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

The top Mountain Runners from throughout the British Isles are competing in the Mourne Peaks race this Saturday. The NI Mountain Running Association is hosting the opening round of the British Championship Mountain Running Championship and the new Mourne Peaks event will be a marathon test of speed, endurance and mountain running skill. The 12 mile course climbs 10 major peaks with a total climb of 6400 ft and the winning time is estimated to be around 2 hours and 25 minutes.

The entry list of over 200 runners is headed by former World Champion Angela Mudge from Scotland. The Carnethy Hill Runner is the current World Sky Running Series Champion and four times British Champion.

While Mudge is certain to dominate the women?s race, a thrilling race is in prospect among the men. Current World Sky Running Champion Rob Jebb (Bingley Harriers), double British Champion Rob Hope (Pudsey & Bramley AC), World Championship 4^th placer Joe Symmonds (Kendal AC), distance specialist Tom Owens (Mercia FR), former British Champion Simon Booth of Borrowdale and Scottish Champion Jethro Lennox will all be in contention over the high peaks of the Mournes.

The local challenge is lead by Northern Ireland Champions Deon McNeilly (Newcastle AC) and British over 40 Champion Fiona Maxwell of Mourne Runners.

Brian Ervine