Glenariff Race, 13 March

Tue 9 March 2010 - Ian Taylor

The first race of the Grand Prix series takes place next Saturday, 13th March starting at 12 noon, from Waterfoot. In previous years, Neil Carty has been prominent, winning all the races up until 2006 when Alan Bogle pushed him into second place and set a new record of 42:11. For the past three years it has been the Mourne men who dominated with Hanna winning in 2007, Bailey in 2008 and Woods taking the honours last year. Judging by Binevenagh and Gullion the Mourne men look set to dominate once more with Ballymena Runners Alex Brennan and Emmet McAlister chasing hard for a podium finish.

Karen Alexander won the ladies category last year with Charlene Haugh of Mourne claiming second both smashing the long standing ladies record of 53:13 set by Sharon McBurney in 2003, Karen finished in a new record of 48:48 and Charlene finishing in 51:33.

Generous sponsorship is provided by Glens of Antrim potatoes with the race competently organised by Ballymena Runners.

Registration takes place at St Patrick’s Primary School on the coast road. The event is the second of four that Ballymena Runners promote throughout the season and is growing in popularity each year. The race starts in Waterfoot and heads inland along the Glenariff riverside for approximately 2 miles before starting a 1100ft climb up the southern face of a section of Glenariff Glen. Once at the turn at the top competitors will retrace their steps back to the finish back in Waterfoot. The race covers around six miles in total. The majority of the course uses sections of the Ulster Way and will be well marked and marshalled throughout.

Registration fees are set at £5 and £6 for attached / unattached runners respectively. For any further information contact Jonny Steede 07918885062.

Alternatively entry forms can be downloaded from the official race website