Glenariff Mountain Race 2022 Preview

The first race of the 2022 NIMRA championship begins on Saturday 12th March at 12pm with the Glenariff mountain race hosted by Glens Runners, also known as the “Spud Run.” The nickname is the result of the continuing sponsorship of this race by Glens of Antrim Potatoes, who supply each runner with a bag of spuds and a packet of crisps. Not a bad set of goodies to bring home post-race.

The event itself is an ever present on the calendar around early spring, and weather usually holds out well for the participants with no major drama. The last of which was on 14th March 2020, just being held in time before the lockdown kicked in. Then runners were under the cloud of expectation that same race was to be the last for a fair while. Seamy Lynch (Newcastle AC) was first man home in 44:20 followed in by Jonny Scott & Adam Cunningham in 2nd & 3rd (Mourne Runners) a couple minutes behind. The ladies’ podium was Esther Dickon (Newry AC) over the line in 52:39, 3 and 6 minutes ahead of Karalee McBride (Mourne Runners) and Alison Stocks (Ballydrain Harriers). Unfortunately, the event was not able to take place in 2021 but has returned to start the series off for 2022, much to the relief of all looking forward to a full calendar once more.

Falling under the short category (sub 10k), the race begins at the Glenariff community centre at the Oisíns GAC field in Waterfoot village. Approx. 6 miles in length, runners will leave the field to meet the nearby Ulster Way path directly beside the Glen river for 2 miles (and over a few stiles), before crossing the road to continue steeply on the northern face of the glen 1 mile uphill to the high checkpoint topped at 370m, then turning on a very fast descent back down and onto the trail returning towards the pitch. Definitely one for the speedsters and the descent off the glen will test even the hardiest. Legs however can be cured with a dip in the sea at the nearby beach!

Full race kit will be required including body cover (waterproof trousers, coat, hat & gloves), whistle, trail or fell shoes. No road runners. The race route will be clearly marked and chipped timed. Please bring your own water bottles and fill at the community centre. Online entries only (available on website). Closing date is Wednesday 9th March, entries will not be available on race day.

*To enter the championship series please sign up to 2022 NIMRA membership on the website Membership – Northern Ireland Mountain Running Association (nimra.org.uk) and our Facebook & Twitter pages will also regularly update you to links to the online entries to each race once they go live, as well as results & photos later on the day of the event.

*NIMRA are delighted to announce hosting a round of the British championship which is the classic Mourne Seven Sevens race on Saturday 9th April, please follow the links on the website to enter, entries are selling fast for this one!

*Will follow up soon with race previews for next championship race The Fallows (Rostrevor – Sat 19th March) and the Slieve Gullion race (Saturday 26th March) in due course. Again, follow links on the website to enter & more info, both entries are currently open.

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