With the suspension of all activities we will take this time to get to know our runners and climbers . First up is Mark Hopkins a 46 yr old Information Security Consultant or in his words ‘professional geek’ . He started running in 1999 with Ballydrain Harriers then North Down before joining the prestigious B.A.R.F .

How did you get into mountain running/climbing? Through my dad , he was orienteering and doing mountain marathons also the Hill and Dale races in the 90’s. I was running a bit for training with Ju Jitsu and was talked into my first race at Castlewellan Hill and Dale in 1999.

What’s your favourite local race? Probably Slieve Bearnagh as it’s 3 summits in 4 miles and brutal and sustained eyeballs out the whole way .

Favourite mountain? Slieve Commedagh

What’s been your favourite moment in running? Finishing Ben Nevis race or Pilgrims challenge, a two day ultra in England .

What’s your diet like? Could be better…..I have a very sweet tooth.

Funniest moment in running or climbing? Funny for my climbing friends but not for me , swinging from the end of a rope at Muckcross Head .

What other activities do you enjoy? Skateboarding, snowboarding, cycling, swimming, video games and going to live music gigs .

What’s the one race you want to do in future or mountain to climb ? I would like to complete the Rankin round and also tick off more Munroes.

How did you end up with the motley crue that is Barf ? I was nagged into joining by Mark Pruzina.

Favourite music album and why ? Impossible to narrow it down but Prong ‘ Umleashed in the West Live in Berlin’ gets rolled out quiet a lot .