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

 

Rock Steady Eddie Number one!

Wed 21 March 2007 - Simon Taylor

Some of the most atrocious weather conditions of the spring so far couldn?t stop Ballymena Runners Glenariff Mountain race promotion from attracting its largest entry so far.

This is the local running clubs second promotion of the year and the race is now in its sixth year and was once again sponsored by North Antrim Food retailer, Glens of Antrim Potatoes. This year saw over seventy runners take part in the tough event made even more demanding with the blustery and rainy conditions during the race. The entry was notably boosted by newly formed running club, Glens Runners who had ten members out on show over their local terrain.

When the travelling circus they call Mourne Runners arrived in town the Don King like figure of JP gathered his stable together to discuss tactics for the race. As the boys gathered at the master?s feet Jim proclaimed ?Today lads we will try and get to the start line on time!?

It was at this point that Stevie Cunningham realised that he was working with a genius and pulled on his Mourne vest with pride. Meanwhile, Gary Bailey had heard it all before and was standing at registration attempting to pay his entry fee with a ?50 note. He informed that the ?hole in the wall? had only dispensed ?50 notes but everyone knows that the last time ?50 notes surfaced in the Ballymena area was when one spilled out from under Ray Curran?s mattress in 1987.

With none of the previous winners on show for the race the title was up for grabs and set for a new name on the winner?s trophy. The race started in Waterfoot and host club runner Jonnie Steede led the pack as they turned inland to travel along the riverside section. As they crossed the Glen Road the lead had changed hands with Mourne Runner Eddie Hanna forging ahead as they began the tough 1100 feet climb up the South face of the Glen with ?The Steede? now back in fourth spot.

As they came back down off the mountain Mourne Runners trio of Hanna, Cunningham and Bailey had opened up a sizeable gap on the rest of the field and this was the way they were to finish back at the finish at St Patrick?s primary school with Eddie Hanna finishing in 47 mins 54 sec.

Anne Sandford of Newcastle AC cruised home to a comfortable win in the ladies section in 57 mins 14 secs with second placed lady, Karen Alexander of Sperrin Harriers finishing in 60 mins 51 secs.

The team prize was won by Mourne Runners with Sean Hughes of Glens Runners taking the male vets prize finishing well up the field in ninth overall. Sean was closely followed by Dominic McGreevy in tenth place who claimed the male vet 50 category with an excellent run. This time Billy McKay was ahead of the ladies to claim male vet 55 in thirteenth with Stephen Begley fourteenth claiming the male vet 40 category and Jim Patterson taking the vet 60 category in sixteenth.

Top local finisher was Glens Runner Stephen McKeegan who finished eight overall in 50 mins 54 secs.

Photographs when they appear are all thanks to Stephen Armstrong.

Team Results are

1 Mourne Runners          6
2 Ballymema Runners     38
3 Glens Runners            39
4 Larne                       49
5 Armagh                     69
6 BARF                        91