Category Archives: Other

Route Changes for the 2019 Annalong Horseshoe!

This year’s Annalong Horseshoe Fell Race will forsake its base for the last 37 years at Dunnywater and will now start and finish at Silent Valley Reservoir, within the NI Water complex.

The number of entrants last year put severe pressure on the existing facilities at Dunnywater and it’s felt that rather than limit the number of entrants, a move to a new location would solve the current issues with the Dunnywater venue. Last year we had a record entry of 100 runners, which meant that we struggled to accommodate parking for the number of competitors vehicles along the Dunnywater avenue, causing complaints from the residents on the avenue regarding access. With an increase in competitors, the lack of toilet facilities and the health and safety risks associated with the road section also raising concerns, therefore it’s a logical move to Silent Valley, which will address all of these issues for this year and years to come. Continue reading →

Last One Standing – Club Social

On Sunday 2nd December, members descended on Castlewellan Forest Park for a Last One Standing format social event. Starting at 7 am, runners would start an undulating 7Km (4.4m) figure-of-eight lap around the forest and lake. With a total of 10 official laps, the event would finish at 5pm!

The day started with Aaron arriving 30 minutes early and me (Gerry) 2 minutes before the off. Aaron and I were the only two on the first lap needing headtorches until about 7.30am. Continue reading →

Binnian Integrale – BARF Social

Back in Spring, we had quite an interesting club social. Read on for the official report 🙂

The BARF social calendar once again swung into action on Sunday 7th May, with our own Dawson Stelfox hosting a dedicated scramble and climb over Binnian. The challenge was to climb to the top of every Tor along the crest of Binnian with a choice of easy scrambling or more demanding climbing and finish up at Binnian true Summit.

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BARF Respond to NIMRA Litter Sweep of Mournes

Saturday 9th April 2016 will see NIMRA host a British Championship round fell race covering a horseshoe route taking in Slieve Donard and Commedagh.

In an effort to address the increasing litter issues within Donard Wood, and hotspots of the high cols and stiles along the race route, NIMRA requested running clubs assist with a litter sweep over the weekend of Sat-Sun 2/3 April. To this call, BARF took up the challenge and turned out in numbers over both days and assisted fellow runners with sweeps in Donard Wood on Sat morning and high cols/stiles on Sun morning. This proved to be a great success as evident by the vast amount of rubbish lifted and removed. The efforts over the 2 days were recognised by passing members of the public who praised the actions…and even joined in. 

 

A big thank you to all involved. Good luck to all running in the Championship race…and hopefully you will notice a great improvement in the environment!

BARF Club and Family members show their support for Mourne Mountain Rescue Team (MMRT)

On Friday 31st July a number of BARF members and family met at Donard carpark for a trek to the summit of Slieve Donard 852m, Northern Ireland’s highest mountain. ’OH NO, I hear you shout, not another charity event up Donard!!! But this was a walk with a difference. The plan was to start off at 10pm and reach the summit just before midnite, and experience the wonders of the Bluemoon whilst sharing a refreshment or two with like minded friends. And make a donation in the MMRT bucket at the start.
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