McConville and Wilson win at the Bearnagh Race

by rbell · August 31, 2015

Photos by Jayne Bell

After a week of torrential downpours it was hard to tell what would lie in store for runners when they arrived at the start line for Saturday’s Podium4Sport NIMRA championship race. As it transpired our luck was in and the sun was shining with only a little wind.

The finish awaits

The course for this race is the classic short course event; taking in three peaks in under four miles; that is Meelbeg, Bearnagh and Meelmore.

Racing on Meelbeg

Sam Herron led the men’s race over all three peaks, but every time he looked behind him Barry McConville was there smiling back. On the finishing descent onlookers could see Sam blazing a trail down the hill and thought he was sure to win, but then suddenly out of nowhere on a lower line McConville blazed into the lead to take the victory by 20 seconds. Colm Murtagh ran a strong race never letting the other two out of his sights and completed the podium.

McConville wins

In the ladies race last years NIMRA champion, Diane Wilson, dominated to take the win and 10th place overall. Jackie Toal and Hazel McLaughlin finished second and third, respectively.

Wilson takes the win

As always the Mourne Runners laid on a great spread of buns and sandwiches afterwards. Thankfully the team had put up a couple of tents to enjoy these in as the weather turned again and runners were treated to post race shower.

Phil Hodge nipping in before Garth McGimpsey

Darren tells it how it is

Thanks to everyone who helped out and all the runners who supported the event. The next event is the Mountain Marathon on September 19th followed by the Fallows race on the 26th of September.

A video from the top of Bearnagh