Belfast Hills Events

In recent times there has been a lot of work to open up the Belfast Hills.  This includes new trails and facilities.  This has led to a surge in popularity with more and more people discovering that it is possible to enjoy a few hours in the wilderness close to the main city.  In keeping with this new found enthusiasm there will be two events on this years hill running calendar. Chain Reaction Cycles Belfast Hills 10K This coming Saturday the North Belfast Harriers, in conjunction with Chain Read more [...]

Annalong Horseshoe Fell Race 2013 – 4th May

57 runners took to the start line for the 32nd running of the annual Annalong Horseshoe fell race, this year featuring as a long race in the NIMRA championship. The weather was bright and clear, with cool temperatures and strong winds expected on the summits. Three previous winners of this race lined up on the starting line, any one of them favourite for this years honours. Last years winner, Deon McNeilly of Newcastle AC, recently becoming a V50, was aiming to become the first person to record a Read more [...]

Mulholland, Logue, Bogle and McNeilly do NI proud at Inter County Championships

On Sunday 19th May 2013, a team of four Northern Ireland runners were in competition in Yorkshire (England), at the Settle Hill Fell Race, which incorporated the UKA Mountain Running Challenge and the Inter County Championships. Allan Bogle (City of Derry AC), David McNeilly (Newcastle AC), Gavin Mulholland (Calder Valley Fell Runners) and James Logue (Calder Valley Fell Runners) took on the 11.3km course, which included approximately 400m of ascending. It was the NI men now based in England, Read more [...]

Sad News

Denis Rankin It is with regret that we announce the death of Denis Rankin at the Hill and Dale Moughanmore race, 16th May. Denis took ill during the race and very sadly, despite the best efforts of fellow competitors (of which two were doctors), passed away. Denis was a legend – climber, athlete, fell runner, skier, in short an all round mountaineer. In 1982 he completed the Bob Graham round of 42 Lake District peaks and 70+ miles in under 24 hours and more recently ticked off ascents of Read more [...]

Slieve Donard Race 2013

by Trevor Wilson It all started so well - sun beaming down on Newcastle Main Street, clear views of Donard as we lined up for the start. As we exited the forest, still fine weather and no hint of what was to come. Up the Black Stairs, very wet underfoot and lack of fitness means that I'm well back. Five minutes after exiting the Black Stairs route, the wind really starts to pick up. Out onto the open mountain and the snow arrives. Have to stop, lie down to get my waterproof jacket on due Read more [...]

Hill and Dale Race 5 – Moughanmore – Recce and safety briefing

There were a lot of keen runners out for a recce over the Moughanmore course this evening.  After a day of heavy showers the sun was splitting the gorse bushes and it was just what the doctor ordered after the weekend assault on Donard.  I can report that as always the hills here are wet.  Also the walls have been repaired and there are no holes for easy access to the far hill.  Now on a more serious note please take heed of the Race Directors safety instructions. Important Pre-Race Safety Read more [...]

Exfoliating race on Donard

The tops of the Mourne Mountains were clear on what was another topsy turvy May day with a mixture of sunshine, rain and hail. 138 enthusiastic runners signed on for the gruelling feat that is running from the Tropicana pool in the centre of Newcastle to the top of Donard and back. On the start line a mobile disco guy in a gold jacket built up the tension by piping out 2001: A Space Odyssey loud enough that I am sure the marshalls on the top of Donard could hear it. As expected the start was quick Read more [...]