On Saturday morning hundreds of hardy mountain runners arrived on Newcastle promenade ready to take on the prestigious Mourne Skyline Mountain Trail Race which has grown from strength to strength year on year . It sees runners set off for the mountains from Newcastle heading over as far as Fofanny Dam before making their way back across the summits as they come thick and fast on the return leg , 35 km in total with over 3000 metres elevation on open mountain trail , it’s not for the faint hearted .

Kathleen Monteverde receives her age category prize from Ryan Maxwell

Rónán Davison-Kernan finished the course in 5.16.58 , Gerry Kingston 5.21.18, Declan McGrellis 5.26.54, Alan Ritchie 5.30.09 , Geoff Smyth 5.40.48 , Matt Crawford 5.51.11, Kathleen Monteverde 6.53.09 which saw her win her age category with a fantastic run .There was also as many , if not more Barf athletes throughout the course marshalling and helping at critical points in the race . I know the race team are very thankful for the effort and turnout from our club in helping to put these races on so well done to all of you and those who stepped up to take this race on Arf ! Arf !