Turkey Trot

Turkey Trot

Due to concerns regarding limited parking at the Trassey Track, it has been decided that this year’s race will be held from the Tollymore outdoor centre ( grid ref, 328 323). Registration will be in the centre and the start / finish is at the edge of the forest at Maria’s Bridge (the wooden bridge at the top of the river I believe). This brings the distance back down to 7.4 miles.

Registration will still be at the Mountain Centre and dibber and kit check will be at 11:40 sharp at the bottom gate of the car park before we take everyone on a jog to the Start.

From Maria’s bridge the race will follow the Ulster Way to the Trassey track and then the route will be traditional Turkey Trot circuit of Meelmore before returning via the Trassey track and Ulster Way to Maria’s Bridge. The new course will be about two miles longer and will add 40 metres extra climbing.

Once again Christmas is nearly upon us and the annual Boxing day migration of mountain runners to the Trassey Track car park for the Turkey Trot race will be occurring. The race start time is 12.00am.

The Turkey Trot may be regarded as a bit of a fun event, and indeed we want to keep it as light hearted as possible, but please remember that the mountains in winter can be a dangerous place so please heed the rules and come prepared . You should choose your running clothing to suit the expected conditions and footwear which will give you grip in the potentially icy conditions which often occurs on the high sections of the course. Full waterproof body cover must be carried along with a hat and gloves. The other mandatory items of kit are a map, whistle and compass and although not mandatory, I would recommend runners carry a foil space blanket or bag which can be a life saver if you become immobilised in the wilds. There will be a kit check before the race.

Unfortunately you cannot enter this race if you are under the age of 18 years. Also dogs are not allowed. If the weather forecast turns bad please check this site in the days preceding the event for more information.
Following the race there will be mince pies, mulled wine and other goodies at the Northern Ireland Mountain Centre and a selection of prizes of dubious nature supplied by members of BARF.

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