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

 

Lurig Challenge Preview

Wed 13 August 2003 - Ian Taylor

The Lurig Challenge, our final short Championship race, takes place this Saturday, starting from the centre of Cushendall at 2 pm. It is about 3.5 miles with 1200 feet of climb. Last year, with a record entry of 67, Neil Carty repeated his win of 2001 in a time of 28:37. We may expect Neil along again on Saturday as a speed workout prior to the World Trophy in Alaska. Local Ballymena runners will be anxious not to let him get away. Last year the Ladies event was won by Sharon McBurney in 39:31. However Sharon has been making considerable improvements in 2003 so may even beat Shileens 2001 time of 37:41.
The race registration is at the end of the main street, with the start from the Square. The route is along a farm track for about a mile and then climbs up the increasingly steeper North face of Lurigethan. The descent is by the same route, with quite steep short grass over the first section. For most people fell shoes would give added confidence over the descent compared to any extra speed gained using trail or road shoes on the track part.