Northern Ireland Mountain Running Association
www.nimra.org.uk

 

The start and registration for Moughanmore is at the top of the Spelga Pass road just before it drops down to the south side of the Mournes, at map reference 271253. Parking is along the side of the road and down the old road that now leads into the Spelga Dam.

 

At 3.1  miles (5.0 km) and 1500 feet (460 metres) there is a fair bit of climbing for the distance, but most of it is in the ascent of Moughanmore with other climbs being much more run able. The only checkpoint to reach is the summit of Slievemoughanmore, at the north side of the flat top, map reference 249241. However Pigeon Rock Mountain gets in the way and has to be climbed both on the outward and return legs. From the start most athletes aim diagonally up to the col on Pigeon Rock, crossing the wall at the south corner. There is a very fast descent south west, followed by a much slower climb normally moving away from the wall as you ascent. Circle the cairn, get your number checked and return by the same route.

 

The men’s record was put beyond anyone else by Robbie Bryson in 1996 in a time of 27:49. Other times under 30 minutes are

 

2004 Alan McKibbin 29:45 

2007 Alan McKibbin 28:53 (and Neil Carty 29:05)

2008  Deon McNeilly 29:31

2010 Stephen Cunningham 29:14

 

with other recent winner being David O’Flaherty in 2009 with 31:30

 

The ladies have been much more competitive with Patricia Sloan’s record, set in 1995, of 38:51 being equalled by Shileen O’Kane in 2002, with Sharon McBurney 4 seconds off it in 2003 and Kerry Harty 1 second off in 2004. Kerry won again in 2005 (39:31) and Fiona Maxwell in 2006 (39:17). The record was broken by Alwynne Shannon in 2007 with 36:36 and then broken again by Shalene Ward in 2008 with 35:39. Charlene Haugh took 38:04 in 2009 and Karen Alexander won in 2010 with 36:42.