Northern Ireland Mountain Running Association
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Slievemartin Preview, 17 April

Wed 16 April 2003 - Ian Taylor

Next Thursday evening, 17 April, in the Mournes means Hill & Dales, in this case Slievemartin, with the start from just inside the entrance to Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor. With Deon McNeilly winning it in both 2001 and 2002 (in a record time of 33:41).he will be keen to maintain this score with the only threat being Robbie Bryson if he appears. Apart from Deon or Robbie leading veteran contenders are Dave Allen or Jim Brown (vet40), Peter Howie or Francis O?Hagan (vet45), Billy McKay (vet50) and Dessie McHenry (vet55). In the ladies category, Shileen O?Kane is the only previous winner, with a record time of 42:40. If Sharon McBurney appears the only contest is likely to be who is second or who wins the veteran category (Alywnne Shannon or Roma McConville). Amongst the increasing numbers of juniors Chris Bell of Abbey should maintain his lead over Adam Mitten of Newcastle. With strength in depth it is difficult to see how Newcastle can be beaten in the team event, with Albertville being pushed by Ballymena Runners.

Following the race NIMRA teams (Open, veteran men and juniors) will be selected for the P&O Knockdhu Home International on Saturday, 26 April.

With 4.5 miles and 1600 feet of climb, there is more climbing than in the first two events, being much more of a hill race than Castlewellan or Tollymore. For most people studded shoes would be better than trail ones. The route starts at the car park, climbs along forest tracks and then steeper and occasionally muddy footpaths to the open mountainside above the Cloghmore Stone. The undulating grassy ridge is followed beside a fence for a mile over Slievemeen to Slievemartin. The route then doubles back to the top of the forest above Cloghmore Glen. A fast rough forest track is followed to the Cloghmore Stone where the outward route of footpath and then very fast track is followed to the finish.

Ian