NIMRA ‘The Mountain Runner’ Newssheet July 2024

Welcome to our seventh edition of the monthly NIMRA newsletter ‘The Mountain Runner’, and we are pleased to show off the July 2024 edition updating you with any news or highlights from the previous month and what is coming up for the month ahead. Members can use this as a focus point to stay updated with all the goings on, and we appreciate if anyone would like to make any contributions throughout the year, please get in touch and we’ll do our best to include in the latest bulletin. Thank you to the growing number of people who have been contributing thus far!
HIGHLIGHTS
Carnaween (Sat 6th July)
A mini pilgrimage to the hills of Donegal was set on the calendar earlier this year and a trip to the Blue Stacks to take on Carnaween. This race doubled up on both the Ulster Championship and IMRAs West League. The 58 who towed the line was a mixture of runners from counties Donegal, Sligo and Mayo taking on their counterparts from the eastern shores with representation from BARF, Armagh AC, Ballymena Runners, Newcastle AC, Mourne Runners, Newry AC, Springwell, Jog Lisburn & Larne AC.

Race director Rosy Temple assisted by league director Turlough Conway gave all a very warm welcome, pointed to the mountain and told everyone to run to the top of it and back as fast as possible. The 4.5 mile course consisted of a sharp 1 mile gradual climb on a back road, before the very steep & boggy climb to the first subsidary top. Indeed the race route would visit all of Carnaweens tops to make it more interesting! From the initial hot sun on the backs on the climb, in true Donegal fashion the weather instantly changed to hailstones on the higher sections. After passing the cross, the runners were treated to a very technical & fun downhill back towards base at Letterbarrow FC. This narrowed down to a final sprint along the quad track beside Disert graveyard to the finish line.

A mere 15 seconds separated the top 3 finishers, with Armagh ACs Paul McAnespie arriving in second place of 44:59 in between the two Sligo men Alan Dunne & Aidan McMoreland. In the ladies race it was another battle between Esther Dickson and Karen Wilton who were only after trading blows the week before in the Gortin Glen, with Karen taking the gold. The rough ground towards the finish swung advantage back to Esther using her fearless poweress on descending to claim first in 52:55 with Karen arriving two minutes later. Following in for third a minute later was young Caitlin Hughes from Mayo, worth watching out for in the future!
Clearly the cups of tae and sandwiches were not enough for the weary travellers post race and a collective of hairy and not so hairy fellas were witnessed battering the door of a nearby post-office with a Guinness sign on the wall to let them in before it was open. Alas they remained there until they were happy and had taken full advantage of IMRAs carpool/designated driver policy and God knows how many toilet stops on the long road home. Thanks Brendan in O’Neills Letterbarrow and his dog, who was keen to come round the other side of the bar and have the craic with the visitors.
Rith An Carn (Fri 12th July)

Taking advantage of the bank holiday was a good mixture of about 100 runners of all abilities, plenty of youngsters and not so young along with some seasoned fell runners in the parish of Slaughtneil in the Sperrins for the annual run up Carntogher. With a superb BBQ to entice the runners to get up and down quick, as well as the decent weather, it made for a swift 5k out and back from the hill. A familiar face was to take the win in Timmy Johnston, and plenty of clubs represented with Springwell, Ballymena and BARF sending plenty of runners up for the trot.
Spelga Skyline (Sat 20th July)
Closer to home and back to familiar territory was BARFs annual staging of the Spelga Skyline. On the go from 1981 it is a staple fixture of the fell running season & NIMRA Champs and certainly one of the toughest around these parts. Taking in at least 9 peaks in the vicinity of Spelga dam, its complexity is matched by its brutality! Indeed the course was to be extended slightly after buzzard attacks on the direct line from Ott car park to Meelbeg on the NW contour of Slieve Loughshannagh, so runners were directed up the Ott track to the col, and headed for Meelbeg from there. The race is usually held on a day were weather is either one extreme or the other, for 2024’s edition there was low cloud with heavy showers but with very little breeze making it slightly on the humid side.

A good pace largely kept the pack together from the off over Slievenamuck, across the road and towards Meelbeg. On the sketchy descents with the damp ground, the field were largely spread out after the first 2 or 3 hills. Slight advantage was given to those who contoured around Carn but the brakes were fairly applied trying to get off a very soggy Slieve Muck. The clag was still prevalent making visibility limited on the tricky section off Moughanmore towards Pierces Castle. Cruise control from there to Rocky before 2 or 3 various options towards Hen, the Rocky river causing the biggest obstacle to cross in spate, particularly on the most direct line but lowest part of the river which was fairly rapid! A good soaking before the last two slogs over Hen & Cock.

