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

 

Slieve Gullion

Fri 9 March 2007 - Ian Taylor

Slieve Gullion, the traditional start to the Championship series is on Saturday, with the race starting at 12 noon.  Last year had a record entry so get there early to bag a parking space - see the details elsewhere if you are not sure how to get to the start.  There is the usual Armagh Club hospitality after the event so don rush off early.

The race route follows a winding track into the hills, followed by a much steeper, boggy and slippery climb to the north cairn.  The run along the top to the higher south cairn is relatively fast, with a return over the same route.  If you get there early its a worthwhile investment to check out the route to the first cairn.

The course records are held by Deon McNeilly 28:00 set in 1999 and Anne Sandford 38:10 in 2005 (and not as on web calendar) but very few men have broken 30 minutes or ladies been faster than 40 minutes.  The course suits last years winner Neil Carty with it being a bit short for his fellow 2006 champion Brian Ervine.  However record holder Deon and relative newcomers Des Woods, Gary Bailey, Eddie Hanna and Don Travers will want to impress at this first Championship event.

Amongst the ladies Alwynne Shannon was first last year in 39:27 but could be pushed if Fiona Maxwell appears, with Shileen OKane and Anne Sandford also in contention.

New vet 60 Jim Patterson will be keen to try out his new fell shoes, but another new vet 60 Desi McHenry could push him hard and 2006 vet60 champion Denis Rankin won be far behind.

Looking back over past Gullion results, don be surprised by the 2002 event with a 23 minute winning time - it was run in snow, with almost blizzard conditions with the route only going to the first cairn.  However it is unlikely to snow on Saturday but it could well be covered in mist.

If you are planning to run Donard Commedagh (and who isn ?) this is a good event to test your race preparation.  And if you are running Donard_Commedagh get your entry in now - its ?3 cheaper than on the day - and while you are at it, pay your ?8 NIMRA membership fee.  Forms will be available at the Slieve Gullion refershments.