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

Saturday 23^rd June saw the staging of the first ever Adventure Race in and around Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor. Thirty five teams of two travelled from as far south as Cork and Dingle to take part in the Kilbroney Challenge. This was a tough endurance event consisting of 10km of mountain running including an ascent of Slieve Martin, 20km of tough mountain biking in a loop of Rostrevor forest extending out to Ballyedmond Wood and back, then a 3.5 km orienteering section before heading to the shoreline for a 5 km kayak section. With an altitude gain of over 1,500 meters along the route and clear views across the Mournes and Cooley peninsula all teams were guaranteed spectacular scenery along throughout the day. Hopefully this sight would serve as a distraction from the pain many were to endure along the course.

Top athletes Don Travers from Forkhill and Peter O?Farrell from Dublin sped around the course in 3 hours 58 minutes. They were closely pursued throughout the event by the local team of Kevin Murdock and Eamon McConvey. First home in the mixed category were Stanslaw Drapala and Agnieszka Barszcz from Cork and the First Ladies team to cross the finish line were Melanie Earwaker and Rachel Cinnsealach from Dublin.

 

The race was promoted by a local group of enthusiastic mountain bikers who meet in Rostrevor every Saturday (www.notthesundayrun.com) and key sponsors included East Coast Adventure Centre, Newry Building Supplies, First Tracks Mountain Bike Guiding, McAdorey Opticians, Red Bull, HIGH5 Sports Nutrition and Newry and Mourne Council. A special word of thanks must go to all the marshals on the day who gave up their time to ensure the event was a success.