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

 

Glenariff Results

Mon 21 March 2005 - Ian Taylor

NEIL Carty notched up his fourth consecutive victory at the Glenariff Mountain race this afternoon with an impressive display of front running. There was a big entry for the six mile Ballymena Runners promotion which was sponsored by Glens of Antrim Potatoes.

Neil, of North Belfast and leading over 40 Richard Rodgers of Newcastle set a fast pace on the opening two miles up the Glen and were half a minute clear of Gary Bailey of Annalong as they started the steep 1000 foot climb.

By the mist covered summit Neil was 20 second clear of Richard while Ballydrain athlete Brian Ervine had moved through on the climb and was a further 10 second behind. On the descent Brian moved into second place, but with a hungry-looking Richard right behind. On the return along the flat track beside the river, Neil pushed the pace all the way to the line to clock 43.28, the third fastest time ever, and continued his domination of the event. Meanwhile Richard, with more recent race-fitness form, was able to overtake Brian and finish exactly a minute behind, with Brian a further 17 second later in third.

Gary Bailey was next in 45.48 with Newcastles Steven Cunningham and Larnes Mark McManus completing the top six.

There was a one-two for City of Derry AC in the women?s race as Hannah Shields climbed strongly to lead at the top. However she usually tries to avoid coming down bigger mountains too fast and hence was passed by clubmate Martina Elliott on the descent. However on the run in to the finish, Hannah was able to overtake Martina to notch up her second win of the season in 56.45, finishing 30 seconds clear of Martina.

Congratulations to Larne club who had a great entry of 12 runners in the event and lifted the team prize. Runners up were ACKC with BARF third team.

Thanks to Brian Ervine for an early draft of this report. The factual parts are his and the extra comments mine!