Fallows Mountain Race 2022 – Race Report
RACE REPORT FALLOWS MOUNTAIN RACE, KILBRONEY FOREST PARK.
Newry AC hosted the Fallows NIMRA championship race in Kilbroney Forest Park on Saturday. This was the second NIMRA championship race and first of the medium course.
Eighty eight athletes from a large mix of clubs were on the start line with the luxury of a dry day and glorious Spring sunshine. However, strong gusts of wind greeted the competitors on the open sections.
With runners faced with a tough climb from the offset this was as much a test of mental as well as physical ability. Push too hard in the first section then those not familiar with the course can burn out when faced with the challenge of the zig zag ascent on the final section before a fast hard downhill at Fiddlers Green were many a topple and fall can ensue if concentration is lost.
Mourne Runners Timmy Johnston, Jonny Scott and Adam Cunningham dominated the lead pack and took the three podium placings. Timmy taking first in 1:14:58, Jonny second in 1:15:38 and Adam third in 1:15:50.
In the ladies race, BARF newcomer Alice Flint fresh off her win last week in Glenariff impressed the field again and flew strongly over the line for another victory in 1:27:43. NEWRY AC’s Esther Dickson was in as second female in 1:31:48 and Martsje Hell (North Belfast Harriers) came in third in 1:35:39 to complete the final podium placings.
Special thanks must be given to all the Newry AC volunteers who helped make this day run so successfully. Also to Newry & Mourne Council, Kilbroney Forest Park staff and sponsors Newry Building Supplies and Cathal McGreevy. Also, special mention to Winnifred Dunbar on presenting the Pat Dunbar Trophy’s to the winning male and female athletes. Thank you also to all those who supported and encouraged the athletes along the course. Results for the race are available on the NIMRA and NEWRY AC Facebook sites.