Davy Hicks always has a good day out at Spelga and has won the race a few times previously. He was made to work very hard with just seconds separating himself, Armaghs Paul McAnespie and Glynn Johnston of the host club from the start right through to Moughanmore. Whilst gaining a minute on Glynn by Pierces Castle, the two front runners were still battling on towards Hen. A fantastic last push on the final peak of Cock from Hen of just under 16 minutes won the day for Davy, winning outright by 9 and 14 minutes, in just under 3 hours. In the ladies race a familiar story with Esther Dickson winning well and 8th overall in 3:27, with Sam McNeilly and Shirley Farnan placing in 2nd and 3rd. Fair play to all the marshals & BARF team who stood out in less than pleasant conditions and ensured everyone got back with no major drama!
*IMRA Races July 2024

The midweek Leinster and weekend West Leagues are fairly wrapped up with great participation and growing enthusiasm for both, based on the increasing numbers attending. In the Seahan race of the Leinster League on Wed 17th July, Newcastles Áine Gosling travelled down and took first place! Well done also to Larnes Sinead Marie McAllister who competed in the Slieve Bawn race in Co. Roscommon on Sat 20th July.

In the Irish Championships July sees the Reeks festival of Running and the Log na Coille race, taking in the highest peaks in Munster and Leinster. The Reeks festival has a full weekend programme with the Friday evening Reeks Vertical 800, the full day Saturday Reeks Skyline and the traditional Sunday afternoon Carrantouhill Classic, which is the main Irish Champ Race. A big well done to Barry Mullan of Springwell who done both the vertical and the Classic, and to Newrys Esther Dickson, Ciara Coffey & Naomi Montgomery and Ballymenas Emma Donnelly who took on the Classic.

In the Log na Coille Irish Championship race, there was a very experienced field out on show and the northerners were fairly in the mix up throughout. Newcastles Robbie Bryson ran a stormer to come in 8th place overall, whilst Esther Dickson stamped her intentions on being first lady in Ireland with another win in 1:10, just ahead of the ever challenging Becky Quinn. These two are level on points for the Irish ladies championship and will come down to the Galtymore race to decide who takes the title. Well done to Karen Wilton in 3rd and Ciara Coffey who also had great runs on the day.
NEWS
*NIMRA Championship 2024
The tables are now up to date as far as Spelga and can be viewed here. That’s 12 races done with only 3 remaining, so tables will change in the business end of the season! Currently entries are now open for the next three champ races, Seven Sevens, Scrabo & The Two Towers so please click our online entries section here to enter. If you have completed 4 races, you still have a chance to finish the 7-race championship by finishing the last 3 races!
*Ulster Championship 2024 (w/IMRA)

With the Ulster Championship nearly wrapped up, there is one more race remaining which is the only Mourne race of the five on Sat 24th August- The Two Towers. The current league table after Carnaween can be viewed here. Again there is plenty still up for grabs going into the final race!
Snowdon International Race 2024

A big well done to the NIMRA team who took on the highest peak in Wales on Sat 20th July on a gloomy enough day. Great performances all round and many of the above team are certainly getting used to wearing the vest on a national stage. Another shout to Zak Hanna who only a couple of weeks after the sad passing of his father Derek, competed at Snowdon for Ireland along with East Downs Aaron McGrady, both having great runs. Full report from the day can be found here
Mourne Mountain Marathon 2024
Come and test your navigation and endurance skills every September, in the Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland. A competitive event for teams of two, who can enter one of four categories, covering between 35km and 55km over two days. There is also a one day score class. Camp overnight and be self-sufficient. Walkers to elite runners.
Drum roll please (!)….the event centre for the 2024 Mourne Mountain Marathon will be the Attical GAA Club in the western Mournes. This marks a return to a fantastic venue we last used in 2018, and we couldn’t be more excited to revisit this picturesque location nestled in the heart of the Mourne Mountains.

