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

 

Turkey Trot, Boxing Day 2004

Tue 28 December 2004 - Ian Taylor

Conditions were almost perfect for the annual Turkey Trot race, with little wind, bright sunshine and crisp snow on higher ground, giving plenty of soft landings for those who overcooked it descending the Happy Valley. As an added incentive generous prizes were contributed by sponsors Surf Mountain, Jackson Sports and especially Tisos.

Congratulations to Martina Hawkins of Newcastle AC who won the ladies section in a time of 58:43, breaking the 2000 record of Anne Sandford by 45 seconds. Anne herself was second, also inside her old record. Both Martina & Anne have obviously been benefiting from Newcastles serious winter training programme. It was good to see a record number of ladies taking part, a pointer to higher standards in 2005.

In the mens race, after numerous attempts including second place last year, exile Steve Neill of Pubsey & Bramley finally claimed the Martin McMahon trophy for the winner, with a time of 46:46, well clear of Alan McKibben (first last year) and Steve Cunningham. However Steves time was over 3 minutes slower than his third place in the 2000 race, when even more perfect conditions and a ding dong battle between Steve, Neil Carty and Brian Ervine led to Neil winning in 42:48, one second outside Brians 1997 record.

Back from injury and in flying form, Richard Rodgers was well clear of others to win the vet 40 category in 50:38 and an excellent 5th place overall. Obviously Richard is also getting faster with Newcastles hard training regime.

First team was Newcastle AC with 10 points, with ACKC not far behind on 27 points. A record number of competitors appeared for the event. It provides an opportunity for exiles and visitors to meet up - we welcomed the winner Steve, third lady Catherine Wilson of Kennilworth, Patricia Sloan based in Salford, Dave Till of Helmhill amongst other. A usual returning exile and entrant Dermot McGonigle was injuried but was seen jogging round part of the course.

Thanks to the organising club BARF for their usual high standard of hospitality in the Mountain Centre, the marshalls out on the course and especially to Jim Brown who pulled it all together.