) not far behind.
While the remaining Waggy Racers passed the monument and came down the hill to complete the course, a fantastic atmosphere developed around the finish line as the picnic rugs came out and the revelers cheered the racers home, basking in the lovely sunshine while the dogs cooled off in the paddling pools.
Guide Dogs NI
Waggy Races partnered with Guide Dogs NI for the event and many thanks to everyone who donated, who has subsequently volunteered and who purchased Hero Dog capes and other Guide Dog souvenirs. Also a massive congrats to Torie Tenant and Ushi who navigated the tricky course with some gusto, securing the coveted ‘Spirit of Waggy Races’ award in the process.
Thanks
A huge thanks has to go to Dianna Jackson from Tidy Tails Pet Boutique in Newcastle for kindly donating prize hampers full of all things doggy. Murphy’s Bark’ery provided the baked dog treat hampers and giant cookies and Jollyes Pet Food Superstore supplied the excellent goody bags and bags of K9 Optimum dog food.
Anyone who has had the pleasure of looking through the official race day pics from Kalos Photography and Paul Carron photography will appreciate their work – the photos really captured the atmosphere on the day. Paul has also made a Go Pro video – see if you can spot you and your dog hurtling past! Please check out their respective pages and be sure to get your race day souvenirs!
On the medical side, again a big thanks must go to Linda Brown from Balloo vets in Killinchy for attending the race to look after our furry team mates and to Lynn Cromie, fresh from the Invictus games, as our 1st Aid cover. Thanks to our team of marshals – Mike Robinson, Libby Robinson, Rosie Campbell and Stephen Symmington (who got engaged later that day - congrats!!!), Steven Morrison (& St Bernard George), Allen Reid (who only volunteered so he could heckle his brother) and Mark, Claire and (the smallest marshal of all) Cole.
All in all, the Waggy Races team were delighted and very chuffed with how Waggy Races 2 unfolded. Not even the overnight theft of a direction arrow at a crucial junction could ruin the day, which was very enjoyable throughout.
An air of race day excitement, glorious weather, the friendly Waggy Racer community, well behaved dogs and wonderful spectators all combined to make this a memorable event, so thank you to everyone for your support and enthusiasm for jogging with dogs. The only question that remains now is where and when Waggy Races 3 will take place....watch this space.