The 2007 Blue Lough Hill & Dale Race Series got off to a great start on Thursday in Castlewellan Forest Park with the McVeigh Classic. The recent prolonged sunshine had left the course mainly dry and encouraged a record turnout of all time with 161 runners toeing the start line. The race was fairly short over 5 miles and 1,200ft. Stephanie Hambling was the North Down runner involved with an excellent 89th overall in 44:14 min and this gave her 6th in the ladies race and 2nd LV35.