Northern Ireland Mountain Running Association
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Glenariff Mountain Race Preview

Thu 11 March 2004 - Simon Taylor

North Antrim Food Suppliers, Glens of Antrim Potatoes were only too happy to announce their continued sponsorship of Ballymena Runners Glenariff Mountain Race this month. This is the third year in a row the local running club has been lucky enough to clinch the lucrative deal with the local company. Not only has proprietor Michael McKillop continued his support he has also put up another perpetual winners trophy. Michael presented the trophy to one of the race organisers, Brendan O?Boyle, who gladly accepted the wonderful hand carved walnut bowl which will be used to present to the first master home each year.

This year the sponsorship continues with category winners receiving small cash prizes and all those entering will have the added bonus of a complimentary bag of Glens of Antrim potatoes! On line information on the firm can be found at www.goapotatoes.co.uk

The event is the second of four that Ballymena Runners promote throughout the season and is growing in popularity each year. The race itself takes place on Sat 20th March, starting in Waterfoot where the action starts off in Waterfoot village and heads inland along the Glenariff riverside for approximately 2 miles before starting a1100ft climb up the southern face of a section of Glenariff Glen. Once at the turn at the top competitors will retrace their steps back to the finish back in Waterfoot. The race covers around six miles in total. The majority of the course uses sections of the Ulster Way and will be well marked and marshalled throughout.

Anyone considering the race should note that it is of the same difficulty as the club?s New Years day event in Glenariff Forest Park and is by no means a specialist event.

With the clubs? two mountain runners Alex Brennan and Mark Alexander unavailable to compete the Ballymena challenge will be spearheaded by Neil Ramsey, Sam Drummond and David Hughes with Sharon McBurney starting in the ladies. Last years winners were Neil Carty and Ballymena Runners own Sharon McBurney. Carty looks likely to defend his title this year with Sharon McBurney hoping to take top honors again in the ladies section. The Veterans section will see a strong challenge from Foyle Valleys? Billy Orr.

Acton gets under way at 1pm with registration in St Patrick?s Primary School, Waterfoot. Registration fees are set at ?4 and ?4.50 for attached / unattached runners respectively. Mid Antrim Camping, Surf & Ski Centre will also be offering 20% discount vouchers for all finishers. For any further information contact Mark Alexander 028 25639025.

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