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

 

Glenariff Race Preview

Mon 7 March 2005 - 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 fourth year in a row the local running club has been fortunate enough to clinch the deal with the local company.

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 19th 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 an 1100ft 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.

Neil Carty looks likely to defend his title this year and will start as one of pre race favourites along with Brian Ervine but will face stiff competition this year from the Mourne men of Hanna, Cunningham and Bailey. Kerry Harty, in outstanding form, should dominate the ladies race closely followed by defending ladies champion Violet Linton. The Master?s section will see strong challenges from Newcastle?s Richard Rodgers, Foyle Valleys? Billy Orr, and Barf?s Jim Brown.



Acton gets under way at 1pm with registration in St Patrick?s Primary School, Waterfoot. Registration fees are set at ?4 and ?5 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.

Stephen Armstrong