Event Centre: Attical GAA Club
The Attical GAA Club offers excellent facilities that are perfect for our event. Set against the stunning backdrop of the western Mournes, this venue provides the ideal starting point for an adventurous weekend of mountain marathon action. The community at Attical has always been incredibly welcoming, and we look forward to experiencing their hospitality once again.
Save the Date: 21st & 22nd September 2024
Block these dates out in your diary! The Mourne Mountain Marathon is so much more than just a race; it’s an outdoor experience that combines the physicality of endurance sport with the mental challenge of finding the best route.
Whether you’re a seasoned mountain marathoner or a first-timer, this event promises to be a memorable adventure that will leave you buzzing for weeks.
Book Your Accommodation
To ensure you are refreshed for the start line on the Saturday morning, we recommend booking accommodation for the Friday night before the event.
There are several options available in the nearby areas, ranging from cosy bed and breakfasts to more luxurious options. Early booking is advised to secure your preferred accommodation and we are hoping that camping will also be available at the event centre. We’ll confirm this closer to the time.
Enter Now and Win!
If you haven’t already entered, now is the perfect time to do so. Early entrants will be entered into our exclusive early bird prize draw, giving you a chance to win some fantastic prizes every month. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of Ireland’s only two-day mountain marathon.
What to Expect
The Mourne Mountain Marathon is a two-day event that tests your navigation, endurance, and teamwork. Participants as a team of two people will navigate through the rugged terrain of the Mourne Mountains, encountering breathtaking views and challenging courses designed to push your limits. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the event. We can’t wait to see you at Attical GAA Club for what promises to be an incredible weekend of mountain marathon action.
Register now and start your preparation for the Mourne Mountain Marathon 2024!
*Upcoming fixtures
August 2024 (IMRA)
Sat Aug 3 | 11:00 AM | Keeper Hill – Killoscully Half Marathon | MHM | Tipperary | IMRA Race | 767m | 21.40km |
Sat Aug 3 | 11:00 AM | Queen Maeve’s | TWL | Sligo | IMRA Race | 370m | 7.00km |
Wed Aug 7 | 7:30 PM | Trooperstown Hill | LL | Wicklow | IMRA Race | 455m | 11.80km |
Sat Aug 10 | 10:00 AM | Knock Ma | TWL | Galway | IMRA Race | 300m | 8.00km |
Sun Aug 11 | 12:00 PM | Ballineddan | LC | Wicklow | IMRA Race | 500m | 10.00km |
Mon Aug 12 | 7:00 PM | IMRA HER Outdoors Galway | Galway | IMRA Race | 0m | 4.00km | |
Wed Aug 14 | 7:00 PM | Mountain Meitheal Fundraiser | Dublin | IMRA Race | 480m | 10.00km | |
Wed Aug 14 | 7:30 PM | IMRA Her Outdoors Mote Park Roscommon | Roscommon | IMRA Race | 200m | 5.00km | |
Thu Aug 15 | 7:30 PM | IMRA Her Outdoors Sligo | Sligo | IMRA Race | 200m | 8.00km | |
Fri Aug 16 | 6:30 PM | IMRA Her Outdoors Mayo | Mayo | IMRA Race | 200m | 8.00km | |
Sat Aug 17 | 10:00 AM | Mám Éan | TWL | Galway | IMRA Race | 350m | 8.20km |
Sat Aug 17 | 11:00 AM | Mt Leinster Half | LHM | Wexford | IMRA Race | 1120m | 21.00km |
Sun Aug 18 | 12:00 PM | Galtymore | MC, AIC | Tipperary | IMRA Race | 1300m | 13.00km |
Sun Aug 18 | 12:15 PM | Cush – Galtees | Tipperary | IMRA Race | 400m | 4.50km | |
Wed Aug 21 | 7:30 PM | Mountain Rescue Benefit Race | Wicklow | IMRA Race | 250m | 8.00km | |
Sat Aug 24 | 12:00 AM | 2024 B&I Mountain Running Championships – Trials | Wicklow | IMRA Race | 0m | 0.00km | |
Sat Aug 24 | 11:00 AM | The Two Towers | ULC | Down | IMRA Race | 900m | 12.50km |
Sat Aug 24 | 6:30 PM | 2024 IMRA Social @ The Merrion Inn | Wicklow | IMRA Social | |||
Sun Aug 25 | 11:00 AM | Kilworth Woods | MSL | Cork | IMRA Race | 150m | 6.00km |
Wed Aug 28 | 7:30 PM | Currabinny Trail | MSL | Cork | IMRA Race | 100m | 6.00km |
Sat Aug 31 | 10:30 AM | Nav Challenge 1 | NC | Wicklow | IMRA Race | 950m | 16.00km |
August 2024 (NIMRA)
Sat Aug 3rd | 10:00 AM | Seven Sevens | | Down | NIMRA Race | 2600m | 30.5km [L] |
Sat Aug 10th | 1:00 PM | Lurig Challenge | | Antrim | N/A | 250m | 6km [S] |
Thur 15th Aug | 7:30PM | Scrabo Race | Down | NIMRA Race | 365m | 7.2km [S] | |
Sat 24th Aug | 11:00AM | The Two Towers | Down | NIMRA Race & UC | 900m | 12.5km [M] |
*Mountain Of The Month

Name: Sawel
Height: 678m
Location: Sperrins, Co Derry
Info: Sawel is the highest peak of the Sperrins, and the county top for both Derry & Tyrone. It is the highest mountain in NI outside the seven of the Mournes and is the source of the river Faughan.
Race you will visit?: None yet!