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

Seven Sevens Championship Race

Tue 3 August 2010 - Ian Taylor

The fifth race in the NIMRA Championship takes place this Saturday over the Seven Sevens route.  This, the longests and toughest race in the NIMRA alendar, is about 19 miles long with 8700 feet of climb and has a winning time of usually about four hours so in endurance terms it is rather longer than a marathon.  However since many of you are happy doing Comrades Marathons, multi day adventure races, LDWA 100 mile events, CCC or Ultra Trail of Mont Blanc, it should just be a normal challenge.

You are reminded that the route order for those taking part in the race has changed this year - to discourage the walkers from making the same route choice as the runners.  See the web for details, but basically the middle loop is now SlieveLamagan to Bearnagh, rather than the reverse.  Athletes who wish to start earlier than 10 am are welcome, but should follow the race route.

The race organiser, Jim Brown, would welcome further marshalls, so if you are not taking part your assistance would be appreciated.  Of course there are a few counter attractions this weekend, including the Irish (in Wicklow) and UK (Llanberis)  trials for the World Mountain Running Championship teams and at least one "fell runner" has sold his soul to run in the 24 hour race at the Mary Peters Track - if you are around on Friday evening, give him your support.

In recent years the Seven Sevens has been a Grand Prix event with Gary Bailey and Dan Travers winners.  The only time the event has been a Championship race was in 2004 when an epic battle ensured between Gary and Brian Ervine, with a different route choice in Donard car park at the end deciding the result, with Gary setting a record time of 3:54:10 and Brian two seconds behind.

Championship Standings

The current championship rankings, after four events is here.  Stephen Cunningham (397 points) heads the list with three wins followed by Gary Bailey (388) and Willie Marks (375).  However Des Woods has 295 points from three races so could theoretically overtake Stephen to keep his 2009 title.  However he would need to win both remaining races with Stephen finishing 4th or worse.  Shileen O'Kane (399) is clear at the top of the ladies' list, with Alwynne Shannon (296) and Diane Wilson (295) after three races and competing for second place. 

Category leaders are shown as bold in the table, but some are there with four race results while others in the same category could overtake them when all results are included.

At this moment 45 males and 9 females could complete the Championship, which requires four completed races, with one at each distance.   Any errors in the tables should be reported to the secretary.

The final Championship race, after the Seven Sevens, is the Donard-Commedagh race on 21st August.  This will also be used as a trial for the NI team for the Home International on 18th September.  There will also be a junior race on 21st August, with selection for the Br & Irish International.