Knockdu

Date:

Saturday 28th April, 2007

Time:

13:00

Climb (m):

448

Distance (km):

7.60

Leagues:

 

Route Description:

Terrain guide to Knock Dhu (Paul Nolan 2006)

Here's a rough guide to what to expect on Saturday (to be read in conjunction with the race route map):

The start is flat and broad, no problem with getting boxed in at any point, the underfoot is short grass. There is a short section through stony ground before a turn to climb to point 1, it's a short very steep climb followed by a short VERY steep downhill on grass.

The run across to point 2 is mainly grass with some stony bits.

From 2 to 3 is again steep but this time in a gully so it can be quite narrow so passing can be difficult.

From 3 to 4 is flat ground with good running underfoot and one stile to cross.

From 4 to 5 is the first long steep downhill, it is grass underfoot with a narrow gap between gorse bushes about two-thirds of the way down. You approach 4 at speed, turn left and disappear down a broad gully. Some of the local runners call it 'Suicide Drop'. On the day allow yourself enough time before the race to go and have a look at it.

From 5 to 6 is a mix of grass and stone with more gorse bushes making it difficult to overtake or to be passed.

From 6 to 7 is the steepest climb of the day with everyone on all fours.

There is a short flat section just after 7 which will just about give you time to straighten up before another steep grassy down hill (similar to 4 to 5).

From point 8 to 6 is narrow and very stony as the route passes close to a collapsed dry stone wall, just before 6 is a short horrible climb.

At 6 you rejoin the outward route and retrace your steps back up the hill to point 4. Don't be put off by runners coming towards you at point 6, the field will have strung out.

From 4 to 9 is flat and boggy, there is a large stile to cross so beware of cramping when climbing down it. From there to the finish is a gentle downhill gradient with the underfoot improving to a snooker table smooth grass surface and the relief of the finish.

I've written this to help the people who have never run the race before. There are so many climbs/downs and changes of direction that first timers find it very hard to judge their efforts and lose track of how far into the race they are. In the many times I've run the race my tactic has been the same maximum attack from the start. All the climbs/descents are short so you have a chance to recover and at 7.4 km the race is short enough that you don't need to hold back. However it's important to note that Knock Dhu is one of my key races of the year and I train specially for it. Neil Carty who has been the best NIMRA finisher for the last decade uses a different approach. He holds a little back until point 5 on the way out and then goes for it.

Either way it's a great race.

Organisers Instructions:

Knockdhu, Northern Ireland
Date: April 28th 2007
Website: Race Details and Previous Results .
Categories: Senior men, senior women, veteran men o/40, junior u/20, junior u/17
Teams: 4 to run, 3 to score (senior and masters)
Winning times: Men (35 minutes), Women (42 minutes)
Trial race: None