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

Best wishes to NIMRA member Peter Bell, off to compete in the Antarctica 100K race later this month ? there is also a shorter marathon event for those who might find 62 miles anywhere a bit much. The event itself is organised by Richard Donovan of Galway, no stranger to ultra events himself.  Peter, of Pegasus AC, was winner of the vet 50 2007 Grand Prix.  Earlier this year he took part in the North Pole marathon, finishing fifth overall out of 41 entrants in a time of 4:24:15.

 

After her Everest adventure earlier this year, Hannah has been seen in a multitude of guest appearances ? most recently being winner of the Belfast Telegraph Sportswoman of the Year Award.  Of course she has been racing occasionally as well, representing NI at the recent UK Masters Cross Country. IN January she is off the Norway for snowy adventures and in February heads in the direction of the North Pole.

 

More within reach of most of us, Donal and friends Brian Linton (a former NIMRA member now in Dublin) and Steve Caldwell recent completed the Grand Canyon rim to rim to rim challenge.  From the South rim they descended 4725 feet to the river and climbed 5841 feet out the other side to the North rim.  After suitable refreshments they returned over the same route in a total time of 16 hours.  The shortest rim to rim route is 20.6 miles giving 41 miles overall, although using the most popular Bright Angel trail is a little longer at 47 miles overall.  Having done a quarter of this route this summer, I can appreciate the scale of their effort & am just a little jealous!  With numerous signs telling you not to attempt to descent to the river and return within one day, its very challenging to do twice that.  Further information on this and similar USA trails is available in the Lonely Planet Guide ?Hiking in the USA?. 

 

In 2005 Steve and Brian did the Ultra Tour of Mont Blanc race ? see this year?s 26th August news for 2007 completions by Desi O?Hagan, Gary Murray & Denis Rankin (half tour). The opening (& probably closing date as well) for the 2008 event is 9^th /10^th January ? see http://www.ultratrailmb.com/accueil.php.