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

 

Spelga Preview

Fri 1 April 2005 - Ian Taylor

The top Mountain Runners from throughout the British Isles will be competing at Spelga in the Mournes on Saturday. The NI Mountain Running Association is hosting the opening round of the six race British Championship over the gruelling Spelga Skyline race and the prestigious event has attracted a tremendous entry of over 220 athletes. The classic course climbs nine peaks in a distance of 13 miles with total climb of 6,200 feet and is a marathon test of speed, endurance and mountain running skill.

There is a superb quality line up headed by current British Champion Simon Bailey (Mercia FR), 2003 Champion Rob Jebb (Bingley Harriers), course record holder and 2002 Champion Simon Booth, former World silver medalist Gavin Bland (both Borrowdale Fell Runners) and Scottish Champion Jethro Lennox (Shettleston Harriers). Northern Ireland Champion Neil Carty (North Belfast Harriers), Brian Ervine (Ballydrain Harriers), Gary Bailey (Annalong) and Steven Cunningham(Newcastle AC) will head the local challenge.

A thrilling race is also in prospect among the women where 2003 British Champion and course record holder Louise Roberts (Keswick AC) faces a strong challenge from Sharon Taylor (Bingley Harriers), Nicola Davies (Borrowdale FR), Sally Newman (Calder Valley), World Master?s Champion Maureen Laney (Clayton le Moors) and leading local Hannah Shields (City of Derry AC).

(Submitted by Brian Ervine)

You may be interested to know that as a change from the current low cloud over the Mournes, the forecast for Saturday is "mostly fine with hazy spells of sunshine. Moderate south westerly winds. Temp 11 - 14 degrees C"

If you have not entered yet, you can do so on the day. Don miss this chance to race in such a top quality field.