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

 

Christmas Events

Mon 12 December 2005 - Ian Taylor

Despite it being off season for most of us as far as mountain races go, there are plenty of events to test your fitness or run off Christmas fayre over the next 3 or 4 weeks:

Turkey Trot, Boxing Day
This long standing event starts at 12 noon on the bottom of the Trassey Track, climbs to the col between Bearnagh & Meelmore and then contours/climbs to the second col between Meelmore & Meelbeg.  A fast usually slippery descent down the Happy Valley is followed by a fast run along the Ulster Way and back down the Trassey Track to the finish.

You are reminder to come prepared to carry or wear full body cover - there will be a kit check beforehand. Prize giving will be in the Tollymore Mountain Centre with mulled wine, sandwiches and mince pies.

Last years conditions - clear weather and crisp snow higher up, enabled Martina Hawkins to set a new ladies record of 58:43 with previous record holder Anne Sandford close behind.  The mens winner was Steve Neill in a time of 46:46, exile based with Pudsey & Bramley but in fine form with a 32:16 time in the Seeley 10K earlier this month.  Steve s time was well short of his previous best and the record of 42:47 set by Brian Ervine in 1997.

Castlewellan Christmas Cracker
If you prefer your fun events to be a little flatter and faster, try the Newcastle event on Tuesday, 27 December, starting at 2 pm from Castlewellan Football Grounds.  This event, run for the first time last year, has taken over the mantle of the similar Comber event, with entrants in pairs.  The course is over road and forest tracks, 15K in length, with inaugural winners in 2004 being Alan Mc Kibben & Dave Mc Kibben in 59:16.  The first female pair were  Hanna Shields & Anne Sandford in 74:34 although mixed combinations are allowed.  There are refreshments after the race with T shirts for prizes.

Race over the Glens
The first race of the new year for most of us - but note it is on Monday, 2 January with a 12 noon start, this is shorter (about 6 miles) & faster than Castlewellan over forest tracks, but with a fast descent followed by a couple of sharp climbs.  Last year saw snow & slush in abundance with Jarleth Falls of Ballymena & Antrim winning in 33:51 with a fine third place by Deon McNeilly on his first appearance here in 34:21.  Again T shirts for finishers -entries through the race web site
http://raceoverthe glens.cjb.net
will save you ?1 surcharge for entries on the day.

If the above events are not enough for you try the North West Cross Country Champs on 31 December (12 noon, Gransha) or save yourself for some real opposition at the Stormont International Cross-Country on 7 January.

Of course some fell runners have been putting in race practice, with David Ewart (BARF) in 19:36, Francis Boal (Ballydrain) in 19:42 and Denis Rankin (BARF) in 20:53 appearing at the Arthritis Research 5K race in Ormeau today.  Consious of his new vet60 status, Denis is anxious to mop up vet60 prizes before Jim Patterson moves up a category but unfortunately choose an event with no vet prizes.  Sorry Denis - try one of the events listed above!