Scrabo Hill Race Delivers Fast Times, Big Smiles, and Towering Views

by · August 22, 2025

Date: Thursday 21 August 2025 Distance/Climb: 7.2 km / 365 m ascent Host Club: Ballydrain Harriers AC

A summer’s evening of hill running at its best

Scrabo Hill’s iconic tower once again kept watch over an electric evening of racing as runners from across Northern Ireland gathered for the Scrabo Hill Race 2025. With warm late‑summer sunshine and a gentle breeze sweeping across Strangford Lough, the conditions were near‑perfect for fast times – and for enjoying the views that make this event so special.

The route served up everything hill runners love: lung‑busting climbs, twisty woodland trails, open grassland, and that exhilarating final push to the summit. For many, the reward was as much about the panoramic sweep of sea and countryside as it was about the clock.

The race at the front

The men’s race was dominated by Newcastle & District AC, with Zak Hanna powering up the first climb and never looking back. His winning time of 27:08 was a masterclass in controlled aggression on a steep course. Clubmate Ashley Crutchley chased hard for second in 28:01, while Niall McCartan of BARF secured third in 28:14 after a strong finish.

In the women’s race, Karen Wilton of Jog Lisburn RC once again showed her class. Clocking 33:57 and topping the FV50 category, she combined grit with technical skill to leave many younger runners in her wake.

Standout performances

  • First Junior (MU18): Ethan Lappin (Ballydrain Harriers) – 34:19 Hugely impressive on home ground, mixing confidently with the senior field.
  • Local Legends: A fine showing from Ballydrain Harriers athletes across all categories, adding depth and community pride to the evening.
  • Veteran Strength: Several FV50 and MV60 runners turning in performances that defied the age gap, proving that hill running rewards stamina and experience.

Thanks where they’re due

A race is more than just the times on the results sheet – and Scrabo’s atmosphere is built on the people who make it happen. Huge thanks to Race Director Andrew Wallace, Results Specialist James Carr and all the volunteers of Ballydrain Harriers, whose hard work covered every detail:

  • Course marking & safety: Ensuring runners stayed on the right line and enjoyed a hazard‑free race.
  • Registration & timing: Smooth, efficient, and welcoming to first‑timers and veterans alike.
  • Marshal encouragement: Smiles, claps, and shouts of support at every key point on the course.

Their energy turned a challenging hill race into a celebration of the local running community.

Provisional results

Full provisional results are now posted, offering plenty of stories to spot – from the sub‑28‑minute front‑runners to those chasing personal goals or soaking up the evening light on the descent.

Reliving the night

A full free‑to‑use photo album from the event can be found here, capturing finish‑line smiles, mid‑race grit, and the camaraderie that defines Scrabo.

The next race in the NIMRA Championship will be Slieve Bernagh 27th September hosted by Mourne Runners – Hope to see you there.

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