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

 

Turkey Trot

Sun 28 December 2008 - Ian Taylor

This years Boxing Day Turkey Trot was run in perfect conditions, with mild weather, little wind and relatively dry ground.  The second largest field of 82 athletes survived the excesses of Christmas Day to test their mid-winter fitness.

One has to look back in the results to 2003 to see a local winner, with once again a sizeable contingent of exiles returning, with Chris Smith of Thames Valley first in 45:32 followed by last years winner Matt Williamson in 46:14.  Three locals, Eddie Hanna, Steve Cunningham & Johnny Steede, followed within a minute of the winning time.  However the 1996 record of 42:47, set by Brian Ervine, was never likely to be broken with only Neil Carty on 42:48 in 2000 being close in recent years.

The ladies race was rather different with only two serious contenders at the front, Karen Alexander (Sperrin) and Charlene Haugh (Mourne) in contention.  Making up for lack of depth in the field, these two pushed hard with Karen ahead by 36 seconds at the finish in 54:01.  In fairness to Charlene, who probably wondered where Karen had appeared from, Karen won both Binevenagh in February and Gallion in October, with a sub three hour marathon time in between.  The ladies record, of 53:08, set last year by Fiona Maxwell, still holds, although Karen and Charlene set second & third fastest female times on the course.

While no team award was made it would have been easily won by Mourne Runners, with 5 athletes in the first 8 places.  It was good to see 14 or more local clubs represented with visitors from Thames Valley, Bellahouston, Calder Valley, Hunters Bogtrotters, Bath University, SROC and Carnethy.  Athletes enjoyed the hospitality of BARF club, with sandwiches, minced pies & mulled wine in Tollymore Mountain Centre.  Thanks to Jim Brown and associated marshalls for the event.