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

 

Race over the Glens

Thu 2 January 2003 - Ian Taylor

Davy Simpson won the Race over the Glens in a time of 33:27, over a shorter 5+ mile course, but with the same hills as previous years. Without last years snow, the multi-terrain event was muddy and slippery in places.

Without any of last years favourites, at the start Turlough Donnelly took off, closely followed by Simon Taylor, fresh from their Comber win four days previously. Both were clear of the field after the very fast descent to the bottom of the valley. Crossing the bridge Simon was in the lead, but on the first climb was passed by Turlough and then by Davy Simpson on the second climb. In the fast undulating section Simon regained the lead with Turlough second and Davy third. Turning at the top of the valley, Davy decided to show these young upstarts how to win, passing both on the return leg. Simon finished 2 seconds behind with Turlough in third place.

Alex Brennan, recovering from injury did well to finish fourth, the first representative of the organising club, Ballymena Runners. Other mountain runners included Mark Alexander (14th), Andy Gregg (16th), Dessie McHenry ( 22nd, first vet55). Juniors Chris Bell and Jonathan McCloy were 28th and 55th respectively. First lady was Anne Paul (18th), followed by Sharon McBurney (32nd) with Violet Cordner 4th lady. At least 20 fell runners took part in the field of 168 runners. Ballymena Runners took the team prize, with Abbey second and Springwell third.

Full Results

Ian Taylor