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

 

Christmas Races

Tue 23 December 2008 - Ian Taylor

Athletes are reminded that there are plenty of events to test your mid-winter fitness over the next two weeks.

Turkey Trot
This traditional Boxing Day event starts at 12 noon at the bottom of the Trassey Track and climbs via a variety of tracks to the col between Bearnagh and Meelmore.  Athletes then contour round & climb to the second col, between Meelmore & Meelbeg, before the fast slippery descent down the Happy Valley and then flat & fast back to the Trassey Track.

Full body gear, compass and whistle must be carried.  In frosty conditions the first part of the descent off the second col can be icy.  In severe weather an alternative route could be used (as has happened once in the past).  Changing facilities, prizes, hot drinks and food are provided in the Tollymore Mountain Centre.

Last years winner was Matt Williamson, based in Scotland but originally from here, with a time of 47:46.  Steven Neill, anpther exported local took 45:30 in 2006 but it has not been won by a "real" local since Alan McKibben won in 2003 with a time of 47:39.

Castlewellan Cracker
Held on Sunday, 28 December at 1 pm, this fun event is for pairs of athletes.  With a route length of 15 km, it meanders on roads, tracks and paths around Castlewellan, much of it in the Forest Park.  With a mixture of fast running, sharp descents and steepish climbs it aims to pick the best road, cross-country or mountain runners.  Last year Brendan Teer and Deon McNeilly were first finishers in 62:29 while in 2006 Dave & Alan McKibben were first home over a slighly different route in 64:43.  The event is based at Castlewellan football Club with food & drink at the post race celebrations.

Race over the Glens
We celebrate new years day with a race in Glenariff, 5.5 miles with 1100 feet of climbing.  The route is on all forest tracks, with fast very runnable sections, some climbs and a fast initial descent to the valley bottom.  Last year it was won by Jarlath Falls in 32:35, with the fastest mountain runner of recent years being Des Woods in 34:02 in 2007.  Last years entry of 215 was a record although there may be a few less entries (or more chance of a prize) because of the International Cross Country in Antrim on 3 January.  However entries for Antrim have now closed, so if you missed the deadline, run at Glenariff instead.  Again food and hot drinks are available in the Centre after the race